Table Game House Edge: Comparing Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat

Quick comparison at a glance

DEALER’S COMMENT: Assumes normal house rules and an 8-deck shoe where appropriate. The actual figures will vary depending on the house rules. For more of the numbers guys, check out these game breakdowns on Wizard of Odds: blackjack, roulette, baccarat.

What is house edge?

House edge is the long-term percentage of your bet amount (or coin-in) that you will lose, on average. Yes, you can lose even more than that or win much more than that. But, on average, you won't. Return to the player (RTP) is the flip side of house edge, so RTP + house edge = 100%. A 95% RTP = 5% house edge. To get an idea of what an expected value means, watch this 4-min lesson from the Khan Academy. House edge will vary based on the rules of the game and player decision. Blackjack, for example, has a low house edge, but only assuming the player makes the right decisions. Roulette has a set house edge based on the odds on the wheel compared to the paytable, but it's much larger.

RTP (return to player) is the other side of the same coin. RTP + house edge = 100%. So a 98% RTP means a 2% house edge. If you want a quick math idea of “expected value,” see this short lesson from Khan Academy.

House edge depends on rules and, in some games, on your choices. In blackjack, the edge can be low only if you follow basic strategy. In roulette and baccarat, the edge comes from the wheel or the draw and the payouts.

What changes the house edge?

• Rules: One extra zero in roulette doubles the edge. A small rule in blackjack can move the edge by 0.1–0.3% or more. In baccarat, “no commission” tables change how Banker wins on 6, which alters the edge.
• Skill: In blackjack, using basic strategy lowers the edge a lot. Bad play raises it fast.
• Side bets: Fancy side bets often have very high edges (3–10%+). They look fun but cost more.
• Variance: This is how “swingy” a game is. It does not change the edge, but it changes how bumpy your results feel. High variance can mean big wins and big drops.

If you want to see how specific blackjack rules change the math, check this rule-impact chart by Wizard of Odds: Blackjack Rule Variations.

Blackjack house edge explained

Main rules that affect the edge:

Main rules that affect the edge:

• Dealer on soft 17: If the dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), the edge drops. If the dealer hits soft 17 (H17), the edge rises (~+0.2%).
• Double rules: Being able to double on any two cards and after a split helps you. Limits on doubling raise the edge.
• Splits and resplits: Being able to resplit, and to split aces (and sometimes resplit aces), helps you.
• Late surrender: This option reduces losses in hard spots and lowers the edge (~−0.08% in many sets).
• Decks: Fewer decks are better on average, all else equal.

Staying away from side bets (21+3, Bonus, Lucky Ladies, etc.). While they may seem exciting, side bets usually have a far higher house edge ranging from ~3%–10%+.

Note: Card counting has the potential to flip house edge as well, but requires some skill to master, and casinos have implemented various countermeasures. It is also not applicable in online Blackjack with continuous shuffle machines. (For more on card counting and history, check out this intro — UNLV Center for Gaming Research).

Note: Card counting can swing the edge, but it is hard, many casinos counter it, and it is not possible in most online auto-shuffle games. For a history view, see Edward Thorp’s classic work “Beat the Dealer” (background via UNLV Center for Gaming Research).

Roulette house edge compared

Roulette edge comes from the zero pockets. More zeros, higher edge:

• American roulette (two zeros, 0 and 00): ~5.26% edge on all standard bets.
• European roulette (one zero): ~2.70% edge on all standard bets.
• French roulette with La Partage or En Prison (on even-money bets): ~1.35% edge on those even-money bets (like Red/Black, Odd/Even).

Pro tip: Where possible, play single-zero wheels. And where possible, play La Partage on even money bets as well. Ignore any vague side bets with “question mark” odds that the table can’t explain. Trustworthy floors will display the odds.

Tip: If you can pick, choose single-zero tables. If you can find La Partage on even-money bets, that is even better. Avoid “mystery” side bets that you cannot check. Fair casinos publish full rules and payouts.

Baccarat house edge and bet selection

Baccarat looks simple, and it is. You pick Banker, Player, or Tie. The draws then follow set rules.

• Banker bet: ~1.06% edge with a 5% commission. This is one of the best common bets in the casino.
• Player bet: ~1.24% edge.
• Tie bet: ~14.36% edge (with 8 decks and 8:1 pay). This is very costly. Avoid it.

Some tables say “no commission.” Often they pay less when Banker wins with a total of 6 (for example, 1:2). This pushes the real edge up for Banker (in many common formats to about ~1.46%). Always read the exact rule card. For the math behind these bets, see Wizard of Odds — Baccarat.

Blackjack vs roulette vs baccarat: which has the lowest house edge?

Quick answer: With correct play, blackjack can get near ~0.5% (best in common play). Baccarat’s Banker is about ~1.06%. Roulette is higher: European 2.70%, American 5.26%, and French even-money bets with La Partage ~1.35%.

The "house edge" tells you how much it will cost you over time. "Variance" is a measure of the risk that you lose more than the house edge in a short time. Games with low house edge can have higher risk. That's normal.

Variance, bankroll, and session plan

House edge shows the long-run cost. Variance shows the short-run swings. A game can have a low edge and still have wild swings. That is normal.

For industry safety, the references would be the American Gaming Association and the UK Gambling Commission. Source: Automated Lucky Poker: a Proposal. (Riley, 2024)

• Set a bankroll just for play money. Do not use rent or bill money.
• Keep bets small. A common guide is 1–2% of your session bankroll per hand or spin.
• Set a stop-loss. For example, if you lose 30–50% of your session bankroll, take a break.
• Set a time limit. Short, planned sessions help you avoid tilt.
• Do not chase losses. The math does not “owe” you a win.
• Avoid high-edge side bets, even if the payouts look shiny.

For industry safety and play standards, see the American Gaming Association and the UK Gambling Commission.

How to choose a table and a casino

Use this checklist before you sit down:

• Rules are clear and posted. Look for single-zero roulette. For blackjack, look for S17, doubling on any two cards, late surrender, and fair split rules.
• Table shows side-bet payouts. If you cannot see them, do not play them.
• Baccarat notes commission rules. Be extra careful with “no commission” formats.
• Fair limits fit your bankroll. Do not pick a table with a min bet that is too high.
• Casino is licensed and lists who regulates it.
• Payout terms are clear and on time.

If you want reviews that check these points, see our in‑depth casino reviews on this site. We rate game rules, clarity, and payout speed so you can find single‑zero roulette, standard‑commission baccarat, and blackjack with fair rules.

Quick reference: best bets and traps to avoid

• Best low-edge picks: Blackjack with basic strategy and good rules (~0.5%). Baccarat Banker (~1.06% with 5% commission). Roulette even-money bets with La Partage (~1.35%). European roulette over American (2.70% vs 5.26%).
• Blackjack with basic strategy and good rules (~0.5%).
• Baccarat Banker (~1.06% with 5% commission).
• Roulette even-money bets with La Partage (~1.35%).
• European roulette over American (2.70% vs 5.26%).
• Common traps to avoid: American roulette if single-zero is available (extra 00 doubles the edge). Baccarat Tie (very high edge ~14%). Most side bets (often 3–10%+ edge). Blackjack with poor rules: H17, no surrender, no DAS, etc., unless you accept the higher edge.
• American roulette if single-zero is available (extra 00 doubles the edge).
• Baccarat Tie (very high edge ~14%).
• Most side bets (often 3–10%+ edge).
• Blackjack with poor rules: H17, no surrender, no DAS, etc., unless you accept the higher edge.

• Blackjack with basic strategy and good rules (~0.5%).
• Baccarat Banker (~1.06% with 5% commission).
• Roulette even-money bets with La Partage (~1.35%).
• European roulette over American (2.70% vs 5.26%).

• American roulette if single-zero is available (extra 00 doubles the edge).
• Baccarat Tie (very high edge ~14%).
• Most side bets (often 3–10%+ edge).
• Blackjack with poor rules: H17, no surrender, no DAS, etc., unless you accept the higher edge.

Responsible play and final thoughts

Even with the best bet, the casino still has an edge. Play for fun, not as a way to make money. Set limits and stick to them. If play stops being fun, step away. Help is available if you need it.

• US: National Council on Problem Gambling (call/text/chat resources)
• UK: GamCare and BeGambleAware
• Canada and beyond: Responsible Gambling Council

You must be of legal age (18+ or 21+, depending on your area). Know your local laws. For honest, rule-focused game info, you can also check the research hubs at UNLV Center for Gaming Research.

FAQs

What is house edge vs RTP?

They measure the same thing in different ways. House edge is the share the casino keeps on average. RTP is what returns to players. If RTP is 98%, the house edge is 2%. Learn more about expected value from Khan Academy.

Which table game has the lowest house edge?

is 2.7%, American is 5.26%, French even money bets 1.35%. As found on Wikipedia: Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette.

Is blackjack beatable with basic strategy?

Basic strategy cuts the edge but does not beat it by itself. It moves the edge down to about 0.5% with good rules. It does not give you a long run profit. It just helps you lose less over time. For rule by rule effects, see this appendix.

European vs American roulette: why does it matter?

American wheels have an extra 00 pocket, so the edge jumps from ~2.70% to ~5.26%. If you can, choose single-zero. If you find La Partage on even-money bets, the edge on those bets drops to ~1.35%. See roulette math.

Why is the baccarat Tie so bad?

It pays 8:1 in most, but hits too infrequently to be worth playing. Mathematically, it has a house advantage of roughly 14%. Banker and Player have significantly smaller advantages. There’s a great breakdown at Wizard of Odds — Baccarat.

Do side bets ever make sense?

Side bets can be entertaining, but typically have a higher house advantage (perhaps 3–10% or more). If you don’t want to get hammered, don’t play those. Look for posted pay tables and verify house advantage via a reputable source like Wizard of Odds.

Does card counting change the house edge?

It can in theory, but it is hard to do, casinos act against it, and it does not work with most online auto-shuffle games. For history and research, see UNLV Center for Gaming Research.

Sources and further reading

• Wizard of Odds — Blackjack
• Wizard of Odds — Roulette
• Wizard of Odds — Baccarat
• Wizard of Odds — Blackjack Rule Variations
• UNLV Center for Gaming Research
• American Gaming Association
• UK Gambling Commission
• National Council on Problem Gambling
• GamCare
• BeGambleAware
• Responsible Gambling Council
• Khan Academy — Expected value (intro)

Disclaimer: Gambling is a form of entertainment. All casino games are stacked in the favour of the house and are not a way of earning money. If you play, play responsibly and within your budget, not for money you can

not afford to lose. If you feel you have problems please seek -in addition to advice given here- professional help. See links above.