If you’ve ever stepped into a casino—either in person or online—you’ve likely heard the term “house edge.” It’s one of the most important concepts in gambling and can greatly impact your chances of walking away a winner. Whether you’re playing blackjack, spinning the roulette wheel, or placing a sports bet with a platform like BetTOM, understanding the house edge will help you make smarter, more informed decisions.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the house edge is, how it affects different games, and which games give you the best shot at winning.
What Is the House Edge?
The house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino or sportsbook has over players in any given game. It represents the average amount of each bet that the house expects to keep over the long run.
In Simple Terms:
- If a game has a house edge of 5%, then for every £100 wagered, the house expects to earn £5 on average.
- It doesn’t mean you’ll lose every time—but over time, the odds are stacked slightly in the house’s favour.
Why Does the House Have an Edge?
Casinos and sportsbooks are businesses, and they rely on a predictable profit margin to stay operational. The house edge is built into the rules of the game or the odds offered, ensuring the venue earns revenue while still allowing players to win.
For example:
- In roulette, the presence of a green “0” (and sometimes “00”) slightly tips the odds in favour of the house.
- In sports betting, odds are often slightly adjusted to ensure the sportsbook earns a commission, known as the “vig” or “juice.”
House Edge by Casino Game
Let’s look at how the house edge varies across popular games:
| Game | House Edge (Approx.) | Player Odds |
| Blackjack (with strategy) | 0.5% – 1.5% | Very High |
| Craps (Pass Line Bet) | 1.41% | High |
| Baccarat (Banker Bet) | 1.06% | High |
| European Roulette | 2.70% | Medium |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | Lower |
| Slot Machines | 2% – 15%+ | Varies Widely |
| Keno | Up to 25%+ | Very Low |
👉 Tip: Games like blackjack and baccarat offer some of the best odds—especially when played with optimal strategy.
Sports Betting and the House Edge
In sports betting, the concept is a bit different. The house edge comes from the margin that the bookmaker builds into the odds. This ensures they make a profit regardless of the outcome, provided there’s balanced betting on both sides.
Example:
If both sides of a football match are listed at 1.90 odds, the bookmaker is taking a cut—even though a “fair” 50/50 line would pay out at 2.00.
New sportsbooks like BetTOM often aim to attract sharp bettors by offering lower margins, competitive odds, and transparent pricing—giving players a better chance at long-term success.
How the House Edge Impacts Your Winnings
The higher the house edge, the more likely you are to lose money over time. While short-term wins are always possible, the long game favours the house.
Key Takeaways:
- Lower house edge = better for players.
- Always know the house edge before choosing a game.
- Look for games where skill can reduce the edge (like blackjack or poker).
Tips to Beat the Edge (or Minimise It)
🟢 Learn Optimal Strategies: Games like blackjack and video poker reward knowledge and discipline.
🟢 Stick to Low-Edge Games: Baccarat banker bets, craps pass line bets, and European roulette are solid choices.
🟢 Take Advantage of Bonuses: Welcome offers and free bets (like those offered by BetTOM) can give you extra value, especially when wagering requirements are reasonable.
🟢 Set Limits: Budget your bankroll and don’t chase losses. The house edge only bites harder over time.
Final Thoughts
The house edge isn’t a conspiracy—it’s a mathematical reality. But that doesn’t mean you can’t win. By understanding how the house edge works and choosing the right games or bets, you can stretch your bankroll further and enjoy your gambling experience more.
Whether you’re spinning the roulette wheel or backing your favourite team on BetTOM, knowing the numbers behind the game gives you a powerful edge of your own.
