Odds, Probability & Bankroll

Blackjack house edge percentage

Typical range

0.5% to 1% with basic strategy¹

Example

0.6% house edge = 6 cents expected loss per $10 bet²

Main cause

Player acts first; if both bust, the player loses¹

Key points

• The edge is measured against the original wager only, not against additional bets from doubles or splits.²³
• Rule variations and strategy quality can shift the percentage up or down; single deck can reduce the edge to 0.48%.⁴
• Blackjack’s house edge is typically lower than baccarat’s player bet (1.24%) or banker bet (1.06%).¹⁵

Where this term is used

• Odds and probability
• Blackjack

Not the same as

• House edge baccarat vs blackjack — a comparison page that contrasts the house edges of the two games, not a definition of blackjack's edge alone
• House edge craps vs blackjack — a comparison page that contrasts the house edges of craps and blackjack, not a definition of blackjack's edge alone

Related terms

Sources

1. Blackjack en.wikipedia.org Provides the typical house edge range (0.5%–1%) and the cause of the edge (player acts first).
2. House Edge of Casino Games Compared wizardofodds.com Gives the 0.6% example and confirms the edge is measured against the original wager.
3. Gambling Glossary wizardofodds.com Supports the definition of house edge as ratio of expected loss to initial bet.
4. Blackjack wizardofodds.com Provides rule-effect figures such as single deck 0.48%.
5. Baccarat en.wikipedia.org Provides baccarat house edge figures for comparison.

Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.