Slots Casino Advantage

The saying that the house always wins is quite popular in the gambling world and it has become a sort of truism. It can be heard from just about any experienced player and has been around for as long as the casinos have. But is there any truth to that statement and if so how does it affect your gameplay? While there are many myths surrounding this topic, you will surely want concrete facts based on evidence or experience. If you are hoping to find out the truth about the casino advantage in slots game read on. In this article, we will go over all relevant information about casino advantage and everything else that might be of interest to you regarding this topic.

House Edge Explained

House EdgeThe house edge is one of the most important factors in the gambling industry and while its presence is not often felt, it is certainly vital for the whole process. What we refer to as house edge can be described as the statistical advantage that the establishment has over players. It is the primary way that the casino makes its revenue and it often goes undetected by gamblers. By statistical advantage, we mean the discrepancy between the odds of winning a bet and the payout ratio for that bet. For example, if the odds of forming a winning combination in slots is 1 in 100 and the payout ratio for that is 95:1, that small difference constitutes the house edge. Therefore, if you place 100 bets totalling $100 you can expect to receive on average $95 in winnings. This $5 difference is kept by the casino as profit and that makes up the house advantage.

There are additional factors to consider when looking at the house edge of a given slot. For starters, each game comes with its own specific house edge percentages and in the realm of slots, that can vary wildly. Furthermore, the house edge only comes into effect after hundreds of thousands of spins and thus, it is only effective in the long term. In the case of slots, it is programmed into the game itself, with each title keeping a percentage of the total turnover in the long run.

RTP Explained

RTP ExplainedHaving covered the house edge, it is time to take a look at the Return-to-player values. It is a common saying that the house always wins, but how can that be true if certain players have made out with a large amount of profit. This is where the RTP becomes a factor to consider. Contrary to popular belief, the house does not keep the majority of bets placed on the games, rather only a small percentage that we consider the house edge. In fact, most of the money wagered at a casino gets paid out as winnings, either to the same player or to different ones. It is not uncommon for a gambling website to pay out more than 90% of all funds wagered. This is what we refer to as return-to-player percentage, which is the opposite of the house edge. The two are inherently entwined and one is always dependent on the other. Calculating the RTP is done by subtracting the house edge percentage from 100%, with the remaining number representing the RTP.

Much like the house edge, the RTP values of a game are only effective in the long term and this is what allows gambling to be profitable for some players. The casino will have its due, but what happens after that is anyone’s guess. It is what makes it possible for certain players to make off with millions by winning a jackpot while for others to spin all night and leave with empty pockets. With the results of each outcome being fully random, anything is possible in the short term and this is how some gamblers are able to win.

Long-Term Effects of the House Advantage

RNGAs we have mentioned above, the house edge and the respective RTP are only effective in the long run and as such, short term gaming sessions are not really affected. But what is the effect of the casino advantage in the long term? The truth of the matter is that the casino always keeps its due over a long period of time. As we have mentioned, the house edge and RTP percentages even out to their official numbers over the course of hundreds of thousands or even millions of spins. If you have made a profit from playing a slot game, chances are you have beaten the odds for the gaming session. However, if you continue playing for long enough, odds are that you will likely lose your winnings. Granted, in the short term the RNG systems make any outcome a possibility, but in the grand scheme of things, the establishment will take the percentage of the total turnover. In light of this, we recommend that you play for as long as the game is profitable. If you have made a substantial amount of money, it may be best to call it quits as if you continue to play the danger of losing your money increases.

Low and High Volatility in Slots

SlotsThe volatility of slot games is also something that you should consider when choosing a game to play. Unlike the house edge or RTP, volatility has a more noticeable effect on the general gameplay and on your bankroll. Volatility refers to the inherent risk of a game or plainly put, how much and how often you can expect a game to pay out.

Slots are divided into low and high volatility denominations. Titles with higher volatility carry more risk, but also the opportunity for higher rewards, while the opposite is true for a low volatility game. In a high volatility game, you will experience less frequent wins thought you will also score larger rewards when you do hit a winning combination. These are suitable for players with larger budgets, as some time may pass before you score a win. But once you do, it will have been worth the wait. The problem with these games is that you may quickly become bored with them since not a lot happens during the general gameplay.

Watch Video Explaining What is Slot Machine Volatility


As for low volatility slots, they take the slow and steady approach. You will see more winning combinations form on the reels, but the rewards will be humble for the most part. These games will keep your interest for longer, though you may not have much to show for it at the end of your gaming session. Additionally, they are more appealing to casual players as they do not require a significant investment before you score a win.

FAQ about the Casino Advantage

While we have given you a rundown of the basics about house edge and RTP, there is only so much information that we can fit in a single article. You likely have more questions to ask and if so, please look below. We have compiled a list of common misconceptions and questions about the topic along with detailed answers for each.

Does the house edge guarantee a loss?

How can I calculate the odds for a slot game?

If there is a casino advantage how can the games be fair?

Do different casinos offer different house edge percentages on the same game?

Do gambling websites disclose the house edge value of their games?

Is it possible to beat the house advantage?

What level of house edge is acceptable?

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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:

Dan Bertha

Why do slots have house edge percentage rates that are significantly higher than the house advantage on other casino games?

Asked by: Bertha | Asked on: 2023-10-16
Answered by: Dan | Answered on: 2023-10-17

It may seem that slots often have higher house edge rates just because most recreational players prefer betting money on slots, making them extremely popular, hence bringing the house more money. However, the house edge of slots is not randomly determined and there are several factors that affect the potential player return and the corresponding house advantage.

The volatility of a slot will directly affect the RTP of the game. High-volatility slots are considered riskier as they can award higher payouts but the game itself pays less frequently. Since higher payouts of high-volatility slots can skew the balance, such slots often have a higher house edge and lower RTP, respectively. Many slots feature various bonus games, special symbols, or progressive jackpots. Such elements increase the risk but can also boost the potential payouts, which is another reason to lower the RTP and increase the house edge. Of course, there are other factors like the structure of slots or regulatory requirements that also have an impact on the house edge that slots tend to have.