Calculate the expected value of various casino bets and games to identify the best options.
Expected Value (EV) in casino games represents the average amount you can expect to win or lose per bet over the long run. It's calculated by multiplying each possible outcome by its probability and then summing all these values.
Most casino games have a negative expected value, also known as the house edge, which ensures the casino's profit over time. However, the house edge varies significantly between different games and bet types.
This calculator helps you compare the expected value of various casino bets to make more informed decisions about which games offer the best odds.
Calculate the expected value of a casino bet or compare common casino games.
Blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino, especially when playing with basic strategy. The exact house edge depends on the specific rules of the table and the player's skill level.
House Edge Range: 0.5% - 2% (with basic strategy)
Tip: Learn basic strategy to minimize the house edge. Single-deck games generally offer better odds than multi-deck games.
Roulette comes in two main varieties: European (with a single zero) and American (with both a zero and double zero). The addition of the double zero in American roulette nearly doubles the house edge.
European Roulette House Edge: 2.7%
American Roulette House Edge: 5.26%
Tip: Always choose European roulette when available. All bets on the table have the same house edge (except for the "top line" bet in American roulette, which has a higher 7.89% house edge).
Baccarat is one of the simplest games to play and offers very good odds. There are three possible bets: Player, Banker, and Tie.
Banker Bet House Edge: 1.06% (usually has a 5% commission on wins)
Player Bet House Edge: 1.24%
Tie Bet House Edge: 14.36%
Tip: The Banker bet has the lowest house edge, even after the commission. Avoid the Tie bet, which has one of the highest house edges in the casino.
Craps offers some of the best bets in the casino, but also some of the worst. Stick to the Pass Line and Don't Pass bets for the lowest house edge.
Pass Line/Come Bet House Edge: 1.41%
Don't Pass/Don't Come Bet House Edge: 1.36%
Place 6 or 8 Bet House Edge: 1.52%
Any 7 Bet House Edge: 16.67%
Tip: Taking odds behind a Pass Line bet has zero house edge, making it one of the best bets in the casino. Avoid proposition bets in the center of the table, which have much higher house edges.
Slot machines vary widely in their house edge (or "return to player" percentage), but generally have a higher house edge than table games.
Typical House Edge Range: 5% - 15%
Tip: Look for machines that advertise a higher payback percentage. Online slots often have better odds than physical casino slots.
Determine if a bet offers value by calculating its expected return.
Convert between decimal, fractional, American, and implied probability formats.
Convert odds to implied probabilities to better understand the true chance of winning.