How to Calculate House Edge (Complete Guide)

Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just starting out, understanding the concept of house edge is essential for making informed decisions and increasing your chances of winning.

House edge refers to the advantage that a casino or gambling establishment has over a player in a given game. It is expressed as a percentage of each wager that the casino expects to keep over the long run.

The house edge can vary significantly depending on the game and its rules, with some games offering a much better chance of winning than others. By understanding how to calculate the house edge, you can identify the games with the best odds and develop strategies to increase your chances of winning.

Why is Knowing House Edge Important?

Understanding the concept of house edge is essential for any gambler looking to make informed decisions. House edge refers to the advantage that a casino or gambling establishment has over a player in a given game. It is expressed as a percentage of each wager that the casino expects to keep over the long run. Knowing the house edge is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, understanding the house edge allows players to make informed decisions about which games to play and which to avoid. Games with a high house edge offer lower odds of winning and are less favorable to the player. On the other hand, games with a low house edge offer better odds and can be more profitable in the long run. By identifying the house edge of different games, players can choose those that offer the best odds of winning and increase their chances of walking away with a profit.

Secondly, knowing the house edge can help players manage their bankroll more effectively. By understanding the odds and probabilities of different games, players can make more informed decisions about how much to bet and when to place their wagers. This knowledge can help players to avoid betting more than they can afford and reduce the risk of losing money over the long run.

Finally, understanding the house edge can help players to adopt a more strategic approach to their gambling activities. By identifying the games with the best odds, players can develop strategies and techniques to increase their chances of winning.

This could include learning more about the rules and strategies of the game, as well as adopting a disciplined approach to betting and bankroll management. By taking a strategic approach, players can maximize their chances of winning and enjoy a more rewarding and profitable gambling experience.

Related: What Game Has the Worst Odds at Casinos?

How to Calculate House Edge

Fortunately, calculating the house edge is a relatively simple process that can be done for most bitcoin casino games. In this section, we will outline the step-by-step process for calculating the house edge in different games, so that you can make informed decisions and maximize your chances of winning.

1. Identify the Game and its Rules

The first step in calculating the house edge is to identify the specific game and its rules. The house edge varies depending on the game, and even within the same game, different rules can affect the house edge. For example, in a game of blackjack, a single deck game typically has a lower house edge than a multi-deck game. Similarly, in a game of roulette, the presence of a single zero wheel typically has a lower house edge than a double-zero wheel.

2. Determine the Probability of Each Possible Outcome

Once you have identified the game and its rules, the next step is to determine the probability of each possible outcome. This step requires a good understanding of the game mechanics and the different possible outcomes.

For example, in a game of craps, there are several different possible outcomes, each with a different probability of occurring. These outcomes include rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll (known as "craps"), or rolling any other number which becomes the "point."

3. Calculate Expected Value of Each Outcome

The next step is to calculate the expected value of each outcome. This is done by multiplying the probability of each outcome by its associated payout. For example, in a game of baccarat, if the player wins with a bet on the banker, the payout is typically even money, with a commission charged on winning bets.

Therefore, the expected value of this outcome would be the probability of winning multiplied by the payout minus the commission.

4. Calculate Overall Expected Value

Once you have calculated the expected value of each possible outcome, the next step is to calculate the overall expected value of the game. This is done by summing the expected values of all possible outcomes. For example, in a game of video poker, different pay tables can offer different expected values for the same game. By comparing the expected values of different pay tables, players can identify the pay tables that offer the highest expected value and the best odds.

Related: What is Bankroll Management?

5. Calculate House Edge

The final step in calculating the house edge is to subtract the overall expected value from 1 and express the result as a percentage. The resulting percentage represents the house edge for the game.

For example, in a game of American roulette, the house edge is approximately 5.26%, while in a game of European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.70%. By understanding the house edge of different games, players can choose those that offer the best odds and maximize their chances of winning.

Knowing the house edge is an essential part of any gambling strategy. By identifying the games with the best odds and developing a disciplined approach to betting and bankroll management, you can increase your chances of winning and enjoy a more profitable and rewarding gambling experience.

By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can learn how to calculate the house edge for different games and make more informed decisions about where to place your bets. Remember, the house always has an advantage, but by understanding the odds and probabilities of different games, you can level the playing field and increase your chances of coming out ahead.

You May Also Like: 5 Ways to Invest Your Gambling Winnings