Reference
Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up most often once the mathematics starts to click.
The mathematics
What is the house edge, in one sentence?
The house edge is the percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep on average over the long run — a property of the game's rules, not of any single session.
Is house edge the same as RTP?
They describe the same thing from opposite sides. RTP is 100% minus the house edge. A 96% RTP game has a 4% house edge.
Can I beat the house edge with a betting system?
No system based on adjusting stake size after wins or losses changes the mathematics of independent events. The edge applies to every individual bet, regardless of what came before it.
Why do casinos still take losses on some days?
Short-term variance guarantees swings in both directions. The business model does not rely on winning every session — it relies on the edge applied across enough bets that the average outcome becomes predictable.
Variance and streaks
Are streaks proof that a game is 'hot' or 'cold'?
In fixed-odds games, no. Streaks of five, six or more identical outcomes are a natural product of randomness across enough trials. They feel meaningful because the human brain is built to find patterns.
If I've just lost ten in a row, am I 'due' a win?
Not on an independent-event game. The wheel, deck or reel has no memory. Each new bet resets to the same underlying probability.
Why do 20 flips of a coin so rarely look like 10 heads and 10 tails?
Twenty is a small sample. Averages only settle down as the number of trials grows. This is the law of large numbers — and it is the mechanism that turns a small per-bet edge into a certain long-run outcome.
Bonuses and wagering
Are free bets and welcome bonuses really 'free'?
They are a marketing cost, not a gift. The mathematics of the games still applies to bonus balances, and wagering requirements set how many bets that mathematics is applied to.
What does '40× wagering' actually mean?
It is a multiplier on the bonus amount that fixes the required turnover before a balance can be withdrawn. A £20 bonus at 40× requires £800 to be staked through the games.
Do all games count equally toward wagering?
No. Different game categories carry different contribution rates. A game that contributes 10% quietly multiplies the required turnover by ten.
About the series
What is Behind The Tables?
An educational series explaining how casino games work mathematically — house edge, expected value, variance, and the psychology that keeps players engaged. It is documentary-style content, taught by a former casino industry professional.
Is this gambling advice?
No. Every module and article is educational. The series explains the mathematics behind the games; it does not offer betting strategy or recommend playing.
How long do I keep access?
Access is lifetime. Once you have unlocked the members area you can return to any module at any time.