House edge: what it means in slots
The house edge is the share of stakes a game keeps on average over time: 100% minus its RTP.
By Ryan Jessop. Updated .
Key takeaways
- House edge = 100% minus RTP.
- 96% RTP = 4% edge = 4p per £1.
- A long-run average, not a session forecast.
- The legal price of playing.
In short: The house edge is the share of stakes a game keeps on average over time: 100% minus its RTP. A 96% RTP slot has a 4% house edge, which works out at 4p for every £1 staked.
Working it out
| Slot | RTP | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bass Bonanza | 96.71% | 3.29% |
| Starburst | 96.09% | 3.91% |
| Fluffy Favourites | 95.39% | 4.61% |
In a session
Over a short session anything can happen. Over thousands of spins, results drift towards the edge.
Cost a session
The spin calculator turns stake, spins and RTP into an average cost.
Back to: the full slot and spins glossary.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; your casino may run a lower RTP. Offer terms dated 9 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge on a 96% slot?
4%: about 4p for every £1 staked over time.
Can the house edge change?
Only if the casino offers a different RTP version.
Is house edge the same as RTP?
It is the other side of it: 100% minus RTP.