WELCOME BONUS 300%
UP TO €2000 + 100
FREE SPINS
UP TO €2000 + 100
FREE SPINS
Home → Games
Casino games at Irwin Casino
How Much Does One Mistake Cost in 100 Hands?
Blackjack Surrender, where a player folds after the dealer checks for blackjack, reduces the house edge by approximately 0.08 percentage points. This rule modifies the standard game, offering a strategic exit to mitigate losses. A player opting for this option forfeits half of their wager. This particular rule is noted as being less valuable than Early Surrender, which can reduce the house edge by up to 0.6 percentage points, though it is extremely rare.
In contrast, Blackjack Insurance, a side bet when the dealer shows an ace, carries a house edge of 7.47% over 6-8 decks. This bet, which can be up to 50% of the main wager, is generally advised against by basic strategy, except for card counters with a true count of +3 or higher. At a single deck, the advantage for the house is approximately 5.88%.
Considering these figures, a consistent error in evaluating side bets like insurance versus utilizing strategic surrender options can lead to significant cumulative losses over time. For instance, repeatedly taking insurance when not advantageous could result in a higher effective house edge, impacting player returns over 100 hands more substantially than a single surrender decision.
How many sectors does the Game Show wheel have?
European Roulette operates with 37 sectors, including numbers 1 through 36 and a single zero. The payouts are set as if there were only 36 sectors, which consistently establishes a house edge on all bets. This design results in a Return to Player (RTP) of 97.30%, with a house advantage of 2.70%.
American Roulette, on the other hand, features 38 sectors, comprising numbers 1 through 36, a single zero, and a double zero. Despite offering the same payout ratios as European Roulette, the inclusion of an additional sector doubles the house edge to 5.26%. The RTP for American Roulette is consequently lower at 94.74%.
The 'Five Number Bet' in American Roulette, covering sectors 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, is particularly disadvantageous. It presents a house edge of 7.89%, which is the highest on the American wheel and significantly worse than standard bets. This bet does not have a direct equivalent on the European roulette wheel, which avoids such high-edge specific wagers.
Variance at the Table: 1:1 vs. 35:1
The payout structure in casino games significantly impacts variance and the house edge. For example, a Straight bet in Roulette, paying 35:1, contributes to the house edge, as it is one less than a purely mathematical 36:1 payout would suggest for a single-number bet. European and French Roulette (without La Partage on inside bets) offer a 97.30% RTP, translating to a 2.70% house advantage across all bets.
In contrast, side bets can exhibit much higher variance and house edges. Baccarat's Tie bet, with a payout of 9:1, has an RTP of 95.16% and a house edge of 4.84%. While this is an improvement from a potential 14.36% edge, it remains considerably less favorable than the Banker or Player bets.
For high rollers, understanding these differences is crucial. Games like Sic Bo with special bets, such as a Single Number bet, can range in RTP from 81.48% to 92.13%, with a house edge between 7.87% and 18.52%. The Specific Triple bet, for instance, pays 180:1 but carries a substantial house advantage, leading to higher potential swings in bankroll.
Player pays 1:1 without any commission
The Player bet in Baccarat is a fundamental wager that pays 1:1, meaning a player receives their original bet back plus an equal amount in winnings. This bet offers a high RTP of 99.08%, resulting in a low house edge of just 0.92%. This makes it one of the most favorable bets available at the casino for players.
This favorable RTP is achieved because the Player bet, unlike the Banker bet, does not typically incur a commission on winnings. The Banker bet, while also offering a competitive RTP of 99.41% and a house edge of 0.60%, usually includes a 5% commission deducted from wins, which slightly alters the net return to the player.
For a high roller seeking consistent returns and lower volatility, consistently placing bets on the Player in Baccarat, which pays 1:1 without commission, is a strategically sound approach. This allows for longer play sessions and a reduced impact of the house advantage compared to less favorable bets.
Straight 35:1 Instead of 36:1: Where House Edge Originates
The origin of the house edge in many casino games lies in the difference between true odds and the payouts offered. For instance, a Straight bet in Roulette, covering a single number, pays 35:1. Mathematically, with 37 possible outcomes on a European wheel, the true odds of hitting a specific number are 36:1, creating a 2.70% house edge.
This discrepancy is evident across various bets. In European Roulette, all bets, whether inside or outside, maintain this 2.70% house advantage because the payouts are consistently adjusted to reflect the 37 sectors. For example, even money bets like Red/Black pay 1:1, but the presence of the zero sector means a win is not guaranteed 50% of the time.
Similarly, in Baccarat, the Tie bet, paying 9:1, has a significantly higher house edge of 4.84% compared to the Banker or Player bets. This elevated edge originates from the payout not fully reflecting the probability of a tie occurring, making it a less attractive option for players prioritizing lower house advantage.
Game categories at a glance
| Category | Examples | Stakes From | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slots | Cygnus 4, Starburst, Gonzo's Quest Megaways | 0,10 EUR | thousands of titles |
| Table games | Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat | 0,50 EUR | classic rules |
| Live casino | Quantum Blackjack Plus Live, PowerUP Roulette | 0,20 EUR | real dealers |
| Jackpot games | Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, Age of the Gods | 0,20 EUR | progressive pools |
| Instant games | Aviator, Plinko, Mines | 0,10 EUR | fast rounds |
| Video poker | Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild | 0,25 EUR | strategy based |
Why the Double Zero Almost Doubles the House Edge
The American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets, including both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This configuration results in a house edge of 5.26% on all bets placed on this wheel type. Compared to its European counterpart, this additional pocket significantly impacts player returns over time.
In contrast, European Roulette utilizes a wheel with only 37 pockets, comprising numbers 1-36 plus a single zero (0). This design leads to a more favorable house edge of 2.70% for the player. The difference of 2.56 percentage points highlights the substantial disadvantage introduced by the double zero.
For instance, the 'Five Number Bet' on American Roulette, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, pays 6:1 but carries the highest house edge of 7.89%. This specific bet demonstrates how the double zero pocket inflates the casino's advantage beyond the standard 5.26% found on other American Roulette bets.
Soft 17: the Ace counts 11 or 1
In certain Blackjack variations, the dealer must stand on a 'soft 17', which is a hand totalling 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. This rule benefits the player by reducing the dealer's opportunities to improve their hand. The house edge for Blackjack with 6 Decks, S17, DAS, DOA, and a 3:2 payout is 0.46%.
The presence of 'Dealer stands on Soft 17' as a rule significantly impacts the game's mathematics. This rule, when applied, contributes to a lower house advantage compared to scenarios where the dealer hits on soft 17. For example, Blackjack 6 Decks with these rules offers an RTP of 99.54%.
The decision for the dealer to stand or hit on soft 17 is a critical rule affecting player strategy and overall return to player. Adhering to basic strategy is imperative for achieving the optimal RTP of 99.54% in this specific Blackjack variant. Insurance, a side bet, has a significantly higher house edge of 7.47%.
Sic Bo Pays from 1:1 to 180:1
Sic Bo offers a wide array of betting options, with payouts ranging dramatically from 1:1 for simple bets to 180:1 for the 'Specific Triple' bet. The house edge in Sic Bo varies significantly across these wagers, spanning from 7.87% to a high of 18.52%.
Among the special bets, the 'Single Number' bet presents the lowest house advantage at 7.87%, offering payouts of 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 depending on how many dice match the chosen number. Conversely, the 'Specific Double' bet is the least favorable, carrying the highest house edge of 18.52% with a payout of 10:1.
The 'Any Triple' bet offers a payout of 30:1, but comes with a substantial house edge of 13.89%. For players seeking the highest potential payout, the 'Specific Triple' pays an impressive 180:1, but this comes at the cost of the highest house advantage in the game at 16.20%.
Roulette Wheel with 37 vs 38 Pockets
The number of pockets on a roulette wheel directly influences the house edge. European Roulette, with 37 pockets (1-36 and a single zero), offers a more player-friendly house edge of 2.70% across all bets. This is achieved because payouts are based on 36 numbers, but the presence of zero reduces the player's odds.
American Roulette, however, features 38 pockets, including both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This leads to a significantly higher house edge of 5.26% on most bets. The added '00' pocket increases the casino's advantage by essentially doubling the disadvantage for players on standard outside bets like Red/Black.
French Roulette with the 'La Partage' rule provides an RTP of 98.65% on even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low), reducing the house edge to 1.35%. This rule, where half the bet is returned on a zero, only applies to even-chance bets, making it a valuable option for players focusing on these specific wager types.
Double Down: Doubling Your Bet After Two Cards
The 'Double Down' option in Blackjack allows a player to double their initial bet after receiving their first two cards, in exchange for receiving only one additional card. This strategic move is most advantageous when the player holds a strong starting hand, such as a total of 10 or 11. This feature is available in Blackjack 6 Decks, S17, DAS, DOA, with a 3:2 payout, which has a house edge of 0.46%.
The availability of 'Double Down after Split' (DAS) further enhances player options and can reduce the house edge. When this rule is in effect, alongside 'Double Down on any two cards' (original description did not specify any two cards, but this is implied by the general rules of Blackjack), the game becomes more favorable. Blackjack with 6 Decks, S17, DAS, DOA, RTP 99.54%, offers favorable conditions for strategic play.
Understanding when to utilize the 'Double Down' is crucial for high rollers aiming to maximize their potential winnings. While a standard win pays 1:1, doubling down strategically can significantly increase the payout on a favorable hand. The house edge of 0.46% on Blackjack 6 Decks, S17, DAS, DOA, means that skillful application of doubling down can lead to better overall results.
Craps: Pass Line plus Odds lowers the average
The Pass Line bet in Craps offers a house edge of 1.41%, calculated based on a 1:1 payout for a win and a push on a 7. However, when combined with Free Odds, the house edge on this combination can be reduced to 0.37%. This is achieved by allowing players to bet additional amounts on favourable outcomes after a point has been established, with these Odds bets paying out at true odds.
For example, a Pass Line bet with a 3-4-5x Odds bet allows for a multiplier up to five times the initial bet on the Odds. The Free Odds portion of this wager has a 0.00% house edge, meaning it pays out at mathematically accurate odds. This strategic inclusion of Odds significantly enhances the player's return, making it a key feature for those seeking lower house advantages.
The combined house edge for the Pass Line and 3-4-5x Odds is approximately 0.37% per roll, a substantial improvement over the Pass Line alone. This reduction means that for every 100 units wagered across both bets, an average of only 0.37 units is retained by the casino over the long term, demonstrating its appeal to high rollers.
37 vs. 38 Sectors: What the Double Zero Costs
American Roulette, with its 38 sectors including both 0 and 00, presents a house edge of 5.26%. This is directly attributable to the presence of the double zero, which increases the number of possible outcomes without a proportional increase in payouts. A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1, but the actual odds of hitting that number are 37 to 1.
In contrast, European Roulette, featuring only a single 0 and thus 37 sectors, offers a significantly lower house edge of 2.70% on all bets. This 2.56% difference in house edge arises solely from the absence of the double zero. For high rollers, this means a considerably larger portion of wagers are returned over time when playing on a European wheel.
The cost of the double zero in American Roulette is evident across all bet types. For instance, an even-money bet like Red or Black pays 1:1. While this payout seems fair, the presence of two zero sectors (0 and 00) means that these bets lose if either zero appears, effectively doubling the house advantage on such wagers compared to a single-zero game.
Declining Insurance: The Most Common Blackjack Mistake
Blackjack Insurance, a side bet offered when the dealer's upcard is an Ace, carries a substantial house edge of 7.47% for a typical 6-8 deck shoe. This bet typically pays 2:1, and it is essentially a wager on whether the dealer has a Blackjack. The theoretical return to player (RTP) for this bet is a mere 92.53%, making it unfavorable for most players.
Standard basic strategy dictates that players should always decline the insurance bet, except in specific card-counting scenarios where the true count is significantly positive (three or higher). For a single deck game, the house edge on insurance can be as low as approximately 5.88%, but it remains a negative expectation bet for the vast majority of players.
The consequence for high rollers is clear: consistently taking the insurance bet will erode their bankroll at a significantly faster rate. Over an extended playing session, accepting this side bet instead of folding it will lead to a demonstrably lower overall RTP, impacting profitability and increasing the effective house edge on their total play.
House Edge and RTP: Two Names for the Same Number
The House Edge and the theoretical Return to Player (RTP) are two sides of the same coin, quantifying the casino's advantage over time. A house edge of 2.70% in French Roulette (with La Partage on even money bets) directly corresponds to an RTP of 97.30%. This means that, over an immense number of plays, for every €100 wagered, €97.30 is expected to be returned to players.
These figures represent long-term averages calculated over millions of simulated game rounds. For example, Baccarat's Player Pair side bet has a high house edge of 10.36%, translating to an RTP of 89.64%. This indicates that, statistically, for every €100 placed on this specific side bet, €89.64 is expected to be paid back to the player in the long run.
Understanding these metrics is crucial for high rollers. A game with a lower house edge, such as Blackjack with a 0.15% edge (RTP 99.85%), offers a more favorable environment for sustained play compared to a game with a higher edge, like American Roulette's 5.26% house edge (RTP 94.74%). The difference directly impacts how long a bankroll can last and the potential for profit.
Double Down: double bet, only one card
The Double Down option in Blackjack allows a player to double their initial bet in exchange for receiving only one more card. This is a strategic move typically employed when the player holds a strong starting hand, such as a total of 10 or 11 against a dealer's upcard. In Blackjack with a 3:2 payout, a successful doubled down bet can significantly increase winnings.
When a player doubles down, the bet amount is effectively doubled, and they are committed to standing on the single card received. This maneuver is particularly advantageous in games with a low house edge, such as Blackjack with 6 decks at a 0.46% house edge, where basic strategy dictates opportune moments for doubling.
The consequence for high rollers is that judicious use of the Double Down can improve their overall RTP. By strategically doubling down on favorable hands, players can leverage the lower house edge of Blackjack to their advantage, potentially turning a modest win into a larger one with a single, well-timed decision, although it limits the number of cards received to one.
Contact
Live - online chat
Banking
Providers
Irwin Casino 2026