Blackjack House Edge Explained

There is a very good reason as to why online blackjack (and the in-person version) is the most popular game in any casino: it typically has the lowest house edge.

On this page, we will explain exactly what house edge is and how house edge works as it relates to the game of blackjack.

♠️ What is house edge?

The house edge is the mathematical advantage that a casino (aka the house) has over a player during a time period. 

Casinos, including the best online casinos, make so much money over time because of the house edge. No matter the game, the player is at a disadvantage. House edge lets you know how much of a disadvantage you're dealing with.

The opposite of house edge is called “Return to Player (RTP).” This represents the percentage of wagers that the player will get back over a period of time.

So, when you are gambling, you'll want to find games that have a low house edge and a high return to player. 

🏠 What is house edge in blackjack?

Blackjack is the people’s choice when it comes to casino table games because of its low house edge and high RTP. The house edge in blackjack ranges from just 0.36% to 2.48%. That is typically the lowest in the casino.

When you consider that a game like Keno has a house edge of up to 25%, and some slot machines can have a house edge of up to 15%, you start to understand why gamblers go gaga over blackjack.

If you are playing a 3:2 blackjack game with a house edge as low as 0.36% (which is ideal), you would get paid $15 for a $10 bet on blackjack. That is exceptional for any casino game.

Here is a look at how the house edge in blackjack stacks up against some other casino games.

🂡 Why does the dealer have an advantage in blackjack?

The dealer has an advantage in blackjack because the player goes first, and there is the chance that the player busts before the dealer even plays.

If the total value of your cards goes over 21, then you bust and lose. It doesn’t matter what the dealer has for a hand at that point.

🆚 What is the difference between 3:2 blackjack and 6:5 blackjack?

The difference between 3:2 blackjack and 6:5 blackjack is significant. The house edge for a game that pays 6:5 blackjack is three times higher than it is for 3:2 blackjack. As an example, if you hit a blackjack on a $10 bet at a 3:2 payout, you’ll get $15 back. You would only get $12 back on a $10 blackjack win at a 6:5 table.

Unfortunately, 3:2 blackjack tables are getting harder and harder to find at brick-and-mortar and the best sweepstakes casinos. There are still some cheap Las Vegas blackjack tables worth visiting, but it’s much easier to find 3:2 blackjack online.

➖ How can I reduce house edge in blackjack?

In order to reduce the house edge in blackjack, you will want to find 3:2 blackjack over 6:5 blackjack, first and foremost.

Also, be on the lookout for casino bonuses at online blackjack sites. They can significantly increase your chance of winning.

You will want to become a master of blackjack basic strategy. Basic strategy guides you on when to hit, stand, double-down, or split. It is based on straight-up mathematics, and not on your emotions.

Experience is paramount. The more you play and the more you understand the game of blackjack, the better prepared you will be at the table. You can practice by playing free online blackjack.

Once you have basic strategy down pat, you might be ready to use some advanced blackjack strategy, such as card counting.

Card counting involves keeping track of the cards that have been used. Card counters keep a running count of high and low cards and use a mathematical formula to influence how they should play their hands.