Edge (Gambling term)

In gambling, the edge refers to the advantage that the house (or casino) has over the players. This advantage is built into the rules and payouts of most games, and it is the main source of revenue for the casino. The edge can be expressed as a percentage, and it represents the expected long-term return on a bet. For example, if a game has a 5% edge, then the player can expect to lose 5% of their bets over the long term. The size of the edge can vary greatly depending on the game and the specific bet being made. Some games, such as slot machines, have a large edge in favor of the house, while others, such as blackjack, can have a very small edge if played with the proper strategy.