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Guides in this section
House edgeWhat house edge means, how it relates to RTP and hold, and how to work out your cost.Lowest house edge gamesThe casino bets with the smallest house edge, ranked, and what each needs from you.Blackjack strategyThe basic strategy rules for hitting, standing, doubling, splitting and surrender.Game volatilityWhat volatility means, why two games with the same edge feel different, and how to choose.Payout ratesWhat payout rate means, and what Connecticut's official data shows online casinos paid back.What can strategy change?
Three choices make most of the difference to what you pay:
- Which game and bet you choose. The edge ranges from under 1% to over 25% across casino games, according to Wizard of Odds. See the lowest house edge games.
- Which rules or pay table you accept. A blackjack table paying 6:5 costs about 1.39% more than one paying 3:2.
- How you play the hand, in games where you make decisions, such as blackjack and video poker.
Which choices cost the most?
Each row compares two options in the same game. Figures are from Wizard of Odds:
| Game | Cheaper option | Dearer option |
|---|---|---|
| Baccarat | Banker bet, 1.06% edge | Tie bet, 14.36% edge |
| Roulette | Single zero, 2.70% edge | Double zero, 5.26% edge |
| Craps | Pass line, 1.41% edge | Any seven, 16.67% edge |
| Video poker | 9/6 Jacks or Better, 99.54% return | 6/5 Jacks or Better, 95.00% return |
| Blackjack | Blackjack pays 3:2 | Blackjack pays 6:5, about 1.39% more edge |
Edges assume best or near-best play. See <a href="/strategy/house-edge/">what house edge means</a>.
Do betting systems work?
No. A betting system changes the size of your bets, not the odds of each one. Doubling after every loss, known as the Martingale, wins small amounts often but loses a large amount when a losing run reaches your budget or the table limit. Every bet still carries the same house edge, so the expected loss per dollar bet does not change.
What should you do before you play?
A few steps keep the cost in view:
- Set a budget you can afford to lose, and stop when it is gone.
- Check the rules, pay table or return to player for the exact game.
- Estimate the cost with our RTP calculator, and read the wagering terms on any bonus with the wagering calculator.
- See responsible gambling for limits and free help.
What are the rules in your state?
Each state sets its own online casino rules. Pick a state to see its status, its regulator and the date we last checked it.
Read next: House edge
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026. Regulator rules were read through the sources listed, and they can change. How we research.
- Wizard of Odds: house edge of casino games compared
- Wizard of Odds: blackjack rule variations
- Wizard of Odds: Jacks or Better pay tables
- Wizard of Odds: house edge of craps bets