House Edge Calculator
Calculate casino house edge, expected loss per hour, and how long your bankroll will last. Compare house edges for Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Slots, and Video Poker.
With perfect basic strategy
Expected Loss Per Hour
$7.50/hour
Expected Loss by Time Period
Bankroll Duration Estimate
Your bankroll is well-sized for extended play. You can comfortably survive variance.
What This Means
Playing Blackjack (Basic Strategy) with $25.00 bets at 60 hands/spins per hour:
- You will wager approximately $6,000.00 in a 4-hour session
- The casino expects to keep 0.50% of that ($30.00)
- This equals an entertainment cost of $7.50/hour
Note: These are expected (average) values. Actual results vary due to variance - you might win or lose much more in any single session.
Game Comparison (at $25 bets)
| Game | House Edge | Speed | Hourly Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
Craps (Pass + 3x Odds) With 3x odds backing | 0.47% | 50/hr | $5.87 |
Blackjack (Basic Strategy) With perfect basic strategy | 0.50% | 60/hr | $7.50 |
Craps (Pass Line) Pass/Come bets only | 1.41% | 50/hr | $17.63 |
Pai Gow Poker House way strategy | 2.50% | 30/hr | $18.75 |
Baccarat (Banker) Banker bet with 5% commission | 1.06% | 80/hr | $21.20 |
Baccarat (Player) Player bet | 1.24% | 80/hr | $24.80 |
Blackjack (Average Player) Typical player with mistakes | 2.00% | 60/hr | $30.00 |
European Roulette Single zero wheel | 2.70% | 50/hr | $33.75 |
Three Card Poker Ante + Play only | 3.37% | 50/hr | $42.13 |
Video Poker (9/6 Jacks) Full pay with perfect strategy | 0.46% | 400/hr | $46.00 |
* Sorted by lowest hourly cost. Actual results vary due to variance.
Best Value Games
- Video Poker (9/6): 0.46% edge with strategy
- Blackjack: 0.5% edge with basic strategy
- Craps (Pass + Odds): Under 0.5% effective
- Baccarat (Banker): 1.06% edge
Games to Avoid
- Keno: 25-40% house edge
- Big Six Wheel: 11-24% edge
- Tight Slots: 10-15% edge + high speed
- American Roulette: 5.26% (vs 2.7% European)
House Edge Formula
Expected Loss = Bet × Decisions/Hour × House Edge × HoursExample: $25 Blackjack bets, 60 hands/hour, 0.5% edge, 4 hours:
$25 × 60 × 0.005 × 4 = $30.00 expected lossRelated Calculators
About This Calculator
"How much will the casino take from me?" This is the question every gambler should ask before placing a bet - but most never do. The answer lies in understanding house edge, the mathematical advantage that ensures casinos always profit in the long run. Whether you are playing Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Slots, or Video Poker, every game has a built-in house edge that determines exactly how much you can expect to lose over time.
Our House Edge Calculator reveals the true cost of gambling. Enter your bet size, playing speed, and bankroll to see your expected loss per hour, per session, and per trip. Compare different casino games side-by-side to understand why professional gamblers avoid slots (5-15% edge) but might consider Blackjack with basic strategy (0.5% edge). The math does not lie: a $25 bettor playing 60 hands of Blackjack per hour expects to lose $7.50/hour, while the same bettor at a slot machine averaging 600 spins per hour at $1 per spin faces expected losses of $30-90/hour. This calculator helps you make informed decisions about where, how much, and how long to gamble.
Trusted Sources
How to Use the House Edge Calculator
- 1**Select a game preset** or choose "Custom" to enter your own house edge percentage.
- 2**Enter your average bet size** - the typical amount you wager per hand or spin.
- 3**Enter hands/spins per hour** - Blackjack averages 60-80, Roulette 40-60, Slots 500-600.
- 4**Enter your total bankroll** - the money you have allocated for gambling.
- 5**Review expected loss results** for 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, and a full trip.
- 6**Check bankroll duration** to see approximately how long your money will last.
- 7**Compare different games** using the comparison table to find lower-edge alternatives.
- 8**Adjust variables** to see how changing bet size or game selection affects your expected loss.
Formula
Expected Loss = Bet Size x Hands Per Hour x House Edge x Hours PlayedHouse edge represents the percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep over time. To calculate your expected loss: multiply your average bet by hands/spins per hour, then by the house edge (as a decimal), then by hours played. For example, betting $25 on Blackjack with basic strategy (0.5% edge) at 60 hands/hour for 4 hours: $25 x 60 x 0.005 x 4 = $30 expected loss. This does not mean you will lose exactly $30 - variance creates winners and losers in the short term - but over thousands of hands, your results will converge toward this expected loss.
Understanding House Edge: The Casino's Built-In Advantage
What Is House Edge?
House edge is the mathematical advantage the casino has over players, expressed as a percentage of each bet. A 5% house edge means that for every $100 wagered, the casino expects to keep $5 and return $95 to players. This edge is built into game rules and payouts - it is not cheating, it is simply mathematics.
House Edge vs. Return to Player (RTP)
These are two sides of the same coin:
- House Edge + RTP = 100%
- A slot with 95% RTP has 5% house edge
- A Blackjack game with 99.5% RTP has 0.5% house edge
Why House Edge Matters More Than "Winning"
You might win on any given session - variance creates winners every day. But house edge ensures that:
- The casino wins over time (law of large numbers)
- Your expected value is always negative
- Playing longer increases expected losses
- Bigger bets accelerate losses proportionally
| Game | House Edge | Expected Loss per $1,000 Wagered |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (basic strategy) | 0.50% | $5.00 |
| Craps (Pass Line) | 1.41% | $14.10 |
| Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% | $10.60 |
| European Roulette | 2.70% | $27.00 |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | $52.60 |
| Slots (typical) | 5-15% | $50-150 |
The "Long Run" Reality
"Long run" does not mean years of playing. At 60 hands/hour of Blackjack, you play 240 hands in a 4-hour session. At 500 spins/hour on slots, that is 2,000 spins. Results converge toward expected values faster than most realize.
House Edge by Casino Game: Complete Breakdown
Blackjack: 0.5% - 2% (Strategy Dependent)
Blackjack offers the best odds IF you play basic strategy perfectly:
- Basic Strategy: 0.5% edge
- Average player (makes mistakes): 2-4% edge
- Insurance bet: 7.5% edge (never take it)
- 6:5 Blackjack payout: adds 1.4% to edge (avoid these tables)
Blackjack rules that affect house edge:
| Rule | Effect on House Edge |
|---|---|
| 3:2 vs 6:5 Blackjack | +1.39% for 6:5 |
| Dealer hits soft 17 | +0.22% |
| Double after split allowed | -0.14% |
| Resplit Aces allowed | -0.08% |
| Surrender available | -0.08% |
Craps: 1.41% - 16.67% (Bet Dependent)
Craps has the best AND worst bets in the casino:
| Bet | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Pass/Come | 1.41% |
| Don't Pass/Don't Come | 1.36% |
| Pass + Max Odds | <0.5% |
| Place 6 or 8 | 1.52% |
| Place 5 or 9 | 4.00% |
| Field (2 or 12 pays 3:1) | 2.78% |
| Any 7 | 16.67% |
| Hardway 6 or 8 | 9.09% |
| Hardway 4 or 10 | 11.11% |
Roulette: 2.70% - 5.26%
| Wheel Type | House Edge |
|---|---|
| European (single zero) | 2.70% |
| American (double zero) | 5.26% |
| Triple zero (some Vegas) | 7.69% |
All inside and outside bets have the same edge (except the 5-number bet in American roulette at 7.89%).
Baccarat: 1.06% - 14.36%
| Bet | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Banker | 1.06% |
| Player | 1.24% |
| Tie | 14.36% |
Banker bet is the best, even with 5% commission.
Slots: 2% - 15%
Slot house edge varies widely:
| Slot Type | Typical House Edge |
|---|---|
| Video Poker (Jacks or Better, full pay) | 0.46% |
| Las Vegas Strip slots | 6-10% |
| Downtown Vegas slots | 4-8% |
| Online slots | 3-6% |
| Airport/bar slots | 10-15% |
Video Poker: 0.46% - 5%+
Proper strategy is essential:
| Game | Pay Table | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 9/6 | 0.46% |
| Jacks or Better | 8/5 | 2.70% |
| Deuces Wild | Full Pay | -0.76% (player advantage!) |
| Double Bonus | 10/7 | 0.17% |
Expected Loss Calculations: The True Cost of Gambling
The Expected Loss Formula
Expected Loss = Bet Size x Decisions/Hour x House Edge x Hours
Example Calculations:
Blackjack Player:
- Bet: $25
- Hands/hour: 60
- House edge: 0.5%
- Session: 4 hours
Expected Loss = $25 x 60 x 0.005 x 4 = $30.00
Roulette Player (American):
- Bet: $10
- Spins/hour: 50
- House edge: 5.26%
- Session: 4 hours
Expected Loss = $10 x 50 x 0.0526 x 4 = $105.20
Slot Player:
- Bet: $1.00 per spin
- Spins/hour: 500
- House edge: 10%
- Session: 4 hours
Expected Loss = $1 x 500 x 0.10 x 4 = $200.00
Comparison Table: 4-Hour Session Costs
| Game | Bet Size | Speed | Edge | Expected Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | $25 | 60/hr | 0.5% | $30 |
| Craps (Pass) | $25 | 50/hr | 1.41% | $70.50 |
| Baccarat | $25 | 80/hr | 1.06% | $84.80 |
| European Roulette | $25 | 50/hr | 2.70% | $135 |
| American Roulette | $25 | 50/hr | 5.26% | $263 |
| Slots ($1/spin) | $1 | 500/hr | 10% | $200 |
Key Insight: The $25 Blackjack player loses $30 in 4 hours while the $1 slot player loses $200. Despite betting 25x less per decision, slots cost 6.7x more due to speed and higher edge.
Hourly Cost Comparison
Think of gambling as entertainment with an hourly cost:
| Game | Expected Hourly Cost |
|---|---|
| Blackjack ($25, basic strategy) | $7.50 |
| Craps ($25, Pass Line only) | $17.63 |
| Baccarat ($25, Banker only) | $21.20 |
| European Roulette ($25) | $33.75 |
| American Roulette ($25) | $65.75 |
| Slots ($1/spin) | $50.00 |
Bankroll Management: How Long Will Your Money Last?
Expected Bankroll Duration
Your bankroll divided by hourly expected loss gives approximate playing time:
Expected Hours = Bankroll / (Bet x Decisions/Hour x House Edge)
Example: $500 Bankroll
| Game | Bet | Expected Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack ($25) | $25 | 67 hours |
| Craps (Pass) | $25 | 28 hours |
| European Roulette | $25 | 15 hours |
| American Roulette | $25 | 7.6 hours |
| Slots | $1/spin | 10 hours |
Important: Variance Creates Wide Ranges
Expected duration is an average. Actual sessions vary wildly:
- You might bust in 1 hour or play for 20+ hours
- Variance is highest in slots and Craps
- Blackjack has more consistent sessions
- Short sessions have more extreme outcomes
The "5% Rule" for Recreational Gambling
Professional recommendation: your session bankroll should be at least 20x your expected loss:
Safe Bankroll = Expected Loss x 20
For a 4-hour Blackjack session with $30 expected loss:
- Minimum bankroll: $30 x 20 = $600
- This gives you a high probability of surviving variance
Bankroll Survival Probability
With proper bankroll relative to bet size:
| Bankroll/Bet Ratio | Survival Probability (4 hours) |
|---|---|
| 10x | ~60% |
| 20x | ~80% |
| 40x | ~90% |
| 100x | ~98% |
Why Bet Sizing Matters
Betting 1% of bankroll vs 10%:
- 1%: Very likely to play your full session
- 5%: Normal recreational risk
- 10%: High bust probability
- 20%+: Likely to bust quickly
Strategies to Minimize House Edge
1. Choose Lower-Edge Games
Best bets in the casino:
- Blackjack with basic strategy (0.5%)
- Craps Pass/Come with odds (<0.5% effective)
- Baccarat Banker (1.06%)
- Video Poker (9/6 Jacks or Better) (0.46%)
Worst bets to avoid:
- Keno (25-40% edge)
- Big Six wheel (11-24% edge)
- Any 7 in Craps (16.67%)
- Tie bet in Baccarat (14.36%)
- Insurance in Blackjack (7.5%)
2. Learn Perfect Strategy
Games where strategy matters:
| Game | Bad Player Edge | Optimal Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | 4-5% | 0.5% |
| Video Poker | 5%+ | 0.46% |
| Pai Gow Poker | 2.5% | 1.5% |
Free strategy resources:
- Wizard of Odds - Comprehensive strategy charts
- Blackjack basic strategy cards (casino gift shops sell them)
- Video poker strategy trainers online
3. Bet Sizing Strategies
Conservative approach:
- Bet 1-2% of session bankroll per hand
- Never chase losses with bigger bets
- Set loss limits before playing
4. Take Advantage of Promotions
Casino promotions can offset house edge:
- Free play: Direct value
- Match play: Typically 50% of face value
- Comps: Usually 0.1-0.3% of action back
- Loss rebates: Reduces effective house edge
5. Time Management
Fewer decisions = less expected loss:
- Take breaks every hour
- Play at slower tables
- Avoid high-speed games (slots, electronic tables)
6. Avoid These Traps
Common costly mistakes:
- Insurance bet in Blackjack (7.5% edge)
- Tie bet in Baccarat (14.36%)
- Proposition bets in Craps (11-16%)
- "Gambler's fallacy" betting (doubling after losses)
- Playing unfamiliar games without learning rules
Comparing Your Gambling Costs to Other Entertainment
Gambling as Entertainment: Cost Per Hour
| Entertainment | Typical Cost/Hour |
|---|---|
| Movie theater | $5-8 |
| Concert | $20-50 |
| Golf | $15-30 |
| Fine dining | $50-100 |
| Blackjack ($25 bets) | $7.50 |
| Craps ($25 bets) | $17.63 |
| Slots ($1/spin) | $50 |
| American Roulette ($25) | $65.75 |
Perspective Check
A disciplined Blackjack player ($25 bets, basic strategy):
- Costs $7.50/hour in expected value
- Gets free drinks (worth $5-10/hour)
- Earns comps (~$1/hour)
- Net entertainment cost: ~$0-2/hour
An undisciplined slot player ($1/spin):
- Costs $50/hour in expected value
- Gets free drinks ($5-10/hour)
- Earns comps (~$2/hour)
- Net entertainment cost: ~$40/hour
The "Gambling Budget" Approach
Treat gambling like any entertainment:
- Set a budget you would spend on other entertainment
- Choose games that stretch that budget longest
- Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
- Pocket any winnings as a bonus
Budget Example: $200 Weekend Entertainment
| Choice | Expected Playing Time |
|---|---|
| Blackjack ($25) | 27 hours |
| Craps ($25) | 11 hours |
| European Roulette ($25) | 6 hours |
| American Roulette ($25) | 3 hours |
| Slots ($1/spin) | 4 hours |
When Gambling Becomes a Problem
Gambling is entertainment when:
- You budget what you can afford to lose
- You accept losses without chasing
- Time played brings enjoyment
- It does not affect other life areas
Warning signs:
- Chasing losses
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying about gambling
- Gambling affects work/relationships
- Unable to stop when planned
Resources: National Council on Problem Gambling - 1-800-522-4700
Pro Tips
- 💡Always choose European/single-zero roulette over American/double-zero - you cut house edge nearly in half (2.70% vs 5.26%).
- 💡Learn Blackjack basic strategy before playing - it reduces house edge from 2-4% to just 0.5% and strategy cards are allowed at tables.
- 💡Avoid slot machines if you want to maximize playing time - despite smaller bets, they cost 6-8x more per hour than table games.
- 💡In Craps, stick to Pass/Come bets with maximum odds - the Odds bet has zero house edge, making Craps one of the best games available.
- 💡Never take Insurance in Blackjack - it has 7.5% house edge regardless of the dealer's up card.
- 💡Calculate your hourly cost before playing: Bet x Decisions/Hour x House Edge = Expected Loss/Hour.
- 💡Bring 20x your expected session loss as bankroll to comfortably survive variance.
- 💡The Tie bet in Baccarat has 14.36% house edge - always bet Banker (1.06%) or Player (1.24%) instead.
- 💡Slow down your play - fewer decisions per hour means less expected loss. Take breaks every hour.
- 💡Set a loss limit before gambling and stick to it - chasing losses only accelerates the inevitable mathematics.
- 💡Check our [Expected Value Calculator](/math/expected-value-calculator) to analyze specific betting scenarios.
- 💡Use our [Kelly Criterion Calculator](/math/kelly-criterion-calculator) for optimal bet sizing when you have an edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
House edge is the mathematical advantage casinos have on every bet, expressed as a percentage. A 5% house edge means the casino expects to keep $5 of every $100 wagered. It matters because it determines your expected loss over time. While you might win in any single session (variance), house edge ensures the casino profits long-term. Understanding house edge helps you choose better games (Blackjack at 0.5% vs slots at 10%), calculate your expected losses, and make informed decisions about gambling budgets.
