House Edge Calculator
Calculate how much you're mathematically expected to lose based on house edge, bet size, and number of bets. Essential for setting realistic gambling budgets.
Calculate Expected Loss
Understanding House Edge
The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino has on every bet. It's built into the game rules and cannot be overcome through any strategy (except card counting in blackjack, which casinos prevent).
What This Means
A 4% house edge means that for every 100 wagered, the casino expects to keep 4 on average. This doesn't happen on every bet. You'll win some and lose some, but over time, your results will trend toward the expected loss.
Important Notes
This calculator shows expected (average) outcomes. Actual results vary significantly due to variance. You might lose more, or you might win in a session. But the longer you play, the more likely your results approach the expected loss.
Treat this as the "cost" of entertainment. If the expected loss exceeds what you'd pay for other entertainment, reconsider your play duration or bet size.
Understanding House Edge
House edge is the mathematical advantage casinos have over players. It represents the percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep over time. A 2% house edge means the casino keeps 2 cents of every dollar wagered on average.
House Edge by Game
Different games have vastly different house edges. Blackjack with basic strategy has around 0.5% edge. European roulette has 2.7%. American roulette jumps to 5.26% due to the extra zero. Slot machines range from 2% to 15% depending on the game. Always know the house edge before you play.
How House Edge Affects Your Bankroll
House edge compounds with playing time. A 2% edge might seem small, but betting 100 dollars per hour at a game with 2% edge costs 2 dollars per hour on average. Over a four-hour session, that is 8 dollars expected loss regardless of short-term results.
Reducing Your Exposure
Choose games with lower house edge. Learn optimal strategy where applicable. Take breaks to reduce total betting volume. Accept that the house always has an edge and budget accordingly.