Can You Really Beat The House Edge At Online Casinos?

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Posted: January 29, 2025

Updated: January 29, 2025

When you think about it, it's common sense that the online casino needs to make a profit. After all, it's a business and not a charity. In order to do so, they have a built-in advantage with all their games. This is the "house edge." Can it be beaten? Yes, but only with a huge amount of luck. According to the mathematics behind each game, the answer is a firm "no."

So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of online casinos. Maybe you’ve heard stories of people hitting it big, or perhaps you’re just looking for some entertainment. Either way, there’s one thing you need to understand before you start spinning those reels or placing those bets. Namely, the house edge. It’s the invisible force that keeps casinos in business.

If you don’t understand it, you’re basically throwing money into a black hole. But don’t worry. We’re here to break it all down for you. By the end of this Gamingzion.com article, you’ll know exactly what the house edge is and why it exists. More importantly, why it’s so hard to beat the house edge. We’ll also share some tips and techniques that might help you minimize its impact. Let’s get started.

 

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What Is The House Edge?

The house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over you in every game. It’s the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep in the long run. For example, if a game has a house edge of 5%, the casino will, on average, keep $5 for every $100 wagered. This doesn’t mean you’ll lose $5 every time you bet $100. Keep in mind it’s an average over thousands or millions of bets. Sometimes you’ll win, sometimes you’ll lose. But in the long run, the house always comes out on top. According to online casino news in the US, the house edge exists because casinos like Bet365 Casino are businesses, not charities. They need to make money to pay for their operations, staff, and, of course, their profits. Without the house edge, casinos wouldn’t exist. It’s as simple as that.

Examples Of The House Edge In Different Games

Let’s dive deeper into some popular casino games and their typical house edges. Understanding these numbers will give you a clear picture of how the odds are stacked against you. And why it’s so hard to beat the house edge. Each game has its own unique structure. With each, the house edge can vary significantly depending on the rules, the bets you make, and even the version of the game you’re playing. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common games you’ll find at online casinos:

Roulette

Roulette is a classic casino game. However, the house edge depends on the version you’re playing. In European roulette, which has a single zero, the house edge is 2.7%. This is relatively low compared to other games, making it a popular choice for players. However, in American roulette, the house edge jumps to 5.26% because of the extra double zero on the wheel.

beat the house edge
Picture Source: Pexels

That extra zero might not seem like a big deal. But it significantly increases the casino’s advantage over time. If you’re looking to minimize the house edge, always choose European roulette over American roulette.

Slots

Slots are the bread and butter of most online casinos. They’re also one of the most profitable games for the house. The house edge on slots can vary widely, but it’s usually between 2% and 10%. Some progressive slots, which offer those life-changing jackpots, can have even higher edges. The reason slots have such a high edge is that they’re designed to be flashy, exciting, and easy to play. But they’re also designed to make the casino a lot of money. The random number generator (RNG) ensures that every spin is independent, and over time, the house edge ensures the casino comes out ahead. If you’re trying to beat the house edge, slots are not your best bet.

Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the few games where you can actually reduce the house edge to less than 1%. If you play with perfect strategy. For a skilled player, the house edge is usually around 0.5%. This makes it one of the most player-friendly games in the casino. However, this assumes you’re making the mathematically correct decision in every situation. If you deviate from perfect strategy – like hitting when you should stand or splitting when you shouldn’t – the house edge can increase significantly. Blackjack is a great game. However, only if you’re willing to put in the effort to learn the strategy Yet even then, you can’t completely eliminate the house edge.

 

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Craps

Craps is another game with a relatively low house edge. Yet it’s also one of the most complex. The pass line bet, which is one of the most popular bets in craps, has a house edge of just 1.41%. Other bets, like the don’t pass line, have an even lower edge of 1.36%. However, craps also has some sucker bets with extremely high edges. For example, the any seven bet has a house edge of 16.67%. In addition, the hardway bets can have edges as high as 9.09%. If you want to minimize the house edge in craps, stick to the pass line and don’t pass line bets. Always avoid the tempting but risky side bets.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a favorite among high rollers, and it’s known for its low house edge. The banker bet has a house edge of just 1.06%. This is one of the best bets in the casino. The player bet has a slightly higher edge of 1.24%, which is still very low compared to other games. However, the tie bet is a different story. It has a massive house edge of 14.36%, making it one of the worst bets you can make. If you’re playing baccarat, always stick to the banker or player bets if you want to beat the house edge. We suggest you use readily available baccarat betting charts to help you make the right choices.

Video Poker

Video poker is another game where skill can make a difference. With perfect strategy, some versions of video poker, like Jacks or Better, have a house edge of less than 0.5%. However, if you don’t play optimally, the edge can increase significantly. Video poker is a great option if you’re willing to learn the strategy. But it’s not as straightforward as other games.

Keno And Lottery-Style Games

Games like keno and lottery-style games are some of the worst when it comes to the house edge. The edge on keno can be as high as 25% or more. This makes it one of the least favourable games for players. These games are purely based on luck, and the odds are heavily stacked against you. If you’re trying to beat the house edge, it’s best to avoid these games altogether.

beat the house edge
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As you can see, the house edge varies widely depending on the game and the bets you make. If you want to minimize the house edge, stick to games like blackjack, baccarat, and craps. Avoid high-edge games like slots and keno. Remember, the house edge is always there. But by choosing your games and bets carefully, you can give yourself the best possible chance of coming out ahead. Or at least having a good time while you play.

Why Can’t You Beat The House Edge?

Now, here’s the hard truth: you can’t beat the house edge in the long run. No matter how skilled you are or how lucky you feel, the house edge ensures that a casino like Bet365 Casino will always win over time. Here’s why:

  • It’s Built Into The Game – The house edge is a fundamental part of every casino game. It’s not something you can avoid. That’s because it’s baked into the rules and the math. Even if you win big in the short term, the house edge will catch up with you eventually.
  • The Law Of Large Numbers – Casinos operate on a massive scale. They handle millions of bets every day, and the law of large numbers ensures that the house edge will play out as expected over time. You might get lucky and win a few sessions, but the casino will always come out ahead in the long run.
  • No Strategy Can Overcome It – Some games, like blackjack, allow you to reduce the house edge with perfect strategy. But even then, you can’t eliminate it entirely. And in games like slots or roulette, there’s no strategy that can change the odds.

Techniques To Minimize The House Edge

So, if you can’t beat the house edge, what’s the point of playing? Well, the goal isn’t to beat the house edge. It’s to have fun and maybe win some money along the way. But if you want to maximize your chances, there are some techniques you can use to minimize the impact of the house edge:

beat the house edge
Picture Source: Pexels
  • Choose Games With Low House Edges – If you want to minimize the house edge, we suggest that you stick to games with low edges like blackjack, baccarat, or craps. Avoid games with high edges like slots or the tie bet in baccarat.
  • Learn Perfect Strategy – In games like blackjack, learning perfect strategy can reduce the house edge to less than 1%. There are plenty of free resources online that can teach you the right moves for every situation.
  • Avoid Sucker Bets – Every game has bets with terrible odds. For example, in roulette, it’s the five-number bet. In craps, it’s the any seven bet. These bets might seem tempting, but they’re designed to drain your bankroll quickly.
  • Take Advantage Of Bonuses – Many online casinos offer bonuses that can give you extra money to play with. These might include welcome bonuses, reload bonuses and cashbacks. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions, as some bonuses come with high wagering requirements.
  • Manage Your Bankroll – One of the best ways to minimize the house edge is to manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for each session and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
  • Play For Fun, Not Profit – Remember, the house edge ensures that the casino will always win in the long run. So, don’t play with the expectation of making money. Play for fun, and treat any wins as a bonus.

Why You’ll Never Beat The House Edge

Let’s be real for a second: no matter what you do, you’ll never truly beat the house edge. The house edge is built into the DNA of every casino game, and it’s there for one reason. Namely, to ensure the casino makes money over time. Sure, you might get lucky and win big in the short term. But the math is always working against you. The house edge ensures that, over thousands or millions of bets, the casino will always come out on top. It’s not a matter of skill or luck. It’s just how the system is designed.

Think of it like this: the house edge is the price you pay for the entertainment and excitement of playing casino games. It’s like buying a ticket to a concert or a movie. You’re paying for the experience, not the guarantee of a profit. Even in games like blackjack. Where you can reduce the house edge with perfect strategy. You’re still playing at a slight disadvantage. And in games like slots or roulette, there’s no strategy that can change the odds.

So, instead of trying to beat the house edge, focus on having fun and playing responsibly. Set a budget, stick to games with low edges, and don’t chase losses. If you do that, you’ll have a much better time at the online casino. Remember, gambling should be about entertainment, not a way to make money. The house edge is always there, but with the right mindset, you can still enjoy the thrill of the game without letting it ruin your experience. In the end, the house edge is unbeatable. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Play smart, play for fun, and don’t let the dream of beating the house edge cloud your judgment. After all, the best way to win is to walk away with a smile on your face. Whether you’re up or down.

Accept You Can’t Beat The House Edge And Enjoy The Game

The house edge is the backbone of every casino game. In truth, it’s the reason why casinos are so profitable. While you can’t beat the house edge in the long run, you can take steps to minimize its impact. For a start, only choose games with low edges. Then learn perfect strategy, avoid sucker bets, and manage your bankroll wisely. And most importantly, remember that gambling should be nothing but fun. Don’t play with the expectation of making money. You should only play for the thrill of the game.

So, the next time you log into any online casino sites in the US, keep the house edge in mind. It’s the invisible force that’s always working against you. But with the right approach, you can still have a great time. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and beat the house edge. Well, at least for a little while. Good luck, and happy gaming!

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