We’ve all heard the saying: “The house always wins.” And, in the end, it’s the truth, as the house always has a slight edge. So, what’s the purpose of this article, would you ask? The thing is that experienced gamblers know some tricks that do tilt the odds in their favor. It’s your time to adopt these strategies as well.
But what are they, and where do they start? All things are explained in this guide.
What is the House Edge and How Does it Work in Different Games?
Whether we like it or not, casinos have to benefit from their activities. It’s where the house edge comes into play. It is the built-in advantage that casinos have over players. Every game has its edge, and it varies widely. For example:
- Slots have a high house edge, often around 5% to 10%.
- Blackjack offers a lower edge, usually around 0.5%, with perfect play. Strategy matters here, and it’s one of the few games where skill can make a difference.
- Roulette has different edges depending on the version. European roulette has a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette’s double zero boosts it to 5.26%.
- Baccarat keeps it simple: betting on the banker gives the casino an edge of about 1.06%, making it one of the better choices for players.
- Craps offers a range of bets, with some carrying no house edge (like odds bets) and others having high risk.
So, how can a simple gambler like you and me win in the end? We’ll discuss some of the tricks below, but let me explain this first: where you gamble matters. A trustworthy platform will employ RTGs or random number generators. This technology guarantees that all outcomes are completely unpredictable and unaltered.
But how do you know if the casino is fair? First and foremost, those sites will run regular certifications.
- The UK Gambling Commission
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- ECORGA
- iTech Labs
These are the big gambling names that guarantee your experience is trustworthy.
One of my favorite fair places these days is Playfina. The site owns a license from Curacao eGaming (one of the most reputable ones in the gambling industry) and runs regular checks. Sites like this one have nothing to fear, so they actively encourage similar certifications as they help verify their reputation.
6 Strategies to Beat the House
1. Card Counting in Blackjack
Card counting is famous, thanks to movies and legends. It involves tracking high and low cards to gauge when the deck favors the player. While it can lower the edge percentage, casinos don’t like it. They’ll ban you if they catch you, and it’s tougher with automatic shufflers. But if you’re an experienced enough gambler to track all those cards, you’re good to go with this method.
2. Martingale Betting System
The Martingale system is simple: double your bet after every loss, hoping to recover all losses with one win. It sounds good on paper, but it’s risky. You need a big bankroll, and table limits can stop you from chasing your losses indefinitely.
3. The Paroli System
This strategy is the opposite of Martingale’s. Instead of doubling down after losses, you double up after wins. The idea is to ride winning streaks and cut losses quickly. It’s less risky but doesn’t change the house edge.
4. Betting the Banker in Baccarat
Betting on the banker every time gives you the best odds in baccarat. There’s no skill, just statistics. A casino takes a small commission, but it’s still the safest bet on the table.
5. Setting Win and Loss Limits
It’s not a strategy to beat the house, but a way to beat yourself. Set strict limits on how much you’re willing to win or lose in a session. Walking away when you’re ahead or before you’re broke is the real victory in any game.
6. Dice Control in Craps
Dice control is the idea that a skilled shooter can influence the outcome of a roll by controlling how the dice are thrown. The goal is to reduce randomness and land more favorable numbers. While it’s nearly impossible to master, some experienced players believe it gives them a slight edge.
Conclusion
Now you know that the house edge will exist in any case, and it will influence your play, either. What to do then? First, accept that a casino is slightly more likely to win. And then, just enjoy the game. Never approach gambling as the way to win money because it isn’t meant for that. But isn’t brilliant in entertaining you. Use it that way! Happy gambling!
