The house edge can be a crucial factor when it comes to deciding which type of casino game is best to play.
While many will typically base their decisions on what to play by choosing the games they find enjoyable or understand the rules, the edge can often be something that others will look at. This is because the house edge relates to the mathematical likelihood that the casino has of winning. The lower the percentage, the greater the chance the player will be able to win.
Each casino game can differ in terms of its edge, with some featuring almost no advantage to others that appear to favor the house more so than the player. Of course, the edge that is available can directly impact the types of payouts on offer, as the greater the house edge, the better the rewards can be.
What are the house edges of popular casino games?
The most popular casino games typically feature the lowest house edges. However, this is not always the case. For instance, slots are among the most popular games due to their simplicity, but they can actually feature one of the highest ranges of house edge across the industry.
Certain table games can be more favorable, but as they can often feature more complex rules or require an element of strategy, they are not always as popular alternatives.
Here is a quick rundown of the house edge of common games and the ranges that they can often feature:
|
Game |
House Edge Ranges |
|
Slots |
Anywhere between 2% and 15% |
|
Video Poker |
Anywhere from 0.46% and 5% |
|
Blackjack |
A minimum of 0.28% but also greater |
|
Roulette |
Anywhere between 1.35% and 7.69% |
|
Baccarat |
Anywhere between 1.06% and 14.36% |
As seen from the list, slots can be considered among the worst types of games to play if you are looking to try and beat the casino. In contrast, blackjack might be the best game regarding edge, as players can reduce the edge to less than 1% when they use the right strategies to maximize their time at the table.
How can you determine the house edge of a casino game?
If you want to play a game at Unibet’s Real Money Online Casino in Canada, it can be very simple to determine the house’s advantage beforehand. Doing so can help provide a more positive gaming experience and session, as there will be a degree of expectation.
Games will feature a return to player (RTP) rate that is displayed as a percentage. This will be out of 100% and will reflect the theoretical mathematical rate at which a player should be able to expect to win. Using slots as an example, 96% is often considered to be the industry average. This means the house edge is 4%, which is quite high compared to other games that are available.
However, as mentioned already, given the simplicity of these games, the house edge is often set at a higher rate as casinos do not want to allow players to win their money without a little effort.
Does the implementation of a house edge mean games are rigged?
Given that the casino can obtain an advantage with the games they make playable, it is only natural to have a feeling that games are rigged. Indeed, if they were to be as fair as they are said to be, then why is there an advantage in the first place?
Of course, casino games are not rigged in any way, as this would be illegal and would not make them worth a player’s money or time. Casinos do not need to rig the games that they make, but they would not provide them with they did not come with a theoretical advantage that they can look to benefit from. It is their main way to make money; without it, they would not be as profitable as an industry.
Keep house edge in mind at all times
You will want to enjoy the best casino gaming experience possible at all times, which will likely be achieved when playing the games you enjoy. However, it is important to keep the house edge in mind at all times, too.
In doing so, you can ensure you know where you stand with the games played and their potential returns. This will greatly contribute to the overall level of entertainment experienced.
