Why rules matter: Published estimates can span 0.2–5%+. The relevant number depends on the exact rules, wager, pay table, and strategy—not merely the game name.
What changes the math
- The pay table—not the cabinet artwork—defines the game.
- Small payout changes can materially change return.
- Optimal holds differ by variant.
A practical approach
Identify the exact pay table before you play or study a strategy. A house-edge figure is useful only when it describes the actual rules and wager in front of you.
What house edge really means
House edge does not predict what percentage of your bankroll you will lose in one visit. It describes the casino’s expected share of total action over a very large sample. Short-term results can sit far above or below that average.