You may have heard the saying "the house always wins" when playing casino games. But what does it mean?
This phrase refers to the house advantage, also known as the 'house edge'. In this blog post, we'll be talking all about the house edge and what games offer the lowest and highest house edge.
What Does The Saying "The House Always Wins" Mean?
It is often said that the house always wins. Both brick-and-mortar and online casinos have a built-in advantage in the attempt to make sure that, in the end, the house always wins. Casinos obviously need to make money, which is why they have this built-in advantage where they (the house) are more likely to win in the long run.
The house edge represents the total profit that a casino expects to make from each game, on average. The more games someone plays in a casino, the higher the odds of them potentially matching up with the casino's house edge.
Is It True The House Always Wins?
Most players have a goal of trying to beat the house to potentially win as much money as possible. However, statistically, this is probably not going to happen over a long period of time. This is because before you even start playing, the casino already has an advantage over you.
While it is true that the casino has an edge, it is still possible for players to win. Casino games, including blackjack and poker, are games of chance. Chances are that no one would play casino games if they never won, right? So, of course, players can sometimes win.
There are a couple of things gamblers can do to try and lower the house edge. This includes choosing casino games that offer a lower house edge. The casino game that offers the lowest house edge tends to be blackjack. Some slots and video poker games can have a lower house edge too.
It may also help to understand the basics of the casino table game you are playing and to know basic strategies. If you know all of the rules, then you are more likely to make better decisions, therefore, potentially lowering the house edge and slightly increasing your odds.
Casino House Edge Explained
When playing casino games, the casino usually has greater odds of winning your money than you have of potentially winning theirs.
Every online and land-based casino has a house edge. This is a statistical, built-in advantage that the casino has. So, the odds are always in the casino's favour. The house edge percentage represents the average amount of money that the casino (house edge) expects to make on any particular bet over time.
The house edge differs greatly depending on the casino game you choose to play. Blackjack, for instance, usually offers the lowest edge, while keno typically has the highest house edge. Here are some of the top casino games and their house edge, on average:
- American Roulette: 5.26%
- European Roulette: 2.7%
- Baccarat: 1.01% - 15.75%
- Blackjack: 0.5%
- Keno: 20% - 40%
- Slots: 2% - 15%
- Hold 'Em Poker: 2.36%
- Craps: 0% - 16.6%
- Video Poker: 0.46%
- Caribbean Stud Poker: 5.22%
What Percentage of Gamblers Win?
Statistically, the casino will most likely win significantly more over time compared to what players may win. The percentage of gamblers that win can vary depending on what casino game they are playing.
Why Do People Gamble If The House Always Wins?
Most people who go to the casino are aware that the house holds the advantage. When you play casino games, it's all about chance; sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose!
Even though the house technically always wins, many people still enjoy gambling. This is because casino games were created for fun and entertainment.
There are many exciting elements of playing casino games, from the engaging atmosphere and socialising element of traditional casinos, to having the chance of a potential win online. In addition, many slot games can offer a number of different features and fun themes that can help add to the entertainment of playing.
Which Casino Games Have The Highest House Edge?
Generally, all casino games have the odds stacked in the casino's favour. Every single casino game can also have a slightly different house edge.
Keno usually offers the highest house edge. This means that the casino is much more likely to make a profit in the long run compared to other casino games. If you're looking for casino games with a low house edge, video poker and blackjack are two potentially good options. However, understanding basic game rules and strategies could help.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time.
