The house edge in blackjack refers to the statistical advantage that the casino has over players in the long run. Typically, the house edge in a standard blackjack game is around 0.5% to 1% when players use basic strategy effectively. This means that for every $100 wagered, the casino expects to profit between 50 cents and $1. The house edge can vary based on factors such as specific game rules, the number of decks in play, and the player's strategy.