Casinos have many games that provide entertainment to players with the chance of potentially winning large prizes. If you have ever played at a casino, you may have heard the phrase, "the house always wins."
This may seem like a casual expression; however, this idea highlights how casinos work. Whether you visit physical casinos or play from the comfort of your own home, the house edge is a crucial part of any casino game.
In this blog post, we'll explain what the house edge is and the role it plays in casino games. We'll also explore the percentage of players that win and the house edge of some popular casino games.
What Does “The House Always Wins” Mean?
When we say “the house always wins,” we're talking about the built-in advantage that casinos have in every game they offer, also known as the "house edge." It’s a small percentage that ensures, over time, the casino will make a profit from every game.
Every game you play, from blackjack to roulette, is designed with rules that slightly favour the casino. This doesn’t mean you can’t win in the short term; however, over time, the house edge ensures the casino makes a profit.
For a safe and secure gaming experience, always ensure you play on a platform or at a venue licenced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Does The House Always Win?
The house edge is a built-in advantage that ensures the casino earns a profit over time. The odds are carefully designed so that, over thousands of games, the casino will end up ahead.
Different games have different house edges. For example, in roulette, the green zero is where the casino gains its edge; however, in blackjack, the house edge can vary depending on the rules of the game and how you play.
It’s important to remember that gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment. While potentially winning can be enjoyable, it’s essential to understand that the house edge means it’s not a reliable way to make money.
By setting limits, sticking to them, and playing for entertainment rather than a way to make money, you can keep your gambling experience enjoyable and safe.
House Edge Explained
The house edge is a fundamental concept in gambling, and understanding it can improve your casino experience. The house edge is the mathematical advantage that allows the casino to profit over time, even while paying out potential winnings to players.
Every casino game has a house edge, which is usually expressed as a percentage, reflecting on average how much of each wager the casino expects to keep over the long term.
For example, if a game has a house edge of 5%, the casino expects to make a profit of 5p for every £1 wagered over numerous plays.
Some games, like blackjack, offer a lower house edge if played with the right strategy, while others, like slots, may have a higher house edge. The rules, number of decks, and your own decisions can affect the house edge in some games, so it's worth learning the basics before you play.
What Percentage Of Casino Players Win?
It’s difficult to determine what percentage of casino players win, as every casino game involves an element of chance, meaning chance plays a big part in the results.
Over time, the house edge means that casinos end up making more money than players. Every game, whether it’s a slot machine or poker, has different odds that affect your chances of winning.
The unpredictable nature of casino games is what makes them exciting and appealing to many players. As all games involve an element of chance, you could potentially experience a winning or losing streak.
Why Do People Play Casino Games When The House Always Wins?
You may wonder why people enjoy playing casino games, especially when the house has the edge. For many people, playing is more about the entertainment it provides and enjoying the experience rather than focusing on the outcome.
Even though the house has an advantage, there’s always a chance of potentially winning, which adds to the excitement. You may find it entertaining to try your chances with different strategies.
Another reason people play is the social side of it. Whether you’re visiting a casino or playing online, you can share experiences with other players and even make new friends. The positive atmosphere and friendly interaction make it a welcoming environment for many.
It is important that you play casino games as a form of entertainment. As long as you play within your means and treat it as an enjoyable activity, you can enjoy the experience without overspending and worrying about the risk of losing more than you can afford.
Which Casino Games Have The Highest House Edge?
When picking a casino game to play, it’s helpful to know which games give the casino the greatest advantage, as this can help you make more informed decisions about which games are best for you. Keep reading to explore a list of some popular casino games that tend to have higher house edges:
American Roulette
American roulette is similar to European roulette but with one key difference: it has both a single zero and a double zero. This extra zero gives the casino an edge of about 5.26%. By contrast, European roulette—featuring only a single zero—offers better odds, which is why many players prefer it.
Slot Machines
Slots are one of the most popular casino games; however, they also tend to have a relatively high house edge. The house edge can vary depending on the game’s design, but it’s not uncommon for slots to have a house edge of 5% to 10% or even higher, meaning that the casino will have a strong advantage in these games over time.
Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud Poker is a poker variant played against the house rather than other players. The house edge can range from about 5% to 7%, depending on the specific rules, making it less favourable compared to some other table games that offer lower house edges.
While these games can be entertaining, their higher house edges mean you’re less likely to win over the long run. If you choose to play them, set a budget and focus on enjoying the experience rather than expecting to make a profit.
Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable gaming experience. Ensure your gaming experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game 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.