Another term for the casino or the entity controlling the games. It’s the business running the show, from the slot machines to the blackjack tables, and it’s always the ultimate opponent in games where players bet against it rather than each other. The term comes from gambling’s early days, when games were often hosted in someone’s actual house, and it stuck as casinos grew into the sprawling operations we know today.
The house is designed to have an edge, known as the “house edge”—a built-in statistical advantage ensuring it profits over time. For example:
- In roulette, the green zero (or double zero) tilts odds slightly in the house’s favour.
- In blackjack, the dealer acting last means players bust first, giving the house a leg up.
In games like poker, where players compete against each other, the house isn’t the direct opponent but still takes a cut (called the “rake”) from each pot. So, whether you’re playing against the dealer or your buddies, the house always gets paid somehow.
Phrases like “the house always wins” reflect this reality: while individual players can win big in the short term, the odds and structure ensure the casino thrives long-term. It’s not a person—it’s the system, the building, the whole operation. When you hear “house rules,” that’s just the casino’s specific policies, reinforcing who’s really in charge.
