Table games by the rulebook: where the house edge comes from

Unlike slots, table games publish their mathematics in their rules. Once you know the variant on the screen, the house edge follows almost automatically: one green zero or two, a commission on banker or not, three-to-two for blackjack or six-to-five. That makes table games the easiest place to compare options precisely. Which tables are open at Zodiac, in software or live form, and at what limits, is shown in its lobby; this guide explains how to read any of them.

Roulette: count the zeros

Variant	Wheel	House edge
European roulette	Single zero, 37 pockets	2.70 % on standard bets
French roulette with La Partage or En Prison	Single zero	About 1.35 % on even-money bets
American roulette	Zero and double zero, 38 pockets	5.26 % on most bets

The source of the edge is simple: a straight bet pays 35 to 1, while the true odds are 36 to 1 on a single-zero wheel and 37 to 1 on a double-zero one. La Partage returns half of an even-money stake when zero comes up, halving the edge on those bets. Betting systems that change stake sizes after wins or losses do not change these figures; they only rearrange when wins and losses happen.

Blackjack: small rules, big effects

Blackjack is the one common table game where your decisions change the return. With good rules and basic strategy the house edge can be low, but each rule tweak moves it:

Blackjack payout. Three to two is standard; six to five noticeably raises the house edge.
Dealer on soft 17. A dealer who must hit soft 17 is slightly worse for the player than one who stands.
Doubling and splitting. Restrictions on doubling after a split or on re-splitting aces cost the player a little each.
Number of decks. More decks are marginally worse for the player.
Insurance. A side bet on the dealer having blackjack; under basic strategy it is declined.

The rules panel of every blackjack table lists these points. Read it before choosing a table.

Baccarat: three bets, one commission

Baccarat involves no decisions after the bet: the drawing rules are fixed. You choose player, banker or tie. Because the banker hand wins slightly more often, banker wins usually pay with a commission — often 5 %. The tie pays more but carries a much higher house edge than the two main bets. No-commission variants remove the fee and instead reduce the payout on certain banker wins, such as a win with six points. Speed versions deal faster, which means more stakes per hour at the same bet size.

Casino poker variants

Games such as Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker or Caribbean-style stud are played against the house, not against other players. They combine an ante with a decision to raise or fold, and their return depends on following a basic strategy and on the paytable for bonus hands. Look for the ante-bonus table and any progressive side bet, and treat side bets as the high-variance extra they are.

Software or live?

The same rules can run as a random-number-generated game or at a live studio table. Software versions are faster, usually allow very small stakes and often have a demo. Live versions have a fixed round rhythm and no demo. The maths of the variant stays the same. Our live casino guide explains studio play in detail.

Table games and bonuses

Low-edge games are usually given a low contribution towards bonus wagering, or excluded altogether. Check the wagering rules before using bonus money at a table. For reel-based games, see the slots guide.

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Frequently asked questions

Which roulette variant has the lowest house edge?

On even-money bets, French roulette with La Partage or En Prison, at about 1.35 %. European single-zero roulette carries 2.70 % on all standard bets and American double-zero roulette 5.26 %.

Why does the banker bet in baccarat pay a commission?

Because the drawing rules make the banker hand win slightly more often than the player hand. The commission, often 5 % of banker wins, balances that advantage. Some tables use a no-commission variant with a special rule instead; the paytable explains it.

Is blackjack the table game with the best odds?

With favourable rules and correct basic strategy, blackjack can have a very low house edge. But rule changes such as 6:5 blackjack payouts or the dealer hitting soft 17 raise it, and mistakes in play raise it further.

Are side bets worth it?

Side bets usually carry a noticeably higher house edge than the main game. They add excitement and variance, not value.

Set your stake and time limits before you sit down at any table. Our responsible gambling page explains the tools, and Gambling Therapy offers free support.