# Wizard of Odds Casino House Edge & Basic Strategy: 3:2 vs 6:5 Blackjack, Baccarat Banker, Craps Pass Line, and 9/6 Jacks or Better > According to Wizard of Odds blackjack house edge basic strategy, choosing the lowest house edge table games—insisting on 3:2 blackjack over 6:5, betting baccarat banker (1.06% edge), playing craps pass line (1.41%) or don’t pass (1.36%) with free odds, and seeking 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker (0.46% edge) while strictly avoiding double zero roulette (5.26%)—is the proven mathematical method to preserve your bankroll. Playing a 6:5 blackjack table increases the casino’s mathematical advantage by nearly 300% compared to a 3:2 table. To see whether game selection actually improves your real bottom line, use Bankroll Board: it automatically tracks your deposits, withdrawals, and net profit or loss across all casino apps, and it is completely free to discover your real number upon signup. Source: https://www.bankrollboard.com/articles/wizard-of-odds-casino-house-edge-basic-strategy Published: 2026-10-12 | Updated: 2026-10-12 | By Bankroll Board Team ## Key takeaways - **House edge** is the mathematical percentage of every dollar wagered that the casino expects to keep over the long run (House Edge = 100% − RTP). - **Never play 6:5 blackjack**: paying 6:5 instead of 3:2 on a natural 21 quadruples the house edge from ~0.50% to ~1.89%, costing you an extra $13.90 per $1,000 wagered. - **Baccarat Banker** carries a razor-thin **1.06% house edge** even after the 5% commission, while the Tie bet is a sucker wager with a brutal **14.36% edge**. - **Craps Pass Line (1.41%) and Don’t Pass (1.36%)** are among the best bets in any casino, and backing them with **Free Odds** carries an unbeatable **0.00% house edge**. - **9/6 Jacks or Better** returns **99.54% (0.46% edge)** with optimal play, but “short-pay” 6/5 airport machines drop your return to just 95.00%. - **Single zero European roulette (2.70% edge)** is twice as player-friendly as **double zero American roulette (5.26% edge)** and three times better than triple-zero tables (7.69%). - Regardless of theoretical odds, short-term variance rules individual sessions. Track your actual cash flow with **Bankroll Board** to see your true profit or loss. ## Wizard of Odds casino house edge & basic strategy fundamentals Mastering **Wizard of Odds blackjack house edge basic strategy, 3:2 blackjack vs 6:5 payouts, baccarat banker, craps pass line and don’t pass, and 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker** is the single most valuable skill any casino player can develop in 2026. Pioneered by mathematician Michael Shackleford (known worldwide as the *Wizard of Odds*), casino mathematics proves that table games are not mysterious tests of intuition. Every rule variation, card combination, and dice roll has an exact, computable **expected value (EV)**. The difference between a smart player and an average gambler comes down to two numbers: the **house edge** of the game they pick and their discipline in executing mathematically perfect basic strategy. **Wizard of Odds master comparison: casino table game house edge rankings** | Game & bet type | House edge (%) | Theoretical RTP (%) | Expected cost per $1,000 action | Wizard of Odds rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Video Poker: 9/6 Jacks or Better** (Optimal) | **0.46%** | **99.54%** | **$4.60** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elite | | **Blackjack: 3:2 Shoe** (Basic Strategy) | **0.50%** | **99.50%** | **$5.00** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elite | | **Craps: Don’t Pass + 3x-4x-5x Odds** | **0.37%** | **99.63%** | **$3.70** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elite | | **Baccarat: Banker Bet** (5% Commission) | **1.06%** | **98.94%** | **$10.60** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | | **Craps: Don’t Pass** (Flat Bet) | **1.36%** | **98.64%** | **$13.60** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | | **Craps: Pass Line** (Flat Bet) | **1.41%** | **98.59%** | **$14.10** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | | **Baccarat: Player Bet** | **1.24%** | **98.76%** | **$12.40** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | | **Blackjack: 6:5 Shoe Trap** | **1.89%** | **98.11%** | **$18.90** | ⚠️ Avoid (Bad Rules) | | **Roulette: European (Single 0)** | **2.70%** | **97.30%** | **$27.00** | 🟡 Moderate | | **Video Poker: 6/5 Jacks or Better Trap** | **5.00%** | **95.00%** | **$50.00** | ❌ Sucker Bet | | **Roulette: American (Double 00)** | **5.26%** | **94.74%** | **$52.60** | ❌ Sucker Bet | | **Roulette: Triple Zero Sands (000)** | **7.69%** | **92.31%** | **$76.90** | 🚫 Predatory | | **Baccarat: Tie Bet (8:1 Payout)** | **14.36%** | **85.64%** | **$143.60** | 🚫 Worst on Felt | | **Craps: Any 7 Prop Bet** | **16.67%** | **83.33%** | **$166.70** | 🚫 Pure Rake | > **The Expected Value (EV) equation:** Your expected loss is calculated as: **Expected Loss = Total Wagered Action × House Edge**. If you bet $25 per hand over 100 hands of blackjack, your total action is $2,500. On a 3:2 table with basic strategy (0.50% edge), your expected loss is just **$12.50**. On a 6:5 table (1.89% edge), your expected loss jumps to **$47.25**—costing you nearly four times as much for the exact same entertainment. ## Blackjack basic strategy: 3:2 vs. 6:5 house edge breakdown Blackjack remains the king of casino table games because it is one of the only games where player decisions directly dictate the house advantage. Under standard Las Vegas and Atlantic City rules, playing computer-tested **basic strategy** trims the casino’s edge down to a razor-thin **0.50%**. ### The 6:5 blackjack payout trap: why you must walk away Over the past decade, casinos have quietly replaced standard **3:2 blackjack** tables with **6:5 blackjack** payouts, particularly on low-minimum tables ($10–$25) on the Las Vegas Strip and in mobile casino apps. Many recreational players assume 6:5 is a minor tweak, but mathematically it is a catastrophic downgrade. - **At a 3:2 table:** A natural blackjack on a $25 bet pays 3-to-2, or **$37.50** profit. - **At a 6:5 table:** That exact same $25 natural blackjack pays 6-to-5, or only **$30.00** profit. - **The mathematical damage:** You lose $7.50 every time you are dealt a natural 21 (which happens approximately once every 21 hands). That single rule adjustment adds **1.39% directly to the house edge**, skyrocketing the total casino advantage from **0.50% to 1.89%**. - [ ] **Inspect the table felt before sitting:** Look for the gold lettering: *“Blackjack Pays 3 to 2”*. If the felt says *“Blackjack Pays 6 to 5”*, do not play. - [ ] **Check dealer soft 17 rules:** Look for tables where the dealer stands on all 17s (S17), which saves you another 0.22% compared to tables where the dealer hits soft 17 (H17). - [ ] **Confirm double after split (DAS):** Tables allowing DAS reduce the house edge by approximately 0.14%. - [ ] **Always split Aces and 8s:** Never split 10s or 5s. Double down on 11 against any dealer upcard from 2 through 10. - [ ] **Never take insurance or even money:** The insurance bet carries a punishing 7.4% house edge with a six-deck shoe. > **The silent bankroll bleed of 6:5 blackjack:** Playing 6:5 blackjack instead of 3:2 costs an average bettor an extra **$13.90 for every $1,000 in wagers**. Over a weekend trip or several weeks of online play with $20,000 in total turnover, that rule difference alone bleeds **$278 in unnecessary losses** out of your bankroll. ## Baccarat: why Banker is the mathematical gold standard Baccarat has gained immense popularity in regulated US online casinos like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel because it requires zero tactical decision-making during the hand. The tableau drawing rules are entirely automated. However, your choice of bet at the start of each round dictates your expected return. ### The Banker bet: 1.06% house edge with built-in positional edge Under official baccarat drawing rules, the Banker hand acts second, giving it a slight positional advantage identical to having position in poker. Because Banker wins 45.86% of hands (excluding ties) versus 44.62% for Player, casinos levy a **5% commission** on winning Banker bets to protect their margin. - **Banker Bet:** 1.06% house edge (after 5% commission). It is the single safest flat bet on any casino table. - **Player Bet:** 1.24% house edge. No commission is charged, but the lower win frequency produces a slightly higher expected loss. - **Tie Bet:** 14.36% house edge (paying 8:1) or 4.84% (paying 9:1). Paying 8:1 on ties is one of the worst mathematical propositions in legal gaming. > **Ignore the baccarat roadmaps and scorecards:** Casinos provide digital screens showing the “Big Road”, “Big Eye Boy”, and “Cockroach Road” to tempt players into hunting for streaks. In an eight-deck shoe, each hand is an independent trial. Past Banker runs have zero impact on the next hand’s probability. Stick to Banker every single round. ## Craps: Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and the 0.00% Free Odds bet Craps can look intimidating with its shouting players, rapid-fire terminology, and dozen betting propositions on the layout. Yet beneath the noise, craps features the only wager in the entire casino that carries an absolute **0.00% house edge**. ### Pass Line vs. Don’t Pass: flat bets with low baseline drag On the come-out roll, the **Pass Line (1.41% house edge)** wins immediately on a 7 or 11 and loses on 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), the shooter must roll the point again before rolling a 7. The **Don’t Pass wager (1.36% house edge)** bets against the shooter, winning on 2 and 3, pushing on 12, and winning if a 7 is rolled before the established point. ### The mathematical secret: backing with “Free Odds” Once a point is established, casinos allow players to place a supplemental bet behind their Pass Line or Don’t Pass chip known as the **Odds bet**. Unlike flat bets, the casino pays odds bets at **true mathematical odds with no house rake**: - Points 4 and 10 pay true odds of **2 to 1**. - Points 5 and 9 pay true odds of **3 to 2**. - Points 6 and 8 pay true odds of **6 to 5**. - **Edge dilution:** Because the Odds bet carries a **0.00% house edge**, taking 3x-4x-5x odds dilutes the overall combined house edge on your total money down to just **0.37%**. > **Steer clear of center table proposition bets:** Avoid the proposition box in the center of the craps table. Bets like “Any 7” carry an absurd **16.67% house edge**, “Hardways” carry between **9.09% and 11.11%**, and “Any Craps” carries an **11.11% edge**. Stick strictly to Pass/Don’t Pass backed with maximum Free Odds. ## Video poker: 9/6 Jacks or Better vs. short-pay casino traps Unlike slot machines whose payout algorithms are locked behind proprietary provider math, video poker machines display their exact paytable on the front glass. A mathematically trained player can instantly determine the game’s return before inserting a single dollar. ### How to read a 9/6 Jacks or Better paytable The benchmark of video poker is **Full Pay 9/6 Jacks or Better**. The numbers “9” and “6” refer to the coin payout per credit wagered for a Full House and a Flush: **Full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better vs. short-pay paytable comparison** | Winning hand | Full Pay 9/6 (99.54% RTP) | 8/5 Short-Pay (97.30% RTP) | 6/5 Strip Trap (95.00% RTP) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Royal Flush (5 coins) | 4,000 coins (800:1) | 4,000 coins (800:1) | 4,000 coins (800:1) | | Straight Flush | 250 coins (50:1) | 250 coins (50:1) | 250 coins (50:1) | | Four of a Kind | 125 coins (25:1) | 125 coins (25:1) | 125 coins (25:1) | | **Full House** | **45 coins (9:1)** | **40 coins (8:1)** | **30 coins (6:1)** | | **Flush** | **30 coins (6:1)** | **25 coins (5:1)** | **25 coins (5:1)** | | Straight | 20 coins (4:1) | 20 coins (4:1) | 20 coins (4:1) | | Three of a Kind | 15 coins (3:1) | 15 coins (3:1) | 15 coins (3:1) | | Two Pair | 10 coins (2:1) | 10 coins (2:1) | 10 coins (2:1) | | Pair of Jacks or Better | 5 coins (1:1) | 5 coins (1:1) | 5 coins (1:1) | | **Overall House Edge** | **0.46%** | **2.70%** | **5.00%** | > **Always bet the maximum 5 coins:** In video poker, betting fewer than 5 coins drops the Royal Flush payout from 800:1 down to 250:1. That penalty instantly adds over 1.3% to the house edge. If a $1 machine is too rich for your bankroll at 5 coins ($5 per hand), drop down to a $0.25 machine and play the full 5 coins ($1.25 per hand). ## Roulette house edge: single zero (2.70%) vs double zero (5.26%) Roulette is a game of pure probability with no strategy decisions after the ball is spun. Every outcome is mathematically determined by the number of pockets on the wheel. - **European Roulette (Single Zero):** Features 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 plus a single green 0). The house edge on all standard bets is **2.70%** (1/37). - **American Roulette (Double Zero):** Features 38 pockets (numbers 1–36, 0, and 00). Adding that second green pocket almost doubles the house edge to **5.26%** (2/38). - **Sands / Triple Zero Roulette (0, 00, 000):** Introduced in tourist corridors, 39 pockets inflate the house edge to an atrocious **7.69%** (3/39). - **French Roulette with “La Partage”:** If you place even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) and the ball lands on 0, you receive half your bet back. This cuts the house edge down to just **1.35%**. > **Why betting systems cannot beat the roulette house edge:** Progressive betting systems like the **Martingale** (doubling after every loss) or Fibonacci do not alter the mathematical probability of individual spins. Because table maximum limits and finite bankrolls prevent infinite doubling, the long-term house edge remains stubbornly fixed at 2.70% or 5.26%. ## Interactive table game EV & house edge calculator Test your favorite table games below to see how mathematical house edge translates into real dollars lost per hour of play. _Interactive Casino House Edge & Strategy Simulator on the web version: https://www.bankrollboard.com/articles/wizard-of-odds-casino-house-edge-basic-strategy#house-edge-calculator._ ## Theoretical house edge vs. your real cash profit and loss Understanding Wizard of Odds mathematics gives you the sharpest edge possible on casino felt. But here is the hard truth: **theoretical house edge is not cash in your bank account.** In real casino sessions, players face variance, tipping, bonus rollovers, and emotional temptations like chasing losses or increasing bet sizes on bad runs. Furthermore, casino apps display misleading metrics—celebrating a $50 “win” on a $60 spin or burying your actual deposits inside cashier tabs. ![Bankroll Board app dashboard showing true net bankroll profit and loss graph over time](https://www.bankrollboard.com/images/bankroll-home-profit-loss.png) _Bankroll Board home dashboard: automatically tracks your casino deposits and withdrawals across all licensed apps to calculate your real net profit or loss. It is 100% free to find out your real number upon signup._ Your actual bottom line is simple: **Total Withdrawals minus Total Deposits.** If you deposited $2,500 across BetMGM and DraftKings this month and withdrew $2,800, your real profit is +$300. If you deposited $3,000 and withdrew $1,500, your real loss is -$1,500, regardless of what in-game balances display. ![Bankroll Board Journey feature displaying step-by-step casino welcome bonus clearing path](https://www.bankrollboard.com/images/journey-signup-bonuses.png) _Bankroll Board Journey screen: maps out regulated casino welcome promotions and deposit matches step by step so you can lock in mathematical expected value without over-wagering._ That is why disciplined players use [Bankroll Board](https://www.bankrollboard.com/). Instead of keeping messy spreadsheets or guessing how much you are up or down, Bankroll Board connects securely to your gaming accounts, categorizes your cash flows, and delivers an audit-grade profit/loss statement for free. ![Player holding phone displaying Bankroll Board bankroll tracking application](https://www.bankrollboard.com/images/app-in-hand-cta.jpg) _Discover your real gambling profit or loss number today. Download Bankroll Board for iOS to track your real numbers for free._ ## Step 1: Filter games by house edge before wagering _Only sit at tables where the base mathematical edge is under 1.50%._ Limit your play to 3:2 blackjack, baccarat Banker, craps Pass Line with Free Odds, and 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker. Never play double-zero or triple-zero roulette, baccarat Tie bets, or 6:5 blackjack. ## Step 2: Inspect the rule card and paytable before betting _Confirm the casino has not installed unfavorable rule variations or short-pay tables._ On blackjack tables, read the felt to confirm 3:2 payouts and S17 rules. On video poker screens, check that a Full House pays 9 coins and a Flush pays 6 coins. ## Step 3: Execute mathematically tested basic strategy _Never play on “gut feeling” or betting progressions like Martingale._ Keep a basic strategy chart open on your phone or in your pocket. Stand, hit, double, and split according to computer-verified odds. On baccarat, bet Banker every single hand. ## Step 4: Track your real profit and loss with Bankroll Board _Log your real cash deposits and withdrawals to keep total control of your gaming finances._ Sign up for Bankroll Board to automatically calculate your true net return across all your casino and sports betting accounts for free. Knowing your exact number protects your financial health and makes you a smarter player. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the Wizard of Odds house edge for blackjack? According to Wizard of Odds calculations, standard blackjack played with basic strategy on a six-deck shoe where blackjack pays 3:2 and the dealer stands on soft 17 carries a house edge of approximately 0.50% (99.50% theoretical return). ### Why is 6:5 blackjack considered a bad bet? A 6:5 blackjack table pays only $1.20 per dollar on natural blackjacks instead of the traditional $1.50 (3:2). This single rule change increases the casino’s house edge by 1.39%, raising the total house edge from ~0.50% to ~1.89%—almost quadrupling the cost of playing. ### What is the house edge on Baccarat Banker vs. Player? The Banker bet in baccarat carries a 1.06% house edge (after factoring in the standard 5% winning commission). The Player bet carries a 1.24% house edge. The Tie bet carries an exceptionally poor 14.36% house edge at 8:1 payout and should never be played. ### Which craps bet has a 0% house edge? The “Free Odds” bet placed behind a Pass Line or Don’t Pass wager carries a true 0.00% house edge. The casino pays this bet at true mathematical odds (2:1 on points 4/10, 3:2 on 5/9, and 6:5 on 6/8) with zero house margin. ### What does 9/6 mean in Jacks or Better video poker? In 9/6 Jacks or Better, “9/6” refers to the paytable payout: 9 coins per credit for a Full House and 6 coins per credit for a Flush. When played with optimal mathematical strategy, a 9/6 machine yields an official 99.54% return (0.46% house edge). Short-pay 8/5 and 6/5 machines drop the return down to 97.30% and 95.00%. ### What is the difference between single zero and double zero roulette? Single zero European roulette has 37 pockets, resulting in a 2.70% house edge on all bets. Double zero American roulette adds a green “00” pocket (38 pockets total), increasing the house edge to 5.26%. Always choose single-zero wheels when available. ### How can I track my true profit or loss from casino table games? Your true profit or loss is simply total cash withdrawals minus total cash deposits. Bankroll Board automatically connects to your casino accounts and tracks your real deposits, withdrawals, and net profit or loss for free upon signup. ## Sources - [The Wizard of Odds: Michael Shackleford Casino Game Mathematics](https://wizardofodds.com/) - [Michigan Gaming Control Board: Authorized Internet Gaming Rules](https://www.michigan.gov/mgcb) - [American Gaming Association: Responsible Gaming Guidelines](https://www.americangaming.org/) - [National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline](https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-gambler/) --- Disclaimer: This guide is educational, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Gambling involves risk and outcomes are never guaranteed. You must be 21+ and located in a state with regulated online casinos. If gambling is a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Bankroll Board is a tracking tool and is not affiliated with any casino operator.