What Is House Edge?
House Edge is the casino advantage in a slot, calculated as 100% minus RTP. In other words, a 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge. This page explains what is house edge in slots in plain English.
What Is House Edge?
The house edge is the percentage advantage represented by the casino in a slot game. It is based on the game’s RTP, or return to player.
The calculation is:
> House edge = 100% – RTP
For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, its house edge is 4%. RTP and house edge describe the same theoretical relationship from opposite perspectives: RTP describes the return figure, while house edge describes the casino advantage.
How House Edge Works
To calculate the house edge, subtract the listed RTP from 100%.
| Slot RTP | House edge |
|---|---|
| 96% | 4% |
This calculation applies to the RTP figure shown for the slot. RTP can differ between casino versions, so check the game’s in-game information screen for the version being played.
Simple example
Suppose a slot has a 96% RTP. The calculation is:
100% – 96% = 4%
The result is a 4% house edge. This is the basic house edge meaning used when comparing slot RTP figures.
Common misconceptions
House edge is not a separate bonus feature, symbol or setting in the paytable. It is a calculated percentage based on RTP. A lower house edge means a higher RTP figure, while a higher house edge means a lower RTP figure.
The calculation also does not provide a prediction for an individual spin. It only expresses the relationship between the slot’s stated RTP and its house edge.
Examples in Popular Slots
The supplied data does not identify named popular slots or providers, so no real game names can be verified here. The available example is the 96% RTP slot described above.
| Name | Provider | RTP |
|---|---|---|
| Not listed | Not listed | 96% |
When comparing games, use the RTP shown in each game’s paytable or information screen and apply the same calculation. For a wider list of games, see games with RTP.
Related Terms
- House edge: The casino advantage, equal to 100% minus RTP.
- RTP: The percentage figure used to calculate house edge.
- Paytable: The in-game information area where slot details, including RTP when provided, may be shown.
- Slot: The game type discussed on this page.
You can also browse the site’s Glossary for related slot definitions.
FAQ
What is House Edge in slots?
House edge is the casino advantage, equal to 100% minus RTP. A 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge.
How do you calculate house edge?
Subtract the slot’s RTP from 100%. For example, 100% minus 96% equals a 4% house edge.
Is house edge the same as RTP?
They are opposite measures of the same percentage relationship. RTP is the listed return figure, while house edge is calculated as 100% minus RTP. For more comparisons, explore RTP figures to compare.
Where can I check a slot’s RTP?
Check the slot’s paytable or in-game information screen. RTP can differ between casino versions, so the version-specific information screen should be checked.
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