Table games: where the house edge is written into the rules
In slots the return is hidden in the symbol distribution and the operator can choose between versions. Table games are different: the house edge follows from the rules and can be calculated. Single-zero roulette, blackjack rules on whether the dealer stands on soft 17, or the commission on a banker bet in baccarat — all of these are rules you can read before you play. This page covers what to look for in the electronic table games in the Captain catalogue.
Roulette
European roulette has one zero, American roulette two. The second zero roughly doubles the house edge, so the difference deserves attention. Some variants add rules that return half of an even-money stake when zero lands. Fast variants and multiplier variants change payouts on single numbers; check whether the base straight-up payout has been reduced to fund the multipliers.
Blackjack
In blackjack the house edge depends on the number of decks, the dealer's rule on soft 17, whether you can double after splitting and the payout for a natural. A 3:2 payout is far better than 6:5. Basic strategy reduces the edge but does not remove it. Electronic versions usually reshuffle after every hand, so card counting is meaningless.
Baccarat
Baccarat involves no decisions after the bet: you pick player, banker or tie, and the rules do the rest. The tie bet has a high payout and a high house edge. Side bets are entertaining but generally carry worse odds than the main bets.
Table games and bonuses
Because the house edge in table games is often lower than in slots, bonus terms frequently count them at a reduced rate or exclude them. Check the wagering rules before playing with bonus money.
| Game | What sets the house edge | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Roulette | One or two zeros, special rules | Table rules |
| Blackjack | Decks, dealer rule, payout | Table rules |
| Baccarat | Banker commission, side bets | Paytable |
Electronic table or live table
Electronic table games are fast with low minimum stakes; live tables are slower and more social. The rules can be identical while the pace is not. On an electronic table you play many more hands per hour, which means more total stake at the same bet size. When comparing, look at hands per hour as well as the house edge. More about studio-dealt games on the live casino page.