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The Mathematical Advantage of the Casino
It's a well-known saying that "the house always wins". This isn't because the games are rigged; it's due to a built-in mathematical advantage known as the house edge. Understanding this concept, along with its counterpart, Return to Player (RTP), is fundamental for any smart casino player.

Defining the Casino's Advantage
The house edge is the percentage of a player's original bet that the casino expects to win, on average, over the long term. If the house edge is 2%, the casino's theoretical average earning from $100 in bets is $2. This is a statistical probability over millions of wagers, not a guarantee for any single session.

What is Return to Player (RTP)?
It's the same concept but viewed from the player's side. It's the theoretical percentage of wagers that a game will pay out. For example, a slot machine with a 96% RTP will, on average, pay back $96 for casino every $100 that is bet on it.

RTP is most commonly used for slot machines, and casino you can often find this information within the game's help or information screen.

House Edge and RTP in Different Games
Different casino games have vastly different odds for the player. Smart players gravitate towards games with a low house edge.

Game Type Typical House Edge Notes

Blackjack Less than 1% Requires optimal strategy to get this low edge.

Baccarat ~1.06% (on Banker bet) The Banker bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino. The Tie bet has a very high edge (~14%).

European Roulette 2.7% The single zero gives it a much lower house edge than its American counterpart.

American Roulette 5.26% The '0' and '00' pockets give the house a much larger advantage.

Slots Varies widely The RTP can vary massively between different slot games. A good online slot typically has an RTP of 96% or higher.

The Takeaway
You can use these numbers to your advantage. Your goal should be to play games with the lowest possible house edge. It's the smartest way to manage your gambling bankroll and enjoyment.