Compare the true mathematical odds for Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, and Roulette. Our verified 2026 data helps you make smarter decisions at licensed Canadian casinos.
How House Edge Works
The house edge is the casino's mathematical advantage built into every game. It's not a guarantee of what you'll lose in a single session-it's the expected outcome over thousands of plays. Understanding this concept is the single most important factor in bankroll management.
For example, if you play Baccarat's Banker bet with a 1.06% house edge, the casino expects to keep $1.06 for every $100 you wager over time. This doesn't mean you'll lose exactly $1.06 per $100 in every session-some sessions you'll win, others you'll lose more. But over thousands of hands, the math is inevitable.
The Simple Formula
Expected Loss = (House Edge) ร (Total Wagered)
๐ฐ Wagering $1,000 on Blackjack (0.40% edge) projects a $4.00 expected loss.
The same $1,000 on American Roulette (5.26%) would cost you $52.60-13x more.
This is why professional players gravitate toward games where strategy can minimize the house edge. Blackjack, with its 0.40% edge, offers the best odds of any table game when played with perfect basic strategy.
Why RTP Matters
RTP (Return to Player) is the inverse of house edge-it represents the percentage of wagered money a game pays back to players over time. A game with a 99.60% RTP (like Blackjack) returns $99.60 for every $100 wagered, meaning the casino keeps just $0.40.
RTP Quick Reference
Excellent RTP โฅ 99%
Good RTP 97-99%
Poor RTP < 95%
๐ก Higher RTP = better odds = longer playing time for your bankroll.
Complete Table Games House Edge Database
Click any column header to sort. Lower house edge = better for you.
Click any row to load its data into the calculator below.
Game
Optimal Bet / Rule Variant
House Edge
RTP
Skill
Rating
Blackjack
Basic Strategy (3:2 Payout, S17)
0.40%
99.60%
High
Baccarat
Banker Bet (-5% Commission)
1.06%
98.94%
None
Baccarat
Player Bet
1.24%
98.76%
None
Craps
Don't Pass / Don't Come
1.36%
98.64%
Low
Craps
Pass Line / Come
1.41%
98.59%
Low
Roulette
European (Single Zero)
2.70%
97.30%
None
Roulette
American (Double Zero)
5.26%
94.74%
None
Visual Ranking by House Edge
See at a glance which games offer the best odds. The shorter the bar, the better your chances.
Blackjack
0.40%
Baccarat (Banker)
1.06%
Craps (Don't Pass)
1.36%
European Roulette
2.70%
American Roulette
5.26%
Key Takeaways
Best: Blackjack (0.40%) - optimal for skilled players
Avoid: American Roulette (5.26%) - doubles the house edge
Game Comparisons: Which is Better?
Blackjack vs Baccarat
โ Winner: Blackjack
Blackjack: 0.40% edge
Baccarat: 1.06% edge
Blackjack offers better odds but requires skill. Baccarat is pure luck.
European vs American Roulette
โ Winner: European
European: 2.70% edge
American: 5.26% edge
European Roulette cuts the house edge in half. Always choose it.
Craps Pass vs Don't Pass
โ Winner: Don't Pass
Don't Pass: 1.36% edge
Pass Line: 1.41% edge
Don't Pass is technically superior, though many prefer betting with the shooter.
Baccarat Banker vs Player
โ Winner: Banker
Banker: 1.06% edge
Player: 1.24% edge
Banker has better odds despite the 5% commission. Always choose Banker.
Games to Avoid
Not all casino games are created equal. Some have house edges that make them mathematically unfavorable, even with optimal play.
American Roulette (5.26%)
The double zero adds an extra 2.56% to the house edge compared to European Roulette. This means you'll lose more than twice as fast. Always choose European Roulette.
6:5 Blackjack Variations
Some casinos offer Blackjack with a 6:5 payout instead of the standard 3:2. This adds approximately 1.4% to the house edge, turning a great game into a poor one. Always check the payout rules.
Let It Ride (3.51%)
While entertaining, this game requires perfect play and still carries a significant house advantage. The multiple betting decisions can lead to costly mistakes for casual players.
Canadian Casino Rules That Affect House Edge
Canadian players have unique advantages when it comes to table games. Here's what you need to know about regulated play in Canada.
AGCO Regulations
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario enforces strict fairness standards. All licensed operators must use certified RNGs and display clear game rules. Canadian players can trust the stated RTP on regulated platforms.
Blackjack Rules in Ontario
Most Ontario-licensed casinos offer:
โ 3:2 Blackjack Payout - always check
โ 6-8 decks in play
โ Dealer stands on Soft 17 (S17) - better for players
โ Double down on any two cards
Live Dealer Games in Canada
Live dealer games at Canadian casinos typically follow European rules:
European Roulette (Single Zero) - 2.70%
Baccarat with 5% commission - 1.06%
Blackjack with 3:2 payout - 0.40%
๐ Expected Loss Calculator
Enter your average bet and playing speed to see your projected losses. Click any game in the table above to load its specific house edge.
๐ฐ Playing this game instead of American Roulette could save you $0.00 per 4-hour session
Click any game in the table above to update this calculator.
Methodology & Data Sources
We believe in transparency. Here's how our data is compiled and verified.
House edge calculations sourced from published game mathematics and industry standard references
Standard rule assumptions used for each game (listed in the Optimal Bet column)
Data verified against multiple sources including the Wizard of Odds, AGCO regulations, and casino filings
Last reviewed: September 2026
Next review: March 2027
๐ฏ Reviewed by: TableGames.ca Editorial Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What is house edge in casino games?
House edge is the mathematical advantage a casino holds over a player in the long run, expressed as a percentage of the original bet. For instance, a 1.06% house edge in Baccarat means the casino expects to keep $1.06 for every $100 wagered over time.
What casino game has the lowest house edge?
Blackjack with Basic Strategy has the lowest house edge at just 0.40%, provided the game pays 3:2 on Blackjack and uses a standard number of decks. Spanish 21 matches this at 0.40% as well.
What is RTP in casino games?
RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of all wagered money a game will pay back to players over time. A game with 99.60% RTP (like Blackjack) returns $99.60 for every $100 wagered. Higher RTP means better odds for the player.
Is roulette beatable?
No, roulette is a game of pure chance with a fixed house edge (2.70% for European, 5.26% for American). No strategy can overcome the built-in house advantage in the long run.