Roulette Odds – Your Essential Guide to Roulette Payouts
While exclusively a game of chance – understanding roulette odds and roulette payouts inspires confidence, where you can watch and wait for the “whirrr” of the wheel to subside and crashland in your corner, safe in the knowledge that you did everything you could to pick the right pocket.
Whether opting for the thrill of inside bets or the steadiness of outsides – we’ll take you through the need–to–knows necessary to improve your game and bolster your winning chances, including roulette odds, and the best roulette payouts.
Roulette Odds – A Breakdown
As online gambling revenue soars in the United States, projected to reach US$23.03bn in 2024, roulette remains a revenue-raising poster child and a timeless casino classic.
Fascinating the world since the turn of the 18th century, roulette has continued to captivate, with online and land-based casinos offering multiple tables and a variety of bet types, catering to every playing style and preference. But how do roulette odds and roulette probability work in practicality and how does one use this game knowledge to maximum effect?
Roulette odds are determined by the number of possible winning outcomes vs. the total number of outcomes. For instance, the odds of hitting a single number (a Straight Bet) within a European roulette odds payout type, are 1 in 37, with 37 possible outcomes. This outcome directly influences the house edge, i.e., how much the casino expects to retain over time
The interplay between the odds, bets, and house edge becomes clearer when comparing different game types. European roulette, with its single zero, offers a 2.7% house edge, making it more favorable to players. American roulette, with its single and double zero, increases possible outcomes to 38 and pushes the house edge to 5.26%.
Moreover, the types of bets placed can also affect the playing experience. While offering higher payouts, inside bets come with lower roulette odds and a higher risk of losing. Outside bets offer lower payouts with better winning chances, making them a conservative, consistent choice.
Roulette games are chances in motion, and it’s often good to bridge the two – balancing risk and reward by mixing your inside and outside bets, in hopes of the best possible outcome. If you haven’t already, side with a betting style that complements your risk tolerance. Are you looking for potent lucky streaks on straights, or accrue nominal gains over time?
Roulette Payout Charts for Different Bets
Understanding your roulette odds and their overarching payout structure is a vital step for locking in a winning strategy and maximizing your chances for potentially higher payouts.
Before placing a bet, a key factor to consider is choosing the right roulette variation. European and American roulette are the most common variants, differentiated by the number of green pockets — European roulette has one (0), while American roulette features two (00,0). This difference significantly impacts the odds of each game, even though the roulette table payout ratios for bets remain consistent across these and most other variations.
Please always gamble responsibly and visit the Responsible Gambling Council for guidance and support.
Roulette Bets Explained
Understanding roulette payouts requires a deep dive into the types of bets that define the game. While the game offers a myriad of betting options, each carries a defined level of risk, reward, and strategy. From the directness of a straight bet to the tactical coverage of outside bets, knowing the benefits and drawbacks of each is a cornerstone to mastering the game.
Below is a brief definition of each bet type. Whether you’re drawn to the high-risk/reward structure of a single bet roulette odds payout or prefer the broader approach of wagering on red or black, corners and similar – these options will provide a handy guide and set you on the right footing for your next game online.
- Straight Bet – A wager on any single number. If the ball lands on this number, you’ll receive the highest payout in the game (35:1).
- Split Bet – This bet covers two adjacent numbers on the roulette table. Chips are placed on the line between the two numbers.
- Street Bet – A bet on three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line where chips are placed at the end of the row.
- Corner Bet / Square Bet – A bet straddling four numbers forming a square. Chips are placed at the intersection of the four numbers.
- Trio Bet – A bet covering three numbers, including at least one zero. This is specific to numbers 0, 1, 2, or 0, 2, 3.
- Top Line Bet – Available on American Roulette tables only, this covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Chips are placed at the corner by 0 and 1 or 00 and 3, respectively.
- Even Bet / Odd Bet – A bet that the ball will land on either an even or odd number. This bet does not cover zeroes.
- Red Bet / Black Bet – A wager that the ball will land on either a red or black pocket. Zeroes are also not covered by this bet.
- Low Bet / High Bet – One of the best roulette bets for its simplicity and lower house edge, predicting whether the ball will land on a low (1-18) or a high (19-36) number.
- Dozen Bet – This bet covers 12 numbers simultaneously. With a Dozen Bet, you can bet on the first and lower sets of 1-12, the mid-range 13-24, or the high 25-36 dozen.
- Column Bet – A bet on 12 numbers placed in one of the three vertical columns on the felt. Chips are placed at the bottom of the column.
European Roulette Payout Chart
The burning question on every first-time casino goer’s mind: “How much does roulette pay? European Roulette, identified by its single zero wheel, offers better odds on average when compared to its American counterpart. This advantage is reflected in the game’s 2.7% house edge, which unifies all bet types.
From straight bets to the more complex and less frequently placed top-line bets, the roulette payout chart below lets you get to grips with the various roulette odds and roulette payouts at stake when sitting down to your next game of European Roulette.
Bet | Odds | Payout |
Straight Bet | 2,7% | 35:1 |
Split Bet | 5,4% | 17:1 |
Street Bet | 8,1% | 11:1 |
Corner Bet / Square Bet | 10,8% | 8:1 |
Top Line Bet | 13,5% | 6:1 |
Even Bet / Odd Bet | 48,65% | 1:1 |
Red Bet / Black Bet | 48,65% | 1:1 |
Low Bet / High Bet | 48,65% | 1:1 |
Dozen Bet | 32,4% | 2:1 |
Column Bet | 32,4% | 2:1 |
American Roulette Payout Chart
Widely adopted and, at times, favored for its “high-risk, high-reward” nature, American Roulette payouts introduce a higher level of uncertainty by adding a double zero (00) on the wheel, alongside the standard single zero (0). This alteration increases the total number of pockets on the wheel to 38, affecting the odds of winning for all bet types. Below is a roulette payouts chart with various payout types and coinciding odds for playing American Roulette
Bet | Odds | Payout |
Straight Bet | 2,6% | 35:1 |
Split Bet | 5,3% | 17:1 |
Street Bet | 7,9% | 11:1 |
Corner Bet / Square Bet | 10,5% | 8:1 |
Top Line Bet | 13,2% | 6:1 |
Even Bet / Odd Bet | 47,37% | 1:1 |
Red Bet / Black Bet | 47,37% | 1:1 |
Low Bet / High Bet | 47,37% | 1:1 |
Dozen Bet | 31,6% | 2:1 |
Column Bet | 31,6% | 2:1 |
Understanding the House Edge in Roulette
Getting to grips with the house edge, i.e, the profit (or take) a casino stands to make from each game, is central to understanding the dynamics of roulette, or any other game for that matter. Essentially, the house edge is the casino’s mathematical advantage over time.
It represents the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep on average across all players, ensuring profitability for the casino. As any seasoned player will tell you, the house almost always has the advantage in the long run and, as mentioned, roulette is almost exclusively a game of chance.
That said, there are a few short to mid-term strategies you can use to stand your own against the house (in the interim, at least), and a significant step within the winning equation is schooling up on roulette probability, keeping in mind that odds on a roulette number payout and the coinciding house edge differ according to table type, i.e., European, vs. American.
One or Two Zero Slots on the Wheel Makes A Huge Difference
European Roulette features a single zero pocket, resulting in a 2.7% house edge. This means that for every $100 bet, the casino expects to make a profit of $2.70 over time. On the other hand, American Roulette includes both a single zero and a double zero slot, effectively doubling the house edge to about 5.26%. The addition of the double zero increases the casino’s advantage and translates to a $5.26 profit for every $100 wagered.
Understanding the odds in roulette as well as the casino house edge is crucial as it influences both strategy and game expectations. A lower house edge (as in the case of European Roulette), makes for a more player-friendly game, with better roulette payout odds and longer playtime on the same set budget.
In the case of tables with a higher house edge, like American Roulette, short-term wins are (statistically speaking) less favorable over time. Knowledge of the house edge allows you to make informed decisions about where to play and how to bet, aligning your strategy with risk tolerance and gameplay goals.
What Are the Bets with the Best Odds in Roulette?
Vibrant, fast, and thrilling —roulette remains an exciting centerpiece for any top casino complex, both online at the best crypto casinos or otherwise. But what are the bets with the best odds, and how do you make the most of your gameplay?
For novices, understanding your different betting options is a first step towards decoding the game and, with a bit of luck, securing frequent, higher wins. Roulette bets are broadly categorized into two types: inside bets and outside bets. This classification isn’t just about where you place your chips; it significantly impacts your potential wins and sets a precedent for how long you stand to stay in the action, round on round, spin for spin.
Odds for Roulette Inside Bets
As the name lets on – Inside Bets are single, combinations, or groups of numbers in the center (or inside) section of a standard roulette table.
They involve betting on specific numbers or small groups of numbers and offer higher payouts due to their lower winning probability. If you enjoy an all-or-nothing playing style and have a knack for winning on riskier outcomes, then inside wagers may just be your “best bet”.
When it comes to payouts, a straight bet on a single number pays out 35:1, reflecting its low probability of hitting. Expanding the bet to cover two numbers (split bet) halves the payout but only slightly improves the odds. Street bets, covering three numbers, corner bets on four, and line bets spanning six numbers, work to lower the house edge and bolster your chance of winning, adjusting the payout ratio accordingly.
The roulette odds differ slightly between American and European versions due to the difference in wheel layouts, with European roulette table odds offering slightly better outcomes due to having one less zero.
Odds for Roulette Outside Bets
A counterbalance to the high stakes, inside betting strategy — Outside Bets include broader bet types like red or black, odd or even, and high or low, offering higher (almost even) odds, but significantly lower returns. These bets are particularly favored for their frequent, albeit smaller payouts, making them a go-to for conservative playing styles.
Dozens and columns, each covering 12 numbers, strike a middle ground with 2:1 payouts and a roughly one-in-three chance of winning. Similar to inside bets, the odds for outside bets are more favorable in European roulette, making them the preferred choice for a long-term strategy.
By understanding the odds and payouts associated with inside and outside bets, you can always go into the action with a plan — balancing potentially higher payouts against the steady accumulation of smaller wins. You can also find one or more roulette payout calculators to help you make informed decisions and plan your bets accordingly.
Can Roulette Payout Odds Be Altered to My Favor?
The golden question. Can one swing the odds in roulette toward their favor when sitting down to a game of roulette? The straightforward answer is no; fundamentally, roulette odds are mathematical and fixed, based on the wheel’s design and the game’s rules of play. These odds are, and always have been meticulously calculated to ensure the house maintains its edge, ensuring casinos remain profitable in the long run.
However, dispelling myths and understanding the mechanics can empower you to make smarter betting decisions.
Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions
Many myths suggest tactics that may just hold the power to “beat the system.” Strategies like the Martingale and Fibonacci system track past numbers, searching for patterns and adjusting your bet size based on previous outcomes. The Martingale system, for instance, suggests doubling your bet after every loss, with the idea being that once you do win, you’ll recover all previous losses plus win a profit equal to your original bet.
These strategies, and others like them, work on the belief that past results can influence future outcomes. In the case of roulette, spins are independent events with the result of one having no bearing on the outcome of the next. A roulette wheel has no memory; whether it lands on red, black, or a specific number is entirely random with each spin.
Tips To Maximizing Your Roulette Strategy
While the odds may be fixed, you can still adopt strategies to enhance your gaming experience and potentially improve your overall performance.
- Choose European Roulette – Wherever possible, opt for European (or French) roulette due to its single zero feature, which offers a lower house edge compared to American roulette with its additional double zero.
- Manage Your Bankroll Wisely – Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you always play roulette within your means and avoiding the temptation to chase losses.
- Diversify Your Bets – Mixing inside and outside bets can balance the risk and reward. While inside bets offer higher payouts, outside bets have better odds of winning.
- Understand the Betting Systems – Familiarize yourself with betting systems; they can add structure to your gameplay. However, remember that no system can guarantee wins, and should always be used as a guide rather than a “silver bullet”. strategy.
By approaching roulette with realistic expectations and a strategic mindset, you can enjoy the thrill of the game while minimizing unnecessary risk. Remember, roulette is a game of chance, and the attraction lies in the suspense.
Round Up
From key differences and examples of inside and outside bets to understanding roulette odds and the house edge, these elements all “chip in” to create a solid roulette strategy, despite facing off against randomness in motion.
The differences between European vs. American roulette show that the layout of the wheel is directly proportional to higher (or lower) odds, while the myths surrounding betting systems like the Martingale and Fibonacci stress that, while strategies guide decisions, math reigns supreme, and systems cannot alter odds.
Whether you’re drawn to the high-risk, high-reward nature of inside bets or the steady approach of outside betting, remembering these key insights can help maximize your time at the table and your potential for success.