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Glossary

House Edge

Definition, examples and related concepts for casino house edge.

Updated 2026-08-30Gambling Online Editorial Team3 min read
Quick answer

House edge is the operator’s theoretical long-run expected advantage on a wager, usually expressed as a percentage of total money wagered.

Why it matters

It lets players compare the mathematical cost of wagers that have different rules and payout structures.

Example

A 2.7% house edge corresponds to an expected long-run loss of $2.70 per $100 of total action.

Related concepts

RTP, expected value, variance, volatility and betting speed all describe different aspects of gambling economics.

Responsible gambling: Gambling involves financial risk. Never chase losses or gamble with money needed for essentials. Eligibility and legal age vary by jurisdiction.