Casino Loss Calculator 2026
Calculate your real gambling costs and see what you could buy instead
Average Bet Size
Sessions Per Week
Hours Per Session
Slot RTP %
Time Period
Expected Loss
-$7,482
over 1 year
Loss Breakdown
$187,056
-$48
-$144
-$623.52
-$7,482.24
312h
Expected Loss Formula
$187,056 x 4.0% = -$7,482
What You Could Buy Instead
Instead of losing $7,482, you could have bought:
467
Netflix subscriptions
149
Nice dinners
37
Vacation days
74
Concert tickets
49
Months of gas
99
Gifts for loved ones
374
Books
93
Phone bills
How We Calculate Losses
The mathematics behind expected gambling losses
House Edge Calculation
96% RTP → 4% House Edge
Total Wagered Calculation
$1 × 600 spins × 100 sessions = $60,000
Expected Loss Formula
$10,000 wagered × 4% = $400 loss
Understanding Gambling Losses
Return to Player (RTP)
RTP is the percentage of wagered money a slot pays back over time. A 96% RTP means for every $100 wagered, $96 is returned on average. The remaining 4% is the house edge.
The House Edge
The house edge is the mathematical advantage casinos have. It's built into every game and cannot be beaten through strategy on slots. Over time, you will lose approximately this percentage of everything you wager.
Short-term Variance
While you might win in short sessions, the house edge is relentless over time. Variance allows lucky wins, but math always prevails over thousands of spins.
Compounding Losses
Every session you play, the house edge takes its cut. Over months and years, these small percentages compound into shocking amounts that could have been saved or invested.
Loss Comparison Table
See how losses grow over time with different betting habits
| Bet Size | Weekly Loss | Monthly Loss | Yearly Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.50 | -$6 | -$26 | -$312 |
| $1.00 | -$12 | -$52 | -$624 |
| $2.00 | -$24 | -$104 | -$1,248 |
| $5.00 | -$60 | -$260 | -$3,120 |
| $10.00 | -$120 | -$520 | -$6,240 |
*Based on 96% RTP, 3 sessions/week, 2 hours/session, 600 spins/hour
Smart Gambling Tips
Set a Budget
Decide your monthly gambling entertainment budget before you play. When it's gone, stop. Never chase losses.
Choose Higher RTP
If you must play slots, choose games with 96%+ RTP. You'll still lose, but slower. Check RTP in game rules.
Track Your Spending
Keep a gambling journal. Seeing real numbers is sobering. Most gamblers underestimate losses by 50% or more.
Need Help? You're Not Alone
If gambling is affecting your life, relationships, or finances, help is available. These organizations offer free, confidential support 24/7.
US National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Blog Article
Blog Article
Blog Article
Blog Article
Blog Article
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Casino Loss Calculator
Our Casino Loss Calculator reveals the true cost of gambling by calculating your expected losses over time. Unlike casino marketing that focuses on jackpots and wins, this tool shows the mathematical reality: slot machines are designed to take your money slowly through the house edge.
Enter your average bet size, how often you play, and your typical slot RTP to see the shocking results. The calculator shows losses per session, per week, per month, and per year. Most impactfully, it shows what you could buy instead - Netflix subscriptions, dinners, vacations, or other purchases that bring lasting value.
This free tool is designed to promote responsible gambling awareness. Share your results to help others understand the real cost of casino gambling. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, resources and helplines are available 24/7.
Learn More
In-depth guides on responsible gambling and understanding odds
3 Shot Poker: Rules & Strategy Guide
Complete guide with optimal strategy, pay table comparison, and interactive trainer for every street.
Pai Gow Tiles: Complete Ranking Guide
Calculate expected losses for Pai Gow Tiles with ~2.5% house edge and high push rate.
Blackjack Surrender: When to Give Up
Learn the 4 hands where surrendering saves money, with EV math and interactive calculator.
Video Keno Strategy: Smarter Plays
Spot selection, RNG truth, multi-card tactics, and bankroll management for video keno players.
4 Card Keno Strategy: Best Patterns
Overlapping numbers, cluster patterns, odds tables and bankroll tips for 4-card keno players.
Caveman Keno Strategy: Eggs & Odds
Egg mechanics, multiplier odds, 4-8 spot picks, strategy chart and bankroll tips for Caveman Keno.
Rate this calculator
Evgeny Volkov
Verified ExpertOver 10 years developing software for the gaming industry. Advanced degree in Mathematics. Specializing in probability analysis, RNG algorithms, and mathematical gambling models.