Understanding House Edge: Which Games Give You the Best Odds?
- Hunter
- 6 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Understanding how the odds work can make a big difference in your success when playing casino games. That’s where getting the house edge explained helps. At Bonus Hunt, Canada’s #1 platform to find the best online casinos and casino bonuses, we’ll help you understand how the house edge affects your chances and guide you to games that give you better odds—especially for Canadian players.
With our casino reviews and expert tips, you’ll know how to pick the right games and make smarter decisions when you play.
What Is House Edge, and Why Does It Matter?
Let’s break it down: What is house edge?
The house edge is the built-in advantage that the casino has in any game, shown as a percentage. For example, if a game has a 2% house edge, the casino expects to keep an average of $2 for every $100 you bet.
Why should you care? The lower the house edge, the better your chances of winning. It’s simple math: Games with a lower edge give you more opportunity to win and less chance of losing money over time.
How House Edge Affects Your Long-Term Winnings
While you might win big in the short run, the house edge works against you over time. If you’re playing a game with a 5% house edge, it will slowly eat into your bankroll, even if you’re winning in the short term.
This is why serious players pay attention to these percentages. The more you play, the more the house edge matters. Understanding which games have lower edges can significantly affect how much you win—or lose.
Casino Games with the Lowest House Edge
Now, let’s talk about the casino games with the lowest house edge—these games offer the best chances for players. Here are some top picks for people who want the best odds in casino games:
Blackjack: With the right strategy, blackjack has one of the lowest house edges—around 0.5%. That’s tough to beat;
Baccarat: Betting on the banker gives you a house edge of 1.06%, which is a great option for players looking for solid value;
Craps: Some bets, like the “Don’t Pass” line, have a house edge under 1.5%;
Video Poker: With optimal play, live-dealer games like Jacks or Better can have a house edge as low as 0.46%.
By sticking to these games, you're giving yourself a real chance to win. Bonus Hunt’s casino reviews help you find casinos that offer these games with the best rules and payouts.
High-House Edge Games to Avoid (If You Want Better Odds)
Just as there are great games to play, there are also games with a high house edge that you might want to avoid—especially if you're going to make your bankroll last longer and win more often.
Here are a few to keep an eye on:
Keno: Fun, but the house edge can be as high as 20–25%, which isn’t ideal for serious players;
American Roulette: The house edge is 5.26% for both single and double zero. European roulette, which has a single zero, provides a lower house edge;
Slot Games: Slots can vary a lot. Some games have decent payout rates, but many have house edges between 5% and 15%. Always check the RTP (Return to Player) before you spin.
Making smart choices is key to your success. Bonus Hunt highlights these differences in every casino review so you know what to expect when you play.
House Edge vs RTP: What’s the Difference?
Now that you’re informed about the house edge, let’s talk about the difference between house edge and RTP—they’re closely related but different.
The house edge is the percentage the casino keeps;
The RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of your bet that gets paid back to players.
For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, the house edge is 4%. RTP is typically used for slots, while house edge is more common for table games.
Knowing the difference between house edge and RTP can make all the difference in your game choice. It’s the key to finding games that give you the best shot at winning in the long run.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances in Any Game
Whether you’re playing blackjack with a live dealer or trying out slots on your phone, here are some simple tips to increase your chances of winning:
Stick to Low-Edge Games: Games like blackjack, baccarat, and craps are your best bets for better odds;
Learn Basic Strategy: Using the right strategy in blackjack and video poker can help lower the house edge;
Look for High RTP Slots: Some slots offer RTPs of up to 98%, so always check the RTP before you play;
Use Casino Bonuses: Welcome bonuses, free spins, and other promotions can give you more chances to play and win;
Set a Budget: Know how much you're willing to spend and stick to it. Don’t chase your losses;
Play at Trusted Casinos: Choose licensed, reputable casinos. Bonus Hunt helps you find the best platforms for Canadian players.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the house edge is the first step to making smarter decisions at the casino. Once you know how it works, you can play with a strategy that gives you an edge.
At Bonus Hunt, every player deserves the right information to play wisely. That’s why our casino reviews go beyond the basics, giving you the lowdown on RTPs, house edges, and game fairness so you can make choices that work for you.
Want to improve your odds? Start by understanding the house edge—it’s the key to playing smarter.