The first thing to know about online casinos is that every game gives the house an advantage. This edge ensures that casinos keep profits while still giving you a shot to win. But what is this advantage, and how does it affect your chances?
The key things to get into are casino house edge and return-to-player (RTP). These tell you how much of your bets you can expect to lose over time and how much you might get back.
By learning more about these, you’ll be able to choose wisely which games to play and how to improve your potential returns.
What does house edge mean?
If you have ever wondered what is house edge?, a quick answer is: it's a simple but vital concept in gambling.
Casino house edge is the operator's mathematical advantage over players in any game. It ensures that the casino makes a profit over time regardless of your short-term wins or losses.
How is house edge calculated?
House edge is a percentage representing the average loss you can expect over a long period. The exact formula is:
- House Edge = (Total Wagered-Total Paid Out)/Total Wagered × 100%
For example, if a game has a blackjack house edge of 1%, it means that for every $100 you bet, the casino will keep $1 in the long run.
Can you win against an online casino?
A recurring question among gamblers is - why does the house always win, and does that mean I stand no chance?
The good news is, this doesn’t mean you can’t win in the short term. Many do and will still win! Good bankroll management, game choice, and understanding odds can all boost your chances of success.
Onto the proper game choice we go!
Casino games with the lowest house edge
Some games have a lower casino advantage, meaning you have a better chance of winning in such games.
| Casino Game | House Edge (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | As low as 0.5% | Depends on the variant and strategy used. |
| European Roulette | 2.7% | Lower than American roulette house edge (5.26%) due to a single zero. |
| Baccarat | 1.06% | Betting on the banker offers the lowest edge. |
| Craps | 1.41% | Pass line bet has one of the lowest house edges in the game. |
| Video Poker | Close to 0% | Requires optimal strategy for the best odds. |
Two sides of the same coin: Return-to-Player (RTP)
Okay, house edge represents the casino’s cut, but what is RTP in gambling? Well, its the other part of the equation - it represents the portion of bets returned to players over time.
The two figures always add up to 100% - for example, if a game has a casino house edge of 4%, then its RTP is 96%. That means that, over the long run, the game will return $96 for every $100 wagered.
However, you must remember that this percentage applies to the game as a whole over millions of spins or hands. Individual results will vary drastically - some players might hit a massive jackpot, while others may lose large amounts chasing it. RTP does not guarantee that every player will receive a fixed percentage back; it simply reflects the game’s overall payout behavior in the long run.
How is RTP calculated?
The RTP calculation follows this formula:
- RTP = (Total Paid Out/Total Wagered) × 100%
Game developers determine RTP through extensive simulations involving millions of spins or rounds.
How to find RTP on a slot game
Online casinos provide RTP information in the game details section, though some casinos are more transparent than others. Platforms known for easy access to RTP values include:
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Casinos with provably fair games | Crypto casinos display RTP clearly. |
| Regulated online casinos | Licensed casinos usually include RTP in the game description. |
| Software provider websites | Almost all game developers publish RTP rates for their slots. |
Examples of high and low RTP in crypto casinos
Crypto casinos feature many games with different RTPs, and knowing which games offer the best returns can help players make informed choices. Below are examples of both high RTP online slots and games with lower RTPs, along with their providers.
High RTP casino games
These games offer some of the best RTP in gambling, meaning players have a higher chance of long-term returns.
| Game | RTP (%) | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Joker | 99.00% | NetEnt |
| Blood Suckers | 98.00% | NetEnt |
| Ugga Bugga | 99.07% | Playtech |
| Book of 99 | 99.00% | Relax Gaming |
| Blackjack (Perfect Strategy) | 99.50% | Various |
| European Roulette | 97.30% | Various |
| Deuces Wild (Video Poker) | 99.73% | Playtech / Microgaming |
Low RTP Casino Games
These games have a higher casino house edge, meaning players are statistically more likely to lose over time.
| Game | RTP (%) | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| American Roulette | 94.74% | Various |
| Big Bass Bonanza | 95.67% | Pragmatic Play |
| House of Doom | 94.10% | Play'n GO |
| Reel King Mega | 93.00% | Red Tiger |
| Lotteries & Scratch Cards | ~50-75% | Various |
While high RTP online slots and table games like blackjack give players better odds, it’s important to remember that short-term results are unpredictable. RTP is a long-term average, meaning some players will hit big wins while others will lose significantly.
How to win at a casino
Understanding casino profit margin and game mechanics is key to success. The following are some tips you should consider.
| Tip | How to |
|---|---|
| Choose games with a low house edge | Stick to blackjack, baccarat, or European roulette. |
| Look for high RTP slots | Focus on games with RTP above 96%. |
| Use optimal strategies | Learn basic blackjack strategy or optimal video poker play. |
| Manage your bankroll | Set limits and avoid chasing losses. |
| Play at reputable casinos | Ensure fairness by playing at licensed casinos with transparent RTP data. |
This does not mean you should be actively avoiding games not mentioned here. You can still win short-term in any casino game! Of course, you should play whichever game you like that entertains you the most; these are simply tips and guides if you're specifically looking for games offering the highest potential for wins.
What is the most profitable casino game?
If you play it with perfect strategy, blackjack is the most profitable casino game. Meanwhile, casinos tend to generate the highest revenue from slots, due to their high house edge and player volume.
By learning how does RTP work and the concept of casino games house edge, you can make smarter gambling choices and improve your chances of success in online casinos.