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Everything You Need To Know About The House Edge in Blackjack

by ReadyBetGo Editor

There are many different casino games you could play at the casino. Be it at an online casino or a brick-and-mortar land based establishment. Whatever the case, trying to learn how to play blackjack isReadyBetGo EditorThere are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry  When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
  an absolute must.

Why?

Well, there are many reasons. However, blackjack is a fun and easy game. It does require some strategy if you want to play it well, but most of it is down to simple luck. So it is like a happy middle ground between high strategy poker, and total luck roulette.

However, one of the best things about blackjack is the house edge. But, if you are new to gambling, casinos, or even just blackjack, you probably have some questions.

So, instead of leaving you to do your own research we have it here for you.

This is all you need to know about the house edge in blackjack!

The House Edge Is Not Just A Number

To some the house edge may look like just a random number. However, it is far from that.

The house edge will differ depending on where you play, every casino sets it differently. If you play at multiple casinos, it will be different at each one. It can vary from a measly 0.5% to a higher 4%.

It is always ideal to know what the house edge is.

The house edge is the advantage the casino has over you. So, if a house edge is 5% then you would expect to lose about a 5% average of each bet you wager. So if you were to bet $100, then you would expect to lose $5 per bet.

It sounds super simple, but it is not so black and white. If you played a game in which you made 60 bets each hour, and the house edge was 5% then you would expect to lose $300 if you bet $100 each time.

If you played with only a 1% house edge, then it would only be $60 of losses. This is a significant difference when you think the percentage is only a 4% difference!

You need to remember that blackjack is about more than wins and loses though. Knowing this stuff gives you power, but you want the best chance to win too which means applying strategy.

It Is Only Really Applicable For High Bet Samples

If you look at our above example then you will be able to tell that these percentages can be one big difference. However, they only really apply to big bet samples.

If you’re playing $100 per bet, it matters. But, if you are only playing $10 or less per bet, it will not be so significant.

Small clutch bets are not so impacted, and you cannot tell what it is so easily with small bets. You need a big bet amount to be able to tell what it is in the first place.

Similarly, if you place small bets and win, your wins won’t be so impacting. However, a big bet will be. Although this really does stand for all games and all house edges.

Blackjack Has One Of The Lowest House Edges

Now, onto why those who pay mind to the house edge love blackjack so much. It is a low house edge. In most other casino games the house edge will be higher. Roulette, poker, and craps all have a much higher house edge.

Blackjack can be very low. This does mean it is not as profitable as other games, which may make you ask why casinos keep it around.

The reasoning for this is likely the same reason why some gas stations will have their gas prices significantly lower than others. It brings in interest and attention, so while the house edge may be lower, a game like this will attract more beginner players who do not want to risk major losses.

However, it will also attract players who do not have as big a bankroll as others, as they have a chance to play for longer with what they have.

In some ways, because of the house edge, blackjack may be referred to as a ‘carnival game’ in some instances.

With Basic Strategy The House Edge Is Only 0.5% In Blackjack

If you only use basic blackjack strategy, you could be looking at a minimal house edge of only 0.5%. This is a beautiful number, and depending on your level of skill it could go up or down.

This means if you are a skilled player, you could decrease it down to almost nothing! However, if you are a bad player you could expect it to increase to 1.5% or 2%, which is why it is highly recommended to get well versed with basic strategy and get in that practice !

In fact, this house edge is so low it almost seems like a scam, but then again so do deals on low gas prices. But, in some ways this low house edge draws in attention from a wider range of players. So, it is actually still profitable.

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