The house edge is built into the rules of every game including video poker, and poker. It's a designed-in aspect of the game, not a result of any lucky streak or trickery.
One of the reasons for the house edge is that it allows casinos to offer competitive payout odds. For example, in American roulette, there are 38 possibilities, including 18 black numbers, one green zero, and one green zero. The likelihood of winning a bet on black is 47.37%, so the payout on this wager would indeed be 1:1, which appears fair. However, the presence of the green zero skews the odds slightly in favor of the house. In addition, to compensate for the low payouts on many roulette wagers, casinos have a higher house edge than they would if they only had the single zero on the wheel.
Another factor contributing to the house edge is the quantity and types of wagers available. For mega888 example, in games like baccarat, the house edge is remarkably low, around 1.06%, but this is because only two wagers are offered, and the regulations are straightforward. In contrast, games like blackjack offer a wide of bets and side wagers, many with high house edges, which increases the overall edge in favor of the house.
To illustrate the impact of the house edge, let's consider a simple illustration. Imagine a player spends 100 rounds playing blackjack at a casino with a standard ruleset. The house edge in this case is 5.26%. If the player were to win many times and lose half, with equal results on all even money bets, the house edge would kick in and the player would expect to lose around 5.26% of their total amounts over time. This means that if they wagered $100 in total, they could expect to lose around $5.26.
While it's possible to experience a winning streak or even a session with luck, these are exceptions to the rule. In the long term, the house edge ensures that casinos make a profit. This edge gives players a false sense of security and a misplaced hope that their probability of winning will continue forever. Unfortunately, the law of large numbers is unforgiving, and the house edge catches up to players eventually.
In summarily, the house edge is a fundamental aspect of casino mathematics. It's a precise percentage that gives casinos a long-term advantage, ensuring that they make a profit consistently. While it's possible to win in the limited term, the house edge guarantees that the casino will come out on top over time.