Anyone who visits a casino hopes to land a massive jackpot. But, the reality is that casinos operate to secure profits. This constant revenue is driven by a mathematical concept called the casino advantage. To become a successful bettor, you absolutely must learn about probabilities prior to making any real money wagers.

Defining the Casino Advantage

The casino's advantage is essentially the statistical advantage that the casino keeps over you over time. For instance, if a particular slot features a 5 percent advantage, it means that theoretically, the casino will keep five dollars for each hundred bet. This does not imply you lose 5 percent every time, because immediate volatility gives you the chance to secure profits.

Analyzing Probabilities in Casino Formats

Not all casino games are created equal. Certain titles are known to have massive casino advantages, whereas some are kinder to the gambler. Skill-based games, such as blackjack, allow you to lower the mathematical margin by using basic strategy. On the other hand, pure chance games such as standard Keno give the casino a massive lead.

• Play blackjack for better chances if you follow the chart.


• European Roulette is better because it lacks the double zero.


• Avoid most side bets since their math is terrible.


• Classic video poker can offer over 99% RTP if played flawlessly.

A Summary of Casino Edges

To illustrate this, we have created a quick reference table highlighting the standard casino advantages of the most popular casino games. Do not forget that rule variations can modify these percentages.

Ultimately, casinos are not charities. The casino's margin secures that they make a profit over extended periods. Yet, by playing games with a low house edge and betting smartly, you will optimize your chances of walking away a winner. Information is your best tool when playing on the casino floor.