A Mathematical Guide to Reducing the House Edge in Casino Games

As a player, you should have an understanding of how it works. So let's take a look a closer look at what it is and how you can reduce it in casino games.

By understanding the basics, you will have a better chance of reducing it in casino games. House edge is essentially a mathematical advantage over a player. For example, in American roulette where the wheel has a 0 and a double zero, the house edge is 5.26%. That means that in this specific game, the casino is expected to keep 5.26% of the total amount of wagering in the long run. This percentage will be different for each game, regardless if they're in the same casino. So make sure you check this before playing. Some games naturally have a lower house edge, like blackjack for example. House edge is the percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep over a long period. So if a house edge is 5%, out of $100 worth of bets, the casino will keep $5.

The house edge can differ quite dramatically across different types of games. You will find games with a much higher house edge and vice versa. The easiest way to reduce the house edge in casino and card games is to choose games with a lower house edge.

Higher:

- American roulette: typically 5.26%. This game has an extra zero on the board (a double zero). This increases the casino's edge, decreasing your chances of winning.

- Craps: proposition bets on specific numbers or outcomes have a higher house edge than other types of bets in the game, usually over 10%.

- Slot machines: this figure varies but usually house edge falls between 3% and 15%.

Lower:

- Blackjack: typically 0.5% - 1% (this is very common knowledge on the casino scene).

- Craps: pass line and come bets tend to have better odds coming with a house edge around 1.41 %

- Baccarat: A banker bet in baccarat has a particularly low house edge of 1.06%. The house edge is low here because you're essentially backing the house in this bet.

While there's no way of reducing house edge, at the end of the day it's inevitable and casino gaming is based on luck. There are some strategies you can try:

- Only ever place bets based on your personal gambling budget, house edge should never come into the equation.

- Take advantage of bonuses and promotions available at these online casinos. These offers can provide promotional value and reduce the effectiveness of house edge.

- It's important to know when to quit. Set win and loss limits for yourself and never play when emotional.

For roulette:

Opt for European roulette over the American version. You can instantly reduce house edge as the house edge is on average 2.63% compared to the 5.26% in its counterpart. Additionally, by placing even money bets such as on reds or even numbers, for example, you will have a much higher chance of winning.

For poker:

Develop your skills and strategy. This includes gaining a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the game, position of play, probabilities and learning how to bluff. This will give you an advantage over players who might be less experienced. You should also learn how to manage your bankroll effectively, using your budget to make more informed decisions to ensure your bankroll lasts longer.

For slots:

House edge can vary very drastically between slot games. Therefore opting for slots that have a higher RTP (return to player), you can decrease house edge by quite a lot. Additionally, look out for low-volatility machines, while winnings may be lower in these games, they're more frequent.

Regardless of whether you're playing in an online casino or a land-based one, the house edge will always be part of your experience. While it's something all players and users should be aware of, you shouldn't let this affect your experience. After all, the whole point of any casino experience is for entertainment purposes and to have fun. Both winning and losing are a part of the experience. So choose games you enjoy regardless of the house edge, and find game themes that suit your interests such as sports or Pokemon for example. However, it can be important in regards to spotting red flags in a game or on a platform for instance. If a game has a particularly high percentage, then you may want to avoid it and find a more reasonable game.

If you choose to only play at good quality casinos that are fully licensed and regulated. Then you shouldn't run into this issue. A platform that is licensed must follow regulations that ensure it's running fairly. Therefore, it's not something you should have to worry about too much. By choosing to play for fun and always being responsible, you can ensure a positive casino experience.