Roulette Odds and Payout Explained

All Odds in Roulette

Understanding the roulette odds is crucial to a player’s strategy. Here, we delve deeper into the details of the different kinds of bets you can place in a casino roulette game, along with their corresponding odds of winning:

• Straight up (Any single number including '0'): Betting on any single number is known as a straight-up bet. This includes '0' and, in the case of American Roulette, '00' as well. The probability of winning a straight-up bet stands at 2.7% in European Roulette and 2.63% in American Roulette, making it the most daring but the most rewarding bet in roulette.
• Split Bet (Two adjacent numbers): A split bet allows a player to bet on two adjacent numbers. Here, the odds increase slightly, with a 5.4% chance of winning in European Roulette and 5.26% in American Roulette.
• Street Bet (Three numbers in a row): This bet involves wagering on a row of three numbers. The odds go up further with this bet, offering an 8.1% chance of winning in European Roulette and 7.89% in American Roulette.
• Square Bet (Block of four numbers): Betting on a block of four numbers is called a square bet. It provides a 10.8% chance of winning in European Roulette and a 10.53% chance in American Roulette.
• Six Line Bet (Two adjacent rows or six numbers): This type of bet covers two adjacent rows or six numbers, giving the player a 16.2% chance of winning in European Roulette and 15.79% in American Roulette.
• Dozen Bet (Group of 12 numbers): A dozen bet covers a group of 12 numbers. The odds for this bet stand at 32.4% for European Roulette and 31.58% for American Roulette.
• Column Bet (Entire column): A column bet covers an entire column on the roulette table. It provides the same odds as a dozen bet, at 32.4% in European Roulette and 31.58% in American Roulette.
• Even/Odd, Red/Black, Low/High: These bets cover the largest group of numbers, hence offer the best odds, standing at 48.6% in European Roulette and 47.37% in American Roulette. However, they also offer the smallest payouts.

Each of these bets provides different odds and payouts, hence offering different levels of risk and reward for the player.

Roulette Odds and Payouts

The odds and payouts in roulette significantly vary between the European and American versions, mainly due to the presence of the extra double zero in the latter. The extra ’00’ slot increases the house edge, making all bets in American Roulette less favourable compared to European Roulette. This is better visualised in our table below:

Our in-depth articles on American Roulette odds and European Roulette odds go through each variety in greater detail.

However, to sum it up, the house edge in American Roulette stands at 5.26%—almost double that of European Roulette, which stands at 2.7%. This difference significantly affects the odds of all bets, not just the even money bets, and thus influences the overall strategy a player should adopt.

This difference is due to the additional ’00’ on the American wheel, which increases the total slots to 38 compared to the 37 on the European wheel, reducing the odds of winning each bet. If you are looking for casino best payout, choosing European Roulette is a good start. For instance, while the odds of winning a straight-up bet in European Roulette are 2.7%, they reduce to 2.63% in American Roulette.

Inside Bets VS Outside Bets Odds

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, and while they offer higher payouts, the odds of winning are comparably lower. These roulette bets are enticing for players who are aiming for large wins in a short period.

On the other hand, outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, thus offering better odds but smaller payouts. These are better suited for players who prefer slower-paced, low-risk gameplay.

A blend of inside and outside bets can be an effective strategy. A measured mix of high-risk, high-reward inside bets, balanced with lower-risk outside bets, can maximise both the thrill and the longevity of your game.

Tips for the Best Odds on Roulette

Roulette, although primarily a game of chance, does permit the use of certain strategies to maximise the odds of securing a win. Here are a few insightful tips that can assist you in achieving the best odds in Roulette:

Understand the Roulette Variation

The very first step in enhancing your odds at the roulette table is to understand the variant of the game you are playing. Not all roulette games are created equal. For instance, the European Roulette wheel features 37 numbers, including a single zero, while the American Roulette wheel has an additional double-zero pocket, making a total of 38 numbers. This extra pocket in the American Roulette boosts the house edge to 5.26%, nearly double the 2.7% house edge in the European version.

Consequently, if you have a choice, always opt for the European Roulette to take advantage of the better odds.

Outside Bets for Beginners

If you’re a novice to the game of roulette, starting with outside bets is a wise strategy. These bets include betting on red or black, even or odd, and high (19-36) or low (1-18). While these bets may offer smaller payouts, they cover a larger group of numbers, providing a higher chance of winning. Making outside bets is a steady approach to accumulating small wins and gradually increasing your bankroll while gaining experience and confidence in the game.

Leverage En Prison and La Partage Rules

If you play French Roulette they often incorporate beneficial rules known as ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage,’ both applicable to even-money bets. Under the La Partage rule, if the ball lands on zero, players only lose half of their even-money bets, effectively reducing the house edge to 1.35%. The En Prison rule, on the other hand, allows your entire bet to remain ‘in prison’ for the next spin if the ball lands on zero. If your bet wins on the next spin, the full bet amount is returned to you. If you have the option, playing at tables with these rules can significantly improve your odds.

Manage Your Bankroll

Effective bankroll management is an essential strategy that extends beyond the game of online roulette. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. Set a limit for each gaming session and stick to it, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing. Avoid the trap of chasing losses – if you’re having a bad day at the roulette table, it’s okay to walk away and play another day. Responsible gaming is paramount in maintaining the fun and excitement of the casino experience.

By employing these tips and understanding the intricacies of the game, you can enhance your odds at the roulette table. However, remember that roulette remains a game of chance, and while these strategies can improve your odds, they don’t guarantee a win. It’s always essential to play responsibly.

Conclusion

Understanding roulette odds and payouts is key to developing a successful strategy for the game. While the game is heavily based on luck, knowing the odds can greatly assist you in making informed betting decisions. Whether you prefer high-risk inside bets or lower-risk outside bets, roulette offers options for all kinds of players.

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Kate WebbEditor in Chief

With over ten years of experience working with gambling and writing about casinos, Kate brings a lot of knowledge to CasinoTop3.com. Kate oversees all the content written on CasinoTop3.com to ensure it contains factual information with value to you as a player.