Crazy Time Live Casino Game Show UK 2026: Where to Play, How It Works, and the Best Casinos
Evolution’s Crazy Time has turned the live casino section into a game show set. Big wheel, four bonus rounds, and a host who knows exactly how to keep the tension high. For UK players in 2026, it remains one of the most searched live casino games, and for good reason. The mechanics are simple, the multipliers are brutal, and the gap between a base game spin and the Crazy Time bonus is where the real money sits. This guide covers everything: the rules, the odds, the best UK casinos to play at, and the strategies that might keep your bankroll alive a little longer.
Before you start spinning, understand one thing. Crazy Time is not a slot. It is a live dealer game show with a 54-segment wheel and a top multiplier that can reach 20,000x in the Crazy Time bonus round. The base game pays out on numbers, but the bonus rounds are what people talk about. We will break down each round, show you where to find licensed UK operators, and explain why some casinos are better for this game than others.
What Is Crazy Time? Evolution’s Live Casino Game Show Explained
Crazy Time is a live casino game from Evolution, the Swedish provider that dominates the live dealer space. It was released in 2020 and quickly became a flagship title. The format merges a money wheel with interactive bonus games. A live host spins a vertical wheel with 54 segments, and players bet on where it will stop. The wheel has numbers: 1, 2, 5, 10, and four bonus segments: Cash Hunt, Pachinko, Coin Flip, and Crazy Time. Each number segment carries a multiplier that is applied to the winning bet. The bonus segments trigger a separate mini-game with the potential for much larger payouts.
The studio itself looks like a television set. Bright lights, a large wheel, and a host who is part presenter, part dealer. There is a second wheel behind the main one, used for the Crazy Time bonus round. The whole thing streams in high definition with multiple camera angles. It feels less like a traditional casino game and more like a primetime game show. That is exactly the point. Evolution designed it to appeal to players who want more interaction and bigger swings than a standard roulette or blackjack table.
For UK players, Crazy Time is available at virtually every major online casino that holds a UK Gambling Commission licence. You will find it in the live casino section, usually under a ‘Game Shows’ tab. Some operators even run dedicated promotions for it. The game is streamed from Evolution’s studios in Latvia and Malta, and the same feed is shared across all casinos. That means the experience is identical no matter which site you play on, but the bonuses, withdrawal speeds, and loyalty schemes still vary.
How to Play Crazy Time: Rules, Bets, and the Main Wheel
Playing Crazy Time starts with placing a bet on one or more of the eight betting spots. These cover the numbers 1, 2, 5, 10 and the four bonus games. The minimum bet is usually £0.10 per spot, and the maximum can go up to £5,000 or more depending on the operator. After the betting window closes, the host spins the wheel. If it lands on a number you backed, you receive your stake multiplied by that number’s current multiplier. The multiplier for 1 is always 1x, while 2, 5, and 10 can sometimes get boosted by a random Top Slot feature before the spin.
The Top Slot is an extra random element. Above the main wheel sits a smaller multiplier display. Before each spin, the Top Slot can assign a multiplier of 2x, 3x, 5x, 7x, 10x, 20x, or 50x to one of the number segments. If the wheel lands on that segment and you had a bet on it, your win is multiplied by that boosted value instead of the base number. This is how a £10 bet on 10 can pay £500 if the 50x Top Slot lands on 10. It does not happen often, but it is one of the reasons the game can produce sudden large wins outside the bonus rounds.
The betting interface is straightforward. You click on the chip value, then click on the betting spot. You can place multiple bets in a single spin. The total stake is the sum of all your active bets. There is no skill involved in the spin itself; the outcome is random. The host’s job is to keep the game moving and build suspense. If the wheel lands on a bonus segment, the host moves to a different part of the studio and the bonus game begins. All players who had a bet on that bonus segment participate, regardless of stake size.
Crazy Time Bonus Rounds: Cash Hunt, Pachinko, Coin Flip, Crazy Time
There are four bonus rounds, each with its own mechanics and maximum multiplier. Cash Hunt is a shooting gallery with 108 symbols. Each symbol hides a random multiplier between 2x and 500x. You pick a target, it reveals your multiplier, and your bet is multiplied by that amount. Pachinko is a classic Japanese pinball game. The host drops a puck from the top of a pegboard, and it bounces down to land on a multiplier at the bottom. Multipliers range from 2x to 10,000x, and there is also a ‘DOUBLE’ section that doubles all current multipliers and drops again. Coin Flip is the simplest round: a coin with a red side and a blue side, each showing two possible multipliers. The host flips it, and the side that lands face up determines your multiplier. The maximum in Coin Flip is 5,000x.
Crazy Time is the headline round. The host walks to a second, larger wheel with 64 segments. Each segment is one of three colours: blue, green, or yellow. A flapper is spun on top of the wheel. The colour that the flapper lands on determines which set of multipliers is in play. Then the main wheel spins, and the segment it lands on gives you your multiplier. The maximum is 20,000x, and there is also a ‘DOUBLE’ or ‘TRIPLE’ segment that can multiply the win further. If you get a DOUBLE, the host respins the flapper and wheel, and the multiplier is doubled. This can stack, leading to some enormous payouts. It is the reason the round is called Crazy Time.
The bonus rounds are not triggered very often. The wheel has 54 segments, and the four bonus segments appear a total of 8 times: Cash Hunt appears twice, Pachinko appears twice, Coin Flip appears twice, and Crazy Time appears twice. That means a bonus round is triggered on about 14.8% of spins. The Crazy Time round itself triggers on about 3.7% of spins. Those odds are part of the game’s design. You will see long stretches of base game numbers before a bonus appears, and when it does, the payout can be substantial or disappointingly small. That variance is what keeps players coming back.
Crazy Time Odds, Payouts, and RTP: The Numbers Behind the Wheel
Crazy Time has an overall return to player (RTP) of around 95.41%, which is typical for a live game show. The RTP varies slightly depending on the bet type. The number 1 bet has an RTP of 96.08%, while the bonus bets have RTPs between 94.41% and 95.24%. The Crazy Time bonus bet has an RTP of 94.41%, the lowest of all the options. This makes sense because the bonus rounds have the highest maximum payouts. The house edge is built into the frequency of the bonus segments and the distribution of multipliers on the bonus wheels.
Here is a table showing the RTP for each bet type based on Evolution’s published data. The RTP is theoretical and calculated over millions of spins.
Crash Casino Game UK 2026: A Pragmatic Guide to the Best Real-Money Crash Casinos
| Bet Type | Number of Segments | RTP | Maximum Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number 1 | 21 | 96.08% | 50x (with Top Slot) |
| Number 2 | 13 | 95.95% | 50x (with Top Slot) |
| Number 5 | 7 | 95.78% | 50x (with Top Slot) |
| Number 10 | 4 | 95.73% | 50x (with Top Slot) |
| Cash Hunt | 2 | 95.24% | 500x |
| Pachinko | 2 | 94.98% | 10,000x |
| Coin Flip | 2 | 95.70% | 5,000x |
| Crazy Time | 2 | 94.41% | 20,000x |
The Top Slot feature adds another layer of randomness. It activates on approximately 45% of spins, and the multiplier it assigns is independent of the wheel outcome. The probability of the Top Slot landing on a specific number segment and the wheel also landing on that same segment is low, but when it happens, the win can be large. For example, a 50x Top Slot on number 10 combined with a £10 bet would return £500. The 50x Top Slot appears with a probability of about 0.7% per spin, but it can only land on a number, not a bonus segment. This is one reason why betting on the number 10 is popular among players chasing big base game wins.
Where to Play Crazy Time in the UK: Licensed Casinos and Live Dealer Studios
Every UK-licensed casino that offers Evolution live casino games will have Crazy Time. The game is streamed from Evolution’s studios, so the quality and game mechanics are identical. What differs is the operator’s welcome bonus, ongoing promotions, payment speed, and mobile experience. The table below lists ten well-known UK casino brands that feature Crazy Time. All hold a UK Gambling Commission licence, which is a legal requirement for offering real-money casino games to UK players. The bonus types listed are common offers; exact amounts and terms change frequently, so always check the operator’s site before claiming.
| Casino Brand | Crazy Time Bonus Type | Min Deposit | Payout Speed | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | Welcome deposit bonus | £10 | 1-2 days | Live streaming and bet builder integration |
| William Hill | Deposit match bonus | £10 | 1-3 days | Promotions hub with daily deals |
| Ladbrokes | Welcome bonus | £10 | 1-2 days | The Grid loyalty programme |
| Coral | Free spins and deposit match | £10 | 1-3 days | Coral Connect card for retail and online |
| Grosvenor Casinos | Welcome bonus and cashback | £20 | Same day | Land-based casino tie-ins |
| Sky Vegas | Welcome bonus | £10 | 1-5 days | Sky Vegas Live studio shows |
| Paddy Power | Welcome bonus | £10 | 1-2 days | Power Up feature on selected games |
| Betfred | Welcome bonus | £10 | 1-3 days | Betfred TV and live commentary |
| 888casino | Welcome deposit bonus | £10 | 1-3 days | Exclusive 888 branded tables |
| Unibet | Welcome bonus | £10 | 1-5 days | Unibet Open tournament integration |
The list above is not exhaustive. Other UKGC-licensed operators such as LeoVegas, Casumo, PlayOJO, and Mr Green also offer Crazy Time. What matters more than the brand is the overall package: how quickly they process withdrawals, what wagering requirements they attach to bonuses, and whether they have a decent mobile app. We will look at these factors in the sections below.
Is Crazy Time legal in the UK?
Yes, Crazy Time is legal for UK players when offered by a casino holding a UK Gambling Commission licence. The UKGC regulates all real-money gambling in Great Britain, and Evolution’s games are certified for fairness and randomness. You must be 18 or older to play. Always verify the operator’s licence number at the bottom of their website before depositing.
Best Crazy Time Casinos UK 2026: Our Ranked Shortlist
Ranking a casino for Crazy Time is not just about the game itself, because the game is the same everywhere. The real differences come down to user experience, bonus fairness, and banking. Based on those criteria, here is a shortlist of operators that stand out for UK players in 2026.
Bet365 sits at the top for most players. The app is rock solid, withdrawals are processed quickly, and the live casino interface is one of the cleanest in the business. Their welcome bonus is not the flashiest, but the overall reliability matters more when you are playing a high-variance game like Crazy Time. William Hill is another strong choice, especially if you like regular promotions. Their bonus terms are sometimes more favourable than competitors, and the site is easy to navigate. Ladbrokes and Coral are part of the same parent company and offer similar experiences, with Ladbrokes having a slightly better loyalty scheme.
Grosvenor Casinos wins if you want a casino brand with a physical presence in the UK. Their online platform is solid, and you can earn points both online and in their land-based venues. Sky Vegas has a very user-friendly mobile app and a decent welcome offer, though withdrawal times can be slower than some rivals. Paddy Power and Betfred are both good for players who like a bit of personality in their operator. 888casino has been around for decades and has a very stable live casino platform, while Unibet offers a more European flavour with strong customer support.
None of these operators are perfect, and the ‘best’ casino depends on your priorities. If you want the fastest withdrawals, look for casinos that advertise same-day processing. If you want a big welcome bonus, read the wagering requirements carefully. A £500 bonus with a 50x wagering requirement is worse than a £100 bonus with a 10x requirement. For Crazy Time specifically, check whether the casino allows bonus funds to be used on live casino games. Some operators restrict bonus play to slots only, which would make the welcome offer useless for this game. Always read the terms.
Crazy Time Casino Bonuses: Welcome Offers, Free Spins, and No Deposit Deals
Casinos use bonuses to attract new players, and Crazy Time is often used as a hook. The most common type is a deposit match bonus. You deposit £100, the casino gives you another £100 to play with. That sounds generous, but it comes with wagering requirements. A typical wagering requirement is 35x the bonus amount. So if you get a £100 bonus, you need to wager £3,500 before you can withdraw any winnings from the bonus. That is not impossible, but it is far from a ‘free’ gift. Casinos are not charities, and the fine print always tells the real story.
Free spins are often bundled with deposit bonuses, but they rarely apply to live casino games like Crazy Time. They are usually for slots. If you see a ‘free spins on Crazy Time’ offer, check the terms carefully because it is extremely unusual. More common are ‘live casino cashback’ or ‘live casino bonus’ promotions that can be used on Crazy Time. Some operators run weekly tournaments where you earn points for every £1 wagered on live casino games, and the top players win cash prizes. These can add value if you play regularly, but they also encourage higher volume play.
No deposit bonuses for Crazy Time are almost non-existent in the UK. The UKGC has cracked down on no deposit offers in recent years, and most operators have removed them. If you do find a no deposit bonus that can be used on Crazy Time, the wagering requirements and maximum withdrawal limits will be restrictive. Treat any ‘free’ bonus as a marketing expense for the casino. You are the product, not the customer. That said, some casinos offer a small no deposit bonus for new players, but you will need to wager it many times over before you can cash out. It is usually not worth the effort.
Can I get a no deposit bonus for Crazy Time in the UK?
No deposit bonuses that can be used on Crazy Time are extremely rare in the UK. Most no deposit offers are for slots only and come with high wagering requirements. UKGC regulations have made such promotions less common. If you find one, read the terms: maximum withdrawal limits often apply, and the bonus may not be valid on live casino games.
Crazy Time Mobile: Playing the Game Show on Android and iPhone
Crazy Time is fully optimised for mobile play. Evolution built the game using HTML5, so it runs directly in a mobile browser without needing a separate app for the game itself. The interface adjusts to the screen size, and you can place bets, watch the wheel spin, and interact with bonus rounds using touch controls. The video quality is excellent on 4G and 5G connections, though you may want to use Wi-Fi to avoid data consumption.
Most UK casinos that offer Crazy Time also have a native mobile app for iOS and Android. These apps are essentially wrappers around the casino’s mobile website, but they offer faster loading and push notifications for promotions. The Crazy Time experience within the app is the same as in a browser. The main advantage of an app is convenience. You can open it with one tap and have the game running within seconds. Some operators, like bet365 and William Hill, have particularly well-designed apps that handle live streaming smoothly.
When playing on mobile, keep an eye on your battery. Live dealer games consume more power than standard slots because of the video stream. Also, make sure you have a stable connection. If your connection drops during a bonus round, the round continues on Evolution’s servers, and your bet is still valid. You can reconnect and see the result. That is a useful feature that prevents losses from connectivity issues. Overall, mobile Crazy Time is a great option for UK players who want to play on the go.
Can I play Crazy Time on my mobile phone?
Yes, Crazy Time works on both Android and iPhone. You can play directly in your mobile browser or through a casino’s native app. The game is optimised for touch screens, and the video stream adjusts to your connection speed. The full experience, including all bonus rounds, is available on mobile. No download of the game itself is needed.
Crazy Time Strategies: Can You Improve Your Odds?
There is no strategy that changes the outcome of the wheel. The game is random, and every spin is independent. What you can do is manage your bets and bankroll in a way that maximises your playing time and minimises losses. The most common approach is to cover all four bonus segments plus the number 1. This gives you a chance at a bonus round on every spin while also collecting small base game wins when the wheel lands on 1. The cost is higher per spin, but it reduces the variance somewhat.
Another popular strategy is to focus on the number 10 and ignore the bonus rounds. This is a high-risk approach because the number 10 only appears four times on the wheel. However, when the 50x Top Slot lands on 10 and the wheel stops on 10, the payout is 500x. That is a small probability event, but some players prefer the simplicity of one bet. The RTP for number 10 is 95.73%, which is slightly better than the Crazy Time bonus bet. But the swings are enormous. You can go long stretches without a win, and then get a massive one.
A third strategy is to only bet on the bonus rounds and skip the numbers entirely. This is the most volatile option because you are only winning on 8 out of 54 segments, and the average multiplier in the bonus rounds varies. The Crazy Time bonus round has the highest maximum multiplier but the lowest RTP. Betting on all four bonus segments gives you a 14.8% chance of triggering a bonus each spin, but the majority of those bonuses will be small. You need to hit a high multiplier in a bonus to come out ahead. This strategy requires a large bankroll and patience.
The truth is no strategy can overcome the house edge. The RTP is fixed, and over thousands of spins, the casino will take its cut. What you can do is choose a bet type with a higher RTP and stick to it. The number 1 bet has the highest RTP at 96.08%, but the payouts are tiny. It is a slow bleed. The bonus bets have lower RTP but offer the excitement of big wins. Your choice depends on what you value: longer play time or the chance at a life-changing multiplier.
What is the best strategy for Crazy Time?
The best strategy depends on your risk tolerance. Betting on number 1 gives the highest RTP at 96.08% but small wins. Covering all bonus segments increases your chance of a bonus but lowers overall RTP. No strategy changes the random outcome. Manage your bankroll, set a loss limit, and choose the bet type that matches your goal.
Crazy Time Tips and Tricks from Experienced Players
Experienced players do not chase the Top Slot multiplier. The 50x Top Slot looks tempting, but it lands on a number segment only about 0.7% of the time, and even then the wheel must also land on that same segment. The combined probability is extremely low. It is better to ignore the Top Slot and focus on the base game odds. Another tip is to avoid the ‘Double’ segments in the Crazy Time bonus round. They seem like a gift, but they occur rarely and the extra multiplier is often not enough to compensate for the risk of landing on a low multiplier in the first place.
One practical tip is to set a session bankroll before you start. Decide how much you are willing to lose, and do not exceed it. Crazy Time can be hypnotic, especially during long bonus droughts. It is easy to keep depositing because the next spin might trigger a bonus. That is exactly the trap. Set a timer if necessary. Another useful tip is to check the casino’s game history. Some operators provide a rollout of recent results, which can be useful for spotting cold streaks, but do not fall for the gambler’s fallacy. Past results do not influence future spins.
If you are using a bonus, check the contribution of live casino games to wagering requirements. Many UK casinos count live casino bets at a lower rate, often 10% or 20%. That means a £10 bet on Crazy Time might only count £2 towards the requirement. That makes clearing a bonus extremely difficult on this game. If you want to use a bonus on Crazy Time, find a casino that counts live casino at 100%. A few do, but they are rare. Always read the terms before you deposit.
Casinos That Accept Wirecard UK 2026: The Truth and Better Alternatives
Crazy Time Casino Statistics, Trackers, and Score History
Crazy Time trackers are third-party websites that record the results of every spin from Evolution’s feed. They show the frequency of each segment, the average multiplier in bonus rounds, and hot and cold streaks. Some players use these trackers to decide when to bet. The logic is that if a certain segment has not appeared for a long time, it is ‘due’ to appear. That is nonsense. The wheel has no memory, and each spin is independent. The trackers are useful for seeing historical data, but they cannot predict the future.
That said, trackers can be valuable for understanding the game’s variance. For example, you can see that the Crazy Time bonus triggers on average once every 27 spins, but the distribution is not uniform. You might see three bonuses in 10 spins, then none for 80 spins. That is normal random variation. Some trackers also show the current multiplier on the Top Slot, which is useful if you want to know whether a number segment is boosted before you place a bet. The multiplier is visible in the live feed anyway, but a tracker can display it more prominently.
Casino score history refers to the record of recent spin results, which some operators display in the game lobby. You can see the last 20 or 50 results. This is mostly for entertainment. It does not give you an edge. The only real use of such history is to confirm that the game is running fairly, which is guaranteed by the UKGC’s testing requirements. If you enjoy data, trackers can be fun. Just do not mistake them for a strategy.
Are Crazy Time trackers accurate?
Most Crazy Time trackers pull data directly from Evolution’s live feed, so they are accurate in recording past results. However, they cannot predict future spins. The game uses a certified random number generator, and each spin is independent. Trackers are useful for observing variance and historical frequency, but they offer no mathematical advantage. Treat them as informational tools, not winning systems.
New Crazy Time Casinos UK 2026: What to Look For
New UK-licensed casinos launch every few months, and many of them add Crazy Time to their live casino section. A new casino can be attractive because it often offers a more generous welcome bonus to build a customer base. However, new does not always mean better. Look for a UKGC licence, which is displayed prominently on the site. Without it, the casino is operating illegally in the UK. Also check the withdrawal processing times. Some new casinos start with slow payments while they set up their banking infrastructure.
Another factor is the casino’s ownership. Many new UK casinos are white labels run by established platform providers. That can be a good sign because it means the back-end is proven. But the customer support and bonus terms may still be unpolished. Read reviews from other UK players before depositing. Look for complaints about delayed withdrawals or unclear bonus terms. A new casino with a great welcome bonus is only good if you can actually get your money out.
When a new casino launches, it might run a special Crazy Time promotion, such as a leaderboard or cashback on live casino losses. These can be worth taking, but the same rules apply: check the terms. Wagering requirements on cashback are usually lower than on deposit bonuses, but they still exist. A new casino is not automatically better for Crazy Time just because it is new. The game is the same. Focus on the operator’s reliability and banking speed.
Crazy Time Casinos Not on GamStop: Risks and Realities
GamStop is the UK’s self-exclusion scheme. If you have registered with GamStop, UK-licensed casinos are required to block you from gambling. Some players look for Crazy Time casinos not on GamStop to bypass this self-exclusion. These are offshore operators that do not hold a UKGC licence. They are not legal to offer services to UK players, and the UKGC has been clear that playing at such sites is risky. Your funds are not protected, and there is no recourse if the casino refuses to pay.
The appeal of non-GamStop casinos is often fewer restrictions and bigger bonuses. They may accept players who have self-excluded, and they may not enforce responsible gambling measures. That is not a feature; it is a danger. If you have self-excluded, it is for a reason. Playing at a non-GamStop casino undermines that decision and can lead to serious harm. The UKGC does not regulate these sites, so there is no guarantee the games are fair or that Evolution’s Crazy Time is even being streamed from a legitimate source. Some offshore sites use pirated streams or rigged software.
There is no valid reason for a UK player to use a non-GamStop casino for Crazy Time. The legal UK market offers plenty of options with strong player protections. If you are considering a non-GamStop casino because you have self-excluded, that is a red flag. Seek support from GamCare or BeGambleAware instead. The risks far outweigh any perceived benefit.
Should I play Crazy Time at a non-GamStop casino?
No. Non-GamStop casinos are not licensed by the UKGC and operate illegally for UK players. Your money is not protected, and the games may not be fair. If you have self-excluded, playing at such a site defeats the purpose. Use UK-licensed casinos only. If you need help with gambling, contact GamCare or the National Gambling Helpline.
Chicken Road Game Casino UK 2026: Where to Play, RTP, and Top Sites
Safe and Trusted Crazy Time Casinos: UKGC Licensing and Player Protection
The UK Gambling Commission is one of the strictest gambling regulators in the world. Any casino offering Crazy Time to UK players must hold a valid licence and follow rules on advertising, bonus terms, and fair play. The UKGC also requires operators to verify your identity before your first withdrawal, which is a nuisance but protects against fraud and underage gambling. All the casinos listed in this guide are UKGC-licensed.
When choosing a casino, look for the licence number in the footer, which should be a five-digit number. You can cross-check it on the UKGC’s public register. Also look for responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. A casino that makes these tools easy to find is more trustworthy. Avoid any site that hides its licence information or has poor customer support.
Cluster Pays Slots UK 2026: How They Work, Top Games, and Where to Play
Payment methods are another indicator of trust. UK-licensed casinos must use secure payment providers and have clear withdrawal policies. If a casino asks you to pay by cryptocurrency only, that is a warning sign. The UKGC has been tightening rules on crypto gambling, and most licensed operators do not accept it. Stick with debit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers. These methods offer additional layers of protection and are commonly accepted at reputable UK casinos.
Responsible Gambling with Crazy Time
Crazy Time is a high-energy game designed to keep you playing. The host, the music, the flashing lights, and the potential for huge multipliers all contribute to an experience that can be hard to walk away from. That is intentional. Evolution is a business, and the longer you play, the more the house edge works against you. Set a budget before you start, and treat any money you deposit as the cost of entertainment, not an investment. There is no way to consistently profit from Crazy Time.
Use the responsible gambling tools available at every UK-licensed casino. Set deposit limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Take regular breaks. If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, use the time-out feature or register with GamStop. GamStop blocks you from all UK-licensed gambling sites for a period of your choosing. It is free and effective. You can also contact GamCare for free counselling and support. The fact that Crazy Time is exciting does not mean it is harmless. Know your limits, and stick to them.
Curacao Casino License UK 2026: The Complete Guide to Offshore Casinos From Britain
One final point: do not chase losses. If you have a bad session and lose more than you planned, stop playing. The wheel does not owe you a win, and the next spin is no more likely to be a bonus just because the last ten were not. That is the gambler’s fallacy, and it has ruined many bankrolls. Walk away, come back another day, and remember that Crazy Time is a game of chance with a built-in house edge.