Low vs. High House Edge Games: What Players Need to Know

Have you ever wondered why some players often choose to play blackjack instead of slots? The short answer is house edge. If you're new to playing games in online casinos, knowing this one definition can help you play smarter. Let us explain the term in simple enough terms that you can understand Low vs. High House Edge Games.

 House edge is the amount of money the casino expects to win from the amount of your bets over time. So if a game has a house edge of 5% that means the casino collects $5 of every $100 in bets you play. For the player, it is best to have a smaller number in this case.

Low House Edge Games: Smart Picks for Strategic Players 

Let’s start with the low house edge games. These are games that are typically skill-based, so the better you are at them, the better your chances of winning. Games like blackjack and video poker fall into this category.

For example, playing blackjack utilizing proper strategy will lower the house edge to as low as 0.5%. That is very low! Poker is another good choice. Even though casinos keep a small portion of the drop as a fee called a “rake” (approximately 5%), skilled players, over time, can still make lots of money.

Low house edge games reward players good decisions that have learned the rules of the game, practice and play smartly. If you’re interested in making money and losing less, low house edge games have your back.

High House Edge Games: Luck-Based, Not Strategy-Based

Now let’s discuss high house edge games. These are the games that are fun, flashy, and mostly based on luck (slot machines or roulette or keno).  You don’t need any skill here.  Just press the spin button and hope.

But here’s the downside: the house edge in these games can be as high as 25%. For example, keno can have house edges above 20% and most slot machines are between 5% to 10%.  And for roulette, we’re looking at a house edge of about 2.7% for the European versions.

Why do people play them? They are fun, fast, and can have massive payouts at times. If you are just looking for the experience, then go for it.  If you are looking to consistently win money, these games will take your bankroll down fast.

The Final Takeaway: Know before you bet

So this is the deal:

• Low house edge games (<1%) = Great for wise and smart players, or strategic players.
• High house edge games (>5%) = Fun, but mostly luck-based and will cost you more, over the long haul.

So before you hit the "Spin" or place your bet, ask yourself - are you here for fun or trying to play wisely?

Conclusion

Understanding low vs. high house edge games is one of the best ways to play smarter at online casinos. If you appreciate strategy and want better long-term results, stick to games like blackjack and video poker. However, if your playing style is mostly based on excitement and hitting a big jackpot, then you might enjoy the thrill of a slot or keno game. Just make sure you know the odds before you start playing, as your bankroll will appreciate it.

FAQs

What is the difference between low house edge games and high house edge games?

Low house edge games provide players with a better chance to win over the long run. Low house edge games usually require skill and strategy (like blackjack). High house edge games are based entirely on luck and usually have lower winning odds (slots and keno).

What are the lowest house edge games at online casinos?

The best low house edge game is blackjack (if you employ the correct strategy), followed by video poker, and if playing baccarat, always bet on the banker. The best low house edge games have under 1% house advantage.

Why do players still choose high house edge games?

High house edge games like slots and roulette are popular games despite long-term losses. Their high speed, excitement, and the chance to win big jackpots quickly.