This page explains how AceFever calculates the figures it publishes, where its data comes from, and how it handles the limitations of that data.
House Edge Calculations#
What house edge means#
The house edge is the casino’s long-run mathematical advantage over the player, expressed as a percentage of total wagers. A 1% house edge means the casino expects to retain £1 from every £100 wagered over a large number of bets. It is a theoretical average — individual sessions will vary widely.
How we calculate it#
House edge figures are calculated from first principles using the probability distribution of outcomes for the game variant and rule set being analysed. The general formula:
House Edge = −Expected Value ÷ Stake
Expected Value = Σ (Probability of outcome × Net return from that outcome)
Example — European roulette straight-up bet: 37 possible outcomes (0–36). A straight-up bet pays 35:1. EV on a £1 bet = (1/37 × 35) − (36/37 × 1) = −0.02703. House edge = 2.703%.
Rule assumptions#
House edge is sensitive to rule variations. AceFever articles state the specific rules used in each calculation. Key variables: blackjack (deck count, soft 17 rule, DAS, surrender, 3:2 vs 6:5 payout); roulette (single vs double zero, en prison/la partage); baccarat (commission rate, tie payout); slots (specific game and variant).
RTP (Return to Player)#
RTP is the theoretical percentage of wagers a slot or electronic game returns to players over a statistically significant number of rounds. AceFever publishes RTP figures only when traceable to: game provider official documentation; certified testing lab reports (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, BMM, GLI); or regulator-published data. We do not publish RTP figures sourced from affiliate sites or aggregator databases without primary corroboration.
US Gambling Regulation#
For US state-level gambling legality, we check in order: the state’s official gaming control board or gaming commission website; enacted state legislation via the state legislature’s official site; active licensing lists published by the state regulator.
| Topic | Accepted Primary Sources |
|---|---|
| State sports betting legality | State gaming commission official site, enacted legislation |
| State online casino legality | State gaming commission official site, active licence lists |
| US responsible gambling | National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org) |
UK Gambling Regulation#
For UK gambling regulation, AceFever uses: UK Gambling Commission publications at gamblingcommission.gov.uk; primary legislation at legislation.gov.uk; and UKGC Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
Content Review Schedule#
| Classification | Review Cycle |
|---|---|
| Stable mathematical content (formulas, probability) | 12 months or on material correction |
| RTP figures and game documentation | 6 months |
| UK regulatory guidance | 6 months or when UKGC publishes material updates |
| US state legal status | Before publication and on scheduled re-check |
Limitations#
- House edge and RTP figures are theoretical. Short-run player results will differ substantially from long-run averages.
- Legal status is time-sensitive. We check regulatory claims before publication and on a review schedule, but gambling law can change between cycles. For legal decisions, consult the relevant regulator or a qualified legal professional.
- We cover a subset of jurisdictions. AceFever focuses on the US and UK.
- We may have errors. Report them through our Corrections Policy.