When you’re new to casino games, one of the most important things to understand is how the odds work.
Casino games are designed to give the casino a small advantage over time. This is known as the house edge. Understanding how this works can help you recognise how much of your money might be returned to you in the long run.
This blog will explain what the house edge is, how it affects your bets, and which games have the lowest edge. Whether you’re playing online or in a land-based casino, this knowledge might help you manage your play more thoughtfully.
What Is The House Edge?
The house edge is a built-in advantage that allows the casino to make an average long-term profit from every game. It is expressed as a percentage and shows how much of all the money wagered the casino expects to keep over time.
For example, if a game has a house edge of 4%, it means that for every £100 wagered, the casino expects to retain £4 in the long run. The remaining £96 is what players, on average, may receive back in potential winnings. This doesn’t mean you’ll lose £4 every time you play, as outcomes vary from game to game. However, over hundreds or thousands of bets, this edge may become clearer.
Each game has its own house edge, and this can vary depending on the rules, how the game is played, and whether it’s in a physical casino or online. For many online games, the Return to Player (RTP) percentage is often displayed. This figure is the opposite of the house edge. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% has a house edge of 4%.
Casino games are random. That means there is no way to predict outcomes or influence results, and each round is independent of the last.
Which Casino Game Has The Lowest House Edge?
Different casino games offer different house edges. Some give players a higher chance of winning over time compared to others. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly played games and how they compare in terms of house edge.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game where you try to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. You play against the dealer, not other players. The aim is to have a higher hand than the dealer without “busting” (going over 21).
When played using optimal basic strategy—a set of decisions based on mathematical probability—the house edge has the potential to be as low as 0.5%. This is one of the lowest among casino games. However, this figure assumes you know and use the correct decisions at each point in the game.
Factors like the number of decks used, whether the dealer hits on a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace counted as 11), and whether you can double down after splitting can all change the house edge. Different casinos or software providers may offer slightly different rules, so it may be worth reading the rules before you start.
Poker
In traditional poker, you’re not playing against the casino, but against other players. The casino provides the table or platform and takes a small fee, called the rake, from each pot or tournament entry. This means there’s no standard house edge in the usual sense.
However, casino poker games—such as Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, or Caribbean Stud—are played against the house. These types of games do have house edges. For instance, Casino Hold’em may have a house edge of around 2.2%, depending on the rules.
Because poker involves decision-making and reading other players (in peer-to-peer formats), skill plays a role. But like all games, outcomes are not predictable, and there’s no method that can remove the element of chance involved.
Roulette
Roulette is a game where a small ball is dropped onto a spinning wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, each with a specific colour (usually red or black, plus a green zero).
The house edge in roulette depends on the type of wheel. In the UK, the most common version is European roulette, which has a single zero and a house edge of about 2.7%.
American roulette includes a second green pocket marked “00”. This increases the house edge to around 5.26%. Because of this difference, players in the UK often prefer European roulette. Before you place any bets, check which version of the game is being used.
Slots
Slot machines—also known as fruit machines or online slots—are very popular. These are games where you spin reels to try and match a number of symbols. They are easy to play, with no skill required, but the house edge tends to be higher than in card or table games.
Slot house edges can range widely, from around 2% to over 10%, depending on the specific game. You’ll usually find this information under the RTP section (e.g., an RTP of 96% means a 4% house edge). Bonus rounds, jackpots, and the number of paylines can all affect the potential return.
Online slot games are powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure the outcomes are entirely unpredictable and fair. Each spin is independent of the last.
Before playing any slot, you might find it useful to look at the game’s paytable. This will show you the value of different symbol combinations, as well as details about any features or bonus rounds.
Is There a Trick To Winning Casino Games?
Casino games are built around the principle of randomness. Whether it’s a shuffled deck, a spinning wheel, or a digital reel, each outcome is unpredictable and not influenced by previous results. There’s no pattern, no memory, and no guaranteed outcome.
While some games like blackjack or poker involve decision-making, using a correct strategy doesn’t remove the element of chance.
There is no strategy or system that can change the basic maths of a game. Any system that claims to guarantee wins is misleading. It’s important to approach these games as entertainment, not as a way to earn money.
If you’re new to a game, take time to understand the rules first. Reading the instructions, checking the paytable, and starting with smaller stakes can help you become familiar with how the game works.
Setting a clear budget for your play can also be useful. Many UK-licensed online casinos offer tools to help you set deposit limits, session reminders, or even take a break from gambling. These tools are designed to help you play within your means.
You can also register with GAMSTOP, a free self-exclusion scheme available across all UKGC-licensed gambling sites, if you feel you need to step away for a while.
Play Casino Games Online at Red Casino
Exploring the gaming options at Red Casino can be a straightforward online experience. With a variety of games available, it’s an opportunity to explore different casino favourites from the comfort of your home.
Red Casino offers a selection of games that cater to varying preferences, whether you’re interested in card games like blackjack, or other options such as roulette and slots. Each game provides different chances and outcomes, so it might be worth checking the game rules and paytables before you start.
As with all gambling, it’s important to play responsibly and within your means. Red Casino invites you to explore its offerings, but remember that all games involve an element of chance, so any results can never be guaranteed.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
When you’re new to casino games, one of the most important things to understand is how the odds work.
Casino games are designed to give the casino a small advantage over time. This is known as the house edge. Understanding how this works can help you recognise how much of your money might be returned to you in the long run.
This blog will explain what the house edge is, how it affects your bets, and which games have the lowest edge. Whether you’re playing online or in a land-based casino, this knowledge might help you manage your play more thoughtfully.
What Is The House Edge?
The house edge is a built-in advantage that allows the casino to make an average long-term profit from every game. It is expressed as a percentage and shows how much of all the money wagered the casino expects to keep over time.
For example, if a game has a house edge of 4%, it means that for every £100 wagered, the casino expects to retain £4 in the long run. The remaining £96 is what players, on average, may receive back in potential winnings. This doesn’t mean you’ll lose £4 every time you play, as outcomes vary from game to game. However, over hundreds or thousands of bets, this edge may become clearer.
Each game has its own house edge, and this can vary depending on the rules, how the game is played, and whether it’s in a physical casino or online. For many online games, the Return to Player (RTP) percentage is often displayed. This figure is the opposite of the house edge. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% has a house edge of 4%.
Casino games are random. That means there is no way to predict outcomes or influence results, and each round is independent of the last.
Which Casino Game Has The Lowest House Edge?
Different casino games offer different house edges. Some give players a higher chance of winning over time compared to others. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly played games and how they compare in terms of house edge.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game where you try to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. You play against the dealer, not other players. The aim is to have a higher hand than the dealer without “busting” (going over 21).
When played using optimal basic strategy—a set of decisions based on mathematical probability—the house edge has the potential to be as low as 0.5%. This is one of the lowest among casino games. However, this figure assumes you know and use the correct decisions at each point in the game.
Factors like the number of decks used, whether the dealer hits on a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace counted as 11), and whether you can double down after splitting can all change the house edge. Different casinos or software providers may offer slightly different rules, so it may be worth reading the rules before you start.
Poker
In traditional poker, you’re not playing against the casino, but against other players. The casino provides the table or platform and takes a small fee, called the rake, from each pot or tournament entry. This means there’s no standard house edge in the usual sense.
However, casino poker games—such as Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, or Caribbean Stud—are played against the house. These types of games do have house edges. For instance, Casino Hold’em may have a house edge of around 2.2%, depending on the rules.
Because poker involves decision-making and reading other players (in peer-to-peer formats), skill plays a role. But like all games, outcomes are not predictable, and there’s no method that can remove the element of chance involved.
Roulette
Roulette is a game where a small ball is dropped onto a spinning wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, each with a specific colour (usually red or black, plus a green zero).
The house edge in roulette depends on the type of wheel. In the UK, the most common version is European roulette, which has a single zero and a house edge of about 2.7%.
American roulette includes a second green pocket marked “00”. This increases the house edge to around 5.26%. Because of this difference, players in the UK often prefer European roulette. Before you place any bets, check which version of the game is being used.
Slots
Slot machines—also known as fruit machines or online slots—are very popular. These are games where you spin reels to try and match a number of symbols. They are easy to play, with no skill required, but the house edge tends to be higher than in card or table games.
Slot house edges can range widely, from around 2% to over 10%, depending on the specific game. You’ll usually find this information under the RTP section (e.g., an RTP of 96% means a 4% house edge). Bonus rounds, jackpots, and the number of paylines can all affect the potential return.
Online slot games are powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which ensure the outcomes are entirely unpredictable and fair. Each spin is independent of the last.
Before playing any slot, you might find it useful to look at the game’s paytable. This will show you the value of different symbol combinations, as well as details about any features or bonus rounds.
Is There a Trick To Winning Casino Games?
Casino games are built around the principle of randomness. Whether it’s a shuffled deck, a spinning wheel, or a digital reel, each outcome is unpredictable and not influenced by previous results. There’s no pattern, no memory, and no guaranteed outcome.
While some games like blackjack or poker involve decision-making, using a correct strategy doesn’t remove the element of chance.
There is no strategy or system that can change the basic maths of a game. Any system that claims to guarantee wins is misleading. It’s important to approach these games as entertainment, not as a way to earn money.
If you’re new to a game, take time to understand the rules first. Reading the instructions, checking the paytable, and starting with smaller stakes can help you become familiar with how the game works.
Setting a clear budget for your play can also be useful. Many UK-licensed online casinos offer tools to help you set deposit limits, session reminders, or even take a break from gambling. These tools are designed to help you play within your means.
You can also register with GAMSTOP, a free self-exclusion scheme available across all UKGC-licensed gambling sites, if you feel you need to step away for a while.
Play Casino Games Online at Red Casino
Exploring the gaming options at Red Casino can be a straightforward online experience. With a variety of games available, it’s an opportunity to explore different casino favourites from the comfort of your home.
Red Casino offers a selection of games that cater to varying preferences, whether you’re interested in card games like blackjack, or other options such as roulette and slots. Each game provides different chances and outcomes, so it might be worth checking the game rules and paytables before you start.
As with all gambling, it’s important to play responsibly and within your means. Red Casino invites you to explore its offerings, but remember that all games involve an element of chance, so any results can never be guaranteed.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
