A Guide to Casino House Edge

Explore the numbers behind casino games. Here is our straightforward guide to casino house edge and what it means for your play.

11th September 2026 / 7 Min Read

Craig Walker

Casino House Edge FAQs

What does house edge mean in casino games?

House edge is the mathematical advantage a casino holds over the player, shown as a percentage of each bet the operator retains on average across the long run. A 2% edge means the casino keeps £2 from every £100 wagered over a large sample of plays.

Is house edge the same as RTP?

They describe the same thing from opposite angles. RTP is the percentage returned to players; house edge is the percentage retained by the casino. A 95% RTP equals a 5% house edge, and the two always add up to 100%.

Which casino games have the lowest house edge?

Table games generally sit at the lower end, with blackjack and baccarat often below 2% on standard bets. European roulette runs at 2.70%. Slots vary widely, most between 3% and 8%. Rule differences and side bets can shift these figures significantly.

Does house edge mean I'll always lose?

No. House edge is a long-term statistical average, not a per-session prediction. Individual outcomes are decided at random, and short-term results can sit well above or below the theoretical figure in either direction.

How do I find the house edge of a game?

Check the game info, paytable, or help section, where the RTP is usually listed. Subtract that percentage from 100 to get the house edge. UK-licensed casinos are required to make these figures accessible to players.

Craig Walker

Slots & Non-Traditional Casino Games Specialist

If there’s a game worth playing, Craig’s probably already played it. After 17 years in the industry, he’s seen it all - from the retro charm of classic slots to the sharp, fast-paced world of Arcade and Instant Win titles. He’s not just watching from the sidelines, either; Craig has spent time on the front line in our UK Chat and Customer Support teams. That means he knows exactly what you're into.

When Craig isn't dissecting the latest game mechanics to find the next best slot for you to play, you’ll find him spinning the reels on his personal favourites: Pirates 4 and The Goonies Quest (hey, the man has good taste).

Outside of the 9-to-5, Craig doesn’t exactly slow down. He’s a massive fan of both online and tabletop casino games, trading screen taps for dice rolls whenever he can. Whether it’s strategy, social fun, or just a really good bonus round, if it’s entertaining, Craig is all over it. Simple as that.