In roulette, understanding the odds is crucial for strategic betting. The game consists of 37 or 38 numbers on the wheel, depending on whether you’re playing European or American roulette. The odds of winning a straight bet on a single number are 1 in 37 (or 1 in 38 in American roulette), resulting in a payout of 35 to 1. Meanwhile, outside bets, such as red or black, odd or even, offer a higher probability of winning but come with lower payouts, typically 1 to 1. The house edge in roulette is influenced by the presence of the zero or double zero, giving the casino a slight advantage over players.
American vs. European Roulette Odds
American and European roulette differ in terms of wheel configuration and, consequently, odds. The American version features an additional double zero (00) slot, increasing the total number of pockets to 38. This alteration affects the odds and house edge, making American roulette less favorable for players compared to European roulette. In European roulette, with a single zero (0), the odds of winning various bets remain consistent with a 1 in 37 chance for straight bets. The absence of the double zero improves the overall player advantage and lowers the house edge, making European roulette a more popular choice among gamblers seeking better odds.
Types of Bets
Roulette offers a diverse array of betting options, providing players with the flexibility to choose bets that align with their risk appetite and strategy. Inside bets are characterized by their focus on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers on the roulette grid. Straight bets, involving the selection of a single number, offer the highest risk and reward. While the odds of winning a straight bet are relatively low, the payout of 35 to 1 can be enticing for those seeking a substantial win. Split bets cover two adjacent numbers and provide a more balanced risk-reward ratio with a payout of 17 to 1. This allows players to diversify their bets while maintaining the excitement of a potentially significant payout.
Moving to more complex inside bets, street bets involve selecting three numbers in a horizontal row on the grid. The odds improve compared to straight or split bets, with an 11 to 1 payout. Corner bets, also known as square bets, encompass four numbers forming a square on the grid. With a payout of 8 to 1, these bets offer a middle-ground option for players seeking a blend of risk and reward. Finally, six-line bets cover two rows of three numbers, providing a payout of 5 to 1. These bets cater to players who appreciate a moderate level of risk while maintaining diverse betting patterns.
On the other hand, outside bets in roulette involve broader categories of numbers and offer more conservative betting options. Dozens and columns bets allow players to bet on larger groups of 12 numbers, either 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36, with a payout of 2 to 1. These bets provide a higher probability of winning compared to inside bets, making them popular among risk-averse players. Even-money bets, such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers, offer a 1 to 1 payout. While the rewards may be less substantial, the odds of winning are nearly 50%, making these bets a staple for those seeking a more balanced and sustainable approach to roulette.
Roulette Payouts
Payouts in roulette correspond to the type of bet placed, with various bets offering different reward structures. Straight bets, predicting a single number, offer the highest payout at 35 to 1. Split bets, covering two adjacent numbers, provide a payout of 17 to 1, while street bets and corner bets offer payouts of 11 to 1 and 8 to 1, respectively. Outside bets, such as dozens or columns, provide more modest payouts at 2 to 1, and even-money bets like red or black yield a 1 to 1 payout. Understanding the relationship between bet types and their associated payouts is crucial for players looking to devise effective roulette strategies.
How to Calculate Roulette Payouts
Calculating roulette payouts involves a simple formula. For straight bets, multiply the bet amount by 35, as these bets have a payout ratio of 35 to 1. For split bets, multiply the bet by 17, and for street bets, multiply by 11. Similarly, corner bets are calculated by multiplying the bet by 8, while six-line bets use a multiplier of 5. Outside bets, with 2 to 1 or 1 to 1 payout ratios, are straightforward to calculate by doubling the bet amount for the former and maintaining the same amount for the latter. Mastery of these calculations empowers players to make informed decisions based on potential payouts.
Roulette Payouts and Odds Chart
A roulette payouts and odds chart serves as a valuable reference for players seeking a quick overview of the game’s betting options and associated probabilities. The chart typically lists the various bet types, their corresponding payout ratios, and the odds of winning each bet. This visual aid assists players in making strategic decisions, balancing risk and reward based on their preferences and risk tolerance. Whether displayed on casino websites or available as physical references in gaming establishments, a well-designed chart enhances the overall gaming experience and contributes to a player’s understanding of the dynamics of roulette odds and payouts.
Understanding the Basics and Bets
Roulette, known for its simplicity and straight-forward betting, originated in France but may have derived from the Italian game Biribi, with the word ‘roulette’ literally meaning ‘little wheel’, perfectly describing its defining feature (which isn’t so little anymore). The game involves spinning a horizontal wheel that’s divided into numbered compartments. Roulette odds are important to understand if you want to feel like you’re playing roulette in the shady corners at Rick’s Cafe American from Casablanca or like James Bond in Diamonds are Forever.
Types of Bets
Even/Odd and Red/Black
Players can bet on either even/odd or red/black numbers on the roulette table, covering 18 odds or 18 even/red numbers. This bet pays out even money, meaning you receive the same amount you bet plus your original wager when you win.
Column
With three columns on the roulette table, players can bet on an entire column, although the chances of winning are lower compared to other bets. However, the payout is higher, typically at 2 to 1:
- 1st Column: 1,4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34
- 2nd Column: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35
- 3rd Column: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 31, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36
Dozens
Divided into three sets, covering numbers 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36, a single dozen bet pays out at 2 to 1.
Six Line
This bet covers six consecutive numbers, spanning two adjacent rows of the table. It offers a payout of 5:1 and is also known as a quint bet.
Corner
Betting on four numbers next to each other on the roulette board, a corner bet pays out at 8:1.
Street
Covering three consecutive numbers in a row, street bets offer a payout of 11:1.
Basket
Also called the ‘sucker’ or fiver number bet, this is specific to American roulette. Simply, the bet includes five numbers (0, 00, 1, 2, and 3), giving you 6:1 odds, but this means it has both a low payout along with a low chance of winning, which gives the house edge a greater value.
Call Bets
Unique to European/French roulette, this bet is when a player literally calls out their bet and are divided into two variables: fixed (bets stay the same) and variable (change based on the preference of the player). This is also more for players playing bets based on the roulette wheel number sequence rather than the betting table.
How to Play the Roulette Odd
Over time, numerous individuals have attempted to outsmart the casino, seeking to transform roulette—a game inherently favouring the house—into one where the player anticipates consistent wins. These strategies frequently hinge on the “Gambler’s fallacy,” which erroneously suggests that past outcomes hold predictive value for future events. For instance, some may believe that if a roulette wheel has landed on red for ten consecutive spins, the likelihood of red appearing on the next spin is influenced by this sequence, regardless of the wheel’s inherent randomness. Therefore, a positive and negative progression system was developed to help guide pathways towards potential earnings’ routes.
A negative progression system involves increasing the size of one’s bet after a loss. The aim is to recover losses quickly and return to a winning position following a losing streak. Examples include the Martingale, Fibonacci, Labouchère, and d’Alembert systems. These systems often lead to small but consistent wins followed by occasional large losses.
A positive progression system involves increasing the bet size after a win. The goal is either to enhance winning streaks (as in the Paroli system) or to capitalise on changes in luck to recover faster from previous losses (as in Oscar’s Grind). These systems typically result in small but consistent losses followed by occasional significant wins, though in the long run, these wins may not fully offset the losses incurred in between.
The American Roulette Wheel
Featuring a total of 38 divisions, the wheel includes numbers ranging from 0 to 36, with the addition of an extra 00 pocket. The 0 and 00 pockets are highlighted in green, while the numbers are alternately red and black. The probabilities of winning vary across different bet types. For instance, even/odd and red/black bets offer a 47.4% chance of winning, providing relatively favourable odds for players.
Similarly, column and dozen bets each carry a 31.6% probability of winning. As the complexity of bets increases, such as with six line, corner, street, split, and straight bets, the probabilities decrease accordingly, ranging from 15.8% down to as low as 2.6%. These probabilities highlight the varying degrees of risk and potential reward inherent in American roulette gameplay.
The European Roulette Wheel
Featuring 37 pockets, the European Roulette wheel showcases numbers 1 to 36 alternating in red and black, with a solitary green pocket labelled as 0. This singular green pocket contributes to a notably reduced house edge compared to its American counterpart. A notable distinction lies in the strategic placement of numbers on the European wheel, ensuring a balanced distribution of colours, odd and even numbers, as well as highs and lows.
Column and dozen bets each carry a 32.4% probability of winning. As the complexity of bets increases, such as with six line, corner, street, split, and straight bets, the probabilities gradually decrease, ranging from 16.2% down to as low as 2.7%. These probabilities highlight the intricacies of European roulette and the varying levels of risk and potential reward it offers to players.
Roulette Odds Breakdown For Outside Bets
- Red or black: Potential payout: 1:1. European roulette odds: 48.65%. American roulette odds: 47.37%.
- Odd or even: Potential payout: 1:1. European roulette odds: 48.65%. American roulette odds: 47.37%.
- High or low: Potential payout: 1:1. European roulette odds: 48.65%. American roulette odds: 47.37%.
- Column: Potential payout: 2:1. European roulette odds: 32.4%. American roulette odds: 31.6%.
- Dozen: Potential payout: 2:1. European roulette odds: 32.4%. American roulette odds: 31.6%.
Roulette Odds Breakdown for Inside bets
- Straight bet: Potential payout: 35:1. European roulette odds: 2.7%. American roulette odds: 2.6%.
- Split bet: Potential payout: 17:1. European roulette odds: 5.4%. American roulette odds: 5.3%.
- Street bet: Potential payout: 11:1. European roulette odds: 8.1%. American roulette odds: 7.9%.
- Corner bet: Potential payout: 8:1. European roulette odds: 10.8%. American roulette odds: 10.5%.
- Basket bet: Potential payout: 6:1. European roulette odds: N/A. American roulette odds: 13.2%.
- Double street bet: Potential payout: 5:1. European roulette odds: 16.2%. American roulette odds: 15.8%.
What are the Payout Odds in Roulette?
- Column: Example bet – Any number in the third column. Payout: 2:1. European roulette odds: 32.40%. American roulette odds: 31.6%.
- Dozen: Example bet – Any of 13 to 24. Payout: 2:1. European roulette odds: 32.40%. American roulette odds: 31.6%.
- Even bets: Example bet – Black over red. Payout: 1:1. European roulette odds: 48.60%. American roulette odds: 47.4%.
- Single number: Example bet – 7. Payout: 35:1. European roulette odds: 2.70%. American roulette odds: 2.60%.
- Two numbers: Example bet – Either 19 or 20. Payout: 17:1. European roulette odds: 5.4%. American roulette odds: 5.3%.
- Three numbers: Example bet – Any of 28, 29, or 30. Payout: 11:1. European roulette odds: 8.1%. American roulette odds: 7.9%.
- Four numbers: Example bet – Any of 5, 6, 8, or 9. Payout: 8:1. European roulette odds: 10.8%. American roulette odds: 10.5%.
- Five numbers: Example bet – Any of 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3. Payout: 6:1. European roulette odds: 13.5%. American roulette odds: 13.2%.
- Six numbers: Example bet – Any of 4 to 9. Payout: 5:1. European roulette odds: 16.2%. American roulette odds: 15.8%.
Online Roulette vs. Live Roulette
The biggest obvious difference between online and live roulette is the physical wheel and space in which the betting takes place. While online you would be clicking on various bets to make and waiting while watching a screen, in person you would be placing chips on the exact spots to make your precise bets, whether that’s a straight bet, split bet, corner bet, etc. Therefore, an added element of surprise and anticipation occurs in the live roulette match, where your eyes will be tracking a spinning wheel as it captures a ball.
FAQs
What are the different payouts in roulette?
In roulette, different payouts are associated with various types of bets, including straight bets on a single number (35:1), split bets covering two numbers (17:1), street bets encompassing three numbers (11:1), and column or dozen bets (2:1).
Inside vs outside bets – how do the odds differ?
Inside bets involve placing chips on specific numbers or combinations, offering higher payouts but lower odds of winning, while outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, providing lower payouts but higher chances of winning.
What are the payout odds in roulette?
The payout odds in roulette vary based on the type of bet placed. For example, a straight bet on a single number has payout odds of 35 to 1, whereas an even-money bet like red or black has a payout of 1 to 1.
What are the odds of hitting red?
In American roulette, the chance of hitting red or black stands at 47.4%, while in European roulette, it increases slightly to 48.6%. Regardless of the variant, winning bets on red or black are paid out at a 1:1 ratio.
What are the odds on 0 or double zero in roulette?
The odds of hitting 0 or double zero in roulette are 2/38 or approximately 5.26% each on an American roulette wheel, and 1/37 or approximately 2.70% each on a European roulette wheel.
What are the best roulette bets?
The most favourable bets in roulette are outside bets, such as wagering on even or odd numbers, red or black, or numbers 1-18 or 19-36. Each of these bets carries a 1:1 payout ratio.
