Definition
House Rules
Also known as Table Rules, Game Rules, Local Rules
By Abhinav VasudevanReviewed Editorial policy
In short
House rules are the specific variations a casino applies to a game, and they change the house edge significantly. Two blackjack tables in the same building can differ by more than a full percentage point.
Every casino game has variants, and the variant on offer is a decision the operator makes. Those decisions are where a large part of the real cost of playing is set, and they are rarely advertised.
Blackjack is the clearest example
The same game, with different rules, ranges from about 0.35% edge to well over 2%.
| Rule | Effect on house edge |
|---|---|
| Blackjack pays 6:5 instead of 3:2 | +1.39% |
| Dealer hits soft 17 | +0.22% |
| No doubling after split | +0.14% |
| Double restricted to 9–11 | +0.09% |
| Eight decks instead of one | +0.48% |
| Surrender allowed | −0.08% |
| Re-splitting aces allowed | −0.08% |
The 6:5 blackjack payout is the one that matters most. It roughly quadruples the house edge on a well-played game, and it is now common on low-minimum tables. A table advertising a £5 minimum and paying 6:5 is considerably more expensive than a £25 table paying 3:2.
Roulette
The wheel itself is the main variable. 2.70% for single-zero European, 5.26% for double-zero American, 7.69% for triple-zero. Same game, nearly triple the cost.
On top of that, La Partage and En Prison rules halve the edge on even-money bets to 1.35%, which makes French roulette the best version available.
Where to find them
In a physical casino, rules are printed on the table felt and in the rack card. Online, they are in the game info panel, which also shows the RTP.
The habit worth building is checking before sitting down rather than after. Rules differ between tables in the same room, between times of day, and between the same game title at different operators.
Common questions
Why does blackjack pay 6:5 at some tables?
Because the operator chose that rule set. It adds about 1.39% to the house edge, roughly quadrupling the cost of a well-played game. These tables usually carry lower minimums, which is what attracts players to them.
Where do I find a casino's house rules?
Printed on the table felt and rack card in a physical casino, and in the game information panel online. They differ between tables in the same room and between the same game title at different operators.