Roulette Odds Guide: Bets, Payouts and Winning Strategies

Roulette is a classic casino game, but with the right understanding of roulette odds, you can elevate your approach beyond simple chance. Whether you’re at a physical roulette table or trying your luck with online roulette, knowing the odds behind each bet type allows you to make more strategic decisions. This guide breaks down the essentials of roulette odds payout, bet types, and house edge, so you can confidently choose between high-risk, high-reward bets or more frequent, lower-risk options.

Roulette Odds Explained

Understanding the odds for roulette is key to informed betting and a more strategic approach to the game. Every type of bet, from single numbers to color choices, offers different odds and payouts. By recognizing what roulette odds are and how they affect your chances, you can strike a balance between the thrill of big wins and the security of smaller, more frequent returns.

For those playing roulette online, mastering these odds in roulette can help turn each spin into an opportunity for smarter, more calculated bets. Here at Mega Dice, we’re committed to helping you make the most of every spin.

Basic Roulette Bet Types and Their Odds

In roulette, bets are divided into two main categories: Inside Bets and Outside Bets. Each type offers different roulette table odds and payouts, which can impact your strategy and winning potential.

Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets

• Inside Bets: These bets are placed on specific numbers or smaller groups of numbers within the main part of the betting table. Examples of inside bets include the Straight-Up Bet (a single-number bet with a high payout of 35:1), the Split Bet (on two adjacent numbers, paying 17:1), and the Street Bet (on a row of three numbers, paying 11:1). Inside bets generally offer higher payouts ,but they come with lower odds of winning, making them higher-risk choices.
• Outside Bets: These bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer you a greater chance of winning, though with lower payouts. Common outside bets include Red/Black and Odd/Even, each covering 18 numbers and paying out at 1:1. Dozen Bets and Column Bets cover 12 numbers each and offer a payout of 2:1. These bets are appealing for players seeking lower risk, as they cover nearly half of the numbers on the roulette table.

House Edge in American vs. European Roulette

When choosing between American and European roulette, the house edge is a key factor. American roulette includes an additional double-zero (00) pocket alongside the single zero (0), increasing the total number of pockets to 38. This results in a higher house edge of around 5.26%. The extra double zero decreases the odds for players, especially on even-money bets like red/black or odd/even.

European roulette, on the other hand, has only one zero pocket and a total of 37 pockets, resulting in a lower house edge of around 2.7%. Due to this lower house advantage, European roulette offers players slightly better- winning odds than the American version, especially for outside bets that cover nearly 50% of possible outcomes. For players seeking a balance between odds and payout, European roulette provides a more favorable choice.

Odds for Common Inside Bets

Inside bets are specific, high-risk wagers made on particular numbers or small sets of numbers within the roulette table layout. These bets typically offer high payouts but come with lower odds of winning due to the limited numbers they cover. Let’s dive into the most common inside bets and their respective payout odds.

Straight-Up Bet

A Straight-Up Bet is a bet on a single number on the roulette table. This high-risk, high-reward wager has some of the most attractive payout odds in roulette, offering a 35:1 payout if you win. Since the player bets on one specific number, the odds of hitting that number are low, making it a bold but potentially rewarding choice.

Split Bet

The Split Bet involves placing a wager on two adjacent numbers by positioning the chip on the line between them. This bet offers 17:1 payout odds, making it a somewhat safer choice than the straight-up bet but still riskier than most outside bets. The split allows players to cover two numbers, increasing their chances of landing a win.

Street Bet

A Street Bet covers three consecutive numbers in a row, with the chip placed on the outer edge of the row on the roulette table layout. For example, a street bet might cover 4, 5, and 6. The payout for a winning street bet is 11:1, making it appealing for players who want better odds of winning than a straight-up or split bet.

Corner (Square) Bet

The Corner Bet, also known as the Square Bet, covers four numbers that form a square on the table (e.g., 1, 2, 4, and 5). By placing the chip at the intersection where these four numbers meet, players can cover all of them. The payout for this bet is 8:1, offering moderate winning potential for those looking to diversify their wagers.

Five-Number Bet (American Roulette Only)

Unique to American roulette, the Five-Number Bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This bet has a payout of 6:1 but is widely considered one of the riskiest wagers due to its lower probability of winning and the higher house edge it carries. While the roulette payout may seem appealing, it’s generally not recommended as it offers the least favorable odds for players.

Line Bet

A Line Bet allows players to wager on six numbers across two adjacent rows. By placing the chip at the intersection where the two rows meet, a player covers all six numbers in that area. This bet provides 5:1 payout odds, making it a more stable choice for players seeking a balance between risk and potential return.

Odds for Common Outside Bets

Outside bets in roulette cover larger sections of the roulette game table, increasing the chances of a win with more predictable outcomes. These roulette bets fall outside the central numbered grid, making them easier to spot. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular outside bets:

Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low

These are known as even-money bets because they pay out at 1:1, essentially doubling your stake if you win. By betting on Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low, you cover 18 numbers on the wheel out of a total of 37 or 38, depending on the roulette game variant (European or American). This makes them among the safest bets, with a winning probability close to 50%. However, the presence of zero (or double zero in American roulette) slightly lowers the odds, giving the house an edge. These bets are perfect if you’re aiming to play roulette with a strategy focused on more consistent, lower-risk wins.

Dozen Bets

A Dozen Bet divides the numbers on the wheel into three groups: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36. By betting on one of these sets, you’re covering 12 numbers, giving you roughly a 1 in 3 chance of winning. A successful Dozen Bet pays out at 2:1, which means you’ll receive twice your bet amount in addition to your initial stake. This bet offers a bit more excitement than even-money bets while still providing a relatively high chance of winning compared to inside bets.

Column Bets

Similar to Dozen Bets, Column Bets cover 12 numbers; however, the difference lies in how they’re arranged on the roulette layout. Column Bets cover one of the vertical columns on the table, such as 3, 6, 9, and so on up to 36. With a payout of 2:1, Column Bets provide a moderate level of risk and are popular among players seeking a balanced betting option that combines decent odds with fair returns.

These common outside bets offer more stable outcomes for players, and understanding their respective payout odds can be crucial when planning a strategic approach to roulette.

Comparing Odds in American and European Roulette

When it comes to roulette, not all wheels are created equal. American and European roulette differ slightly in their layouts, but this small distinction can have a notable impact on what are the odds in roulette. Understanding how the presence of an extra zero on the American roulette wheel influences odds and affects the house edge is crucial for making informed decisions when placing bets.

Impact of the Double Zero

The addition of a double zero (00) in the American roulette wheel significantly impacts the game’s odds. While European roulette has only one zero, American roulette includes both a zero and a double zero, increasing the total pockets to 38. This additional zero changes the odds, especially for even-money bets, as it reduces the likelihood of a win.

For example, in European roulette, even-money bets (such as Red/Black, Odd/Even) have a winning probability of around 48.6%. In American roulette, however, the probability drops to 47.37% due to the extra zero.

House Edge Comparison

One of the most noticeable differences between European and American roulette is the house edge, which refers to the statistical advantage the casino holds over players. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, meaning the casino keeps this percentage of all bets in the long run.

In American roulette, the house edge jumps to 5.26% due to the extra zero pocket. This significant difference means that players in European roulette retain more of their potential returns over time, making it the preferred version for many.

Calculating Roulette Odds and Expected Value

Understanding the odds behind different roulette bets can help you make more strategic choices at the table. One way to calculate these odds is by using a simple formula based on the number of potential outcomes and the specific bet type.

Formula for Odds Calculation

To determine the odds for any given bet, use this basic formula:

Odds=Number of favorable outcomesTotal possible outcomesOdds=Total possible outcomesNumber of favorable outcomes​

For example, on a European roulette wheel with 37 slots (1 to 36 plus a single zero), the probability of hitting a specific number on a straight-up bet is 1 in 37, giving odds of roughly 2.7%. In comparison, on an American roulette wheel with 38 slots (including 0 and 00), the odds drop slightly to about 2.63%.

Expected Value in Roulette

Calculating the expected value (EV) of a bet helps you assess the potential return relative to the cost of betting over time. EV combines the payout and probability to provide an idea of how profitable or costly a bet might be in the long run. The formula for calculating expected value in roulette is:

Expected Value=(Payout×Winning Probability)−(Bet Amount×Losing Probability)Expected Value=(Payout×Winning Probability)−(Bet Amount×Losing Probability)

For instance, on an even-money bet like red/black with a 1:1 roulette payout, the EV on a European wheel (with a 2.7% house edge) is negative, meaning that over time, the house holds a slight advantage. This insight can help guide your approach to betting, especially when balancing risk and return over a longer gaming session.

Strategies for Choosing Bets Based on Odds

Choosing your bets wisely can help you find a balance between risk and potential rewards. Here are some tips to consider:

Bet Selection Tips

For players seeking safer options, even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low offer the highest chance of winning, with nearly 50% odds. Higher-risk bets like straight-up bets provide bigger payouts but with much lower odds for roulette wins, suiting players who prefer a high-risk, high-reward approach.

For easy reference, a roulette payout chart can be a helpful tool to visualize the various betting options, odds, and corresponding payouts.

Progressive Betting Strategies

Many players use progressive betting strategies, such as the Martingale system, which is popular for even-money bets. In the Martingale strategy, players double their bet after each loss, aiming to recover losses when a win eventually occurs. However, this approach can quickly reach the minimum and maximum bets allowed by the casino, especially during losing streaks, so it’s crucial to set limits and have sufficient bankroll.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Finally, it’s essential to remember that even with the best strategies, roulette payouts and odds don’t guarantee consistent wins. By balancing your choices based on roulette table odds and expected value, you can maximize your enjoyment while minimizing unnecessary risks.

FAQ

This is what other players like to know about roulette odds:

Which bet has the highest odds of winning?

Even-money bets, such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low, have the highest odds of winning in roulette. These bets cover almost half the numbers on the wheel, giving a nearly 50% chance to win with a 1:1 payout.

Is it better to play European or American roulette for better odds?

European roulette offers better odds for players due to its single zero, resulting in a lower house edge of 2.7% compared to 5.26% for American roulette, which includes an additional double zero. Choosing European roulette can improve your long-term outcomes.

How does the house edge impact my chances of winning?

The house edge represents the casino’s advantage over players, which reduces the expected return on each bet. With a lower house edge (e.g., 2.7% in European roulette), players retain more of their wager over time, slightly improving chances for longer play.

Can I improve my odds with a betting system?

Betting systems like Martingale can manage bankroll or wager progression, but they don’t alter the game’s odds. While they may help short-term gains, betting systems don’t overcome the inherent house edge or guarantee long-term success.

What’s the difference between payout and odds?

Payout refers to the amount you win relative to your bet, while odds represent the likelihood of winning. For example, a straight-up bet has high payout odds (35:1) but low winning odds (1 in 37 on a European wheel).

What are the basic rules of roulette, and how do I play?

The basic rules involve Players placing their bets on a table with various options—numbers, colors, odd/even, and more. After all bets are in, the dealer spins a wheel and drops a ball into it. Wherever the ball lands determines the winner. You win if the ball lands on a number, color, or group of numbers you bet on.