Roulette Odds Explained | Roulette Payouts, Bet Types, Tips, & More
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As a casino game of chance, roulette odds incorporate an overall house edge or built-in advantage. We’ll show you how to calculate the odds of winning various roulette payouts for inside and outside bets.
We’ll also teach you about the odds in roulette for popular variants, including American, European, and French Roulette.
Armed with an understanding of how roulette payouts and odds work, you'll be in a good position to put your knowledge into practice at the best online casinos.
CONTENTS
- Roulette Odds & Payouts Summary
- Roulette Odds Explained
- Roulette Payouts Calculated
- Inside Bet Odds & Payouts
- Outside Bet Odds & Payouts
- Play Roulette Online
- Roulette Strategy Tips
- How to Play Roulette
- Roulette Odds FAQs
Roulette Odds & Payouts Summary
Before we dive into all of the details, here's a quick and simple summary of the payouts and odds for each type of roulette bet:
Single Number (Straight Up):
- Payout: 35 to 1
- American Odds: 2.63% (1 in 38)
- European Odds: 2.70% (1 in 37)
Split (Two Numbers):
- Payout: 17 to 1
- American Odds: 5.26% (2 in 38)
- European Odds: 5.41% (2 in 37)
Street (Three Numbers):
- Payout: 11 to 1
- American Odds: 7.89% (3 in 38)
- European Odds: 8.11% (3 in 37)
Corner (Four Numbers):
- Payout: 8 to 1
- American Odds: 10.53% (4 in 38)
- European Odds: 10.81% (4 in 37)
Basket (Five Numbers):
- Payout: 6 to 1
- American Odds: 13.15%
- European Odds: N/A
Double Street/Six-Line (Six Numbers):
- Payout: 5 to 1
- American Odds: 15.79% (6 in 38)
- European Odds: 16.22% (6 in 37)
Column, Third/Dozen Bets (Twelve Numbers):
- Payout: 2 to 1
- American Odds: 31.58% (12 in 38)
- European Odds: 32.43% (12 in 37)
Even-Money Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low):
- Payout: 1 to 1
- American Odds: 47.37% (18 in 38)
- European Odds: 48.65% (18 in 37)
Roulette Odds Explained (American, European, & French)
From a straight-up bet on one number (pays 35 to 1) to an even-money wager (pays 1 to 1) on red or black, roulette odds depend on the roulette wheel.
Originally containing 36 numbers (1-36) colored red or black, French entrepreneur François Blanc and his brother Louis developed a roulette game for King Charles III of Monaco around 1842 that included a zero.
Casino operators significantly improved the house edge by adding a green-colored pocket for zero (0) on the roulette wheel. Adding a single zero to the numbers 1-36 (0) helped popularize roulette as a casino game that quickly spread to America, where it evolved to benefit casinos once again.
European Roulette offers a house edge of approximately 2.70% due to the presence of only one green-colored zero pocket. The similar French Roulette variant (also with only one zero) includes a La partage rule that returns half a player’s bet on even-money wagers (red or black, odd or even, high or low) if the ball lands on zero, for a reduced house edge of 1.35% on those bets that pay 1 to 1.
With the addition of a double-zero (00) pocket, American Roulette odds increased the casino advantage even further. Thus, the 38 numbers in American Roulette (1-36, 0, 00) meant a cumulative house edge of 5.26%.
However, it is essential to remember one crucial fact: the success of all roulette bets ultimately depends on luck. Avoid gambling cognitive biases by understanding that previous bets have no impact on the next bet you make. For example, if you've had five odd numbers in a row, it doesn't increase the chances of an even number landing next.
Read more about popular casinos with the best roulette odds: Fanatics Casino, Golden Nugget Online Casino, Wheel Of Fortune Casino, horseshoe casino
Roulette Payouts Calculated
There are two simple calculations associated with odds in roulette. First, you can learn the odds for various roulette bets by dividing the potential outcomes for any bet by the total number of pockets on a roulette wheel.
For example, say you want to make a single-number bet in European Roulette. That bet only covers 1 out of 37 total numbers (1 / 37 = 0.0270). Multiply your result by 100 to get an odds percentage of 2.70%. That same bet in American Roulette offers slightly reduced odds of 2.63% (1 / 38 = 0.0263 x 100 = 2.6315).
A second formula determines roulette payouts—essentially the same for American Roulette, European Roulette, and French variants. Based on 36 numbers, you divide the potential outcomes for any bet and then subtract one.
The payout odds for a straight-up bet are 35 to 1 (36 / 1 = 36 - 1 = 35). Thus, a $1 wager on a correct single-number bet pays $35 for a total payout of $36.
Roulette bets offer different percentage odds for American Roulette and European variants. For example, even wagers split the roulette wheel in half for 18 potential outcomes out of 37 or 38 numbers. That gives you odds of about 48.65% in European Roulette (18 / 37 = 0.48648 x 100 = 48.648). Adding a zero in American Roulette means even-money bets offer odds of around 47.37% (18 / 38 = 0.47368 x 100 = 47.368).
Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets
The roulette table offers two types of bets: inside and outside bets. Inside bets are wagers on the numbers “inside” the roulette table (1-36, 0, 00). Unlike outside bets, inside bets offer lower odds for better roulette payouts.
Outside bets refer to wagers on the “outside” of the roulette table: columns, dozens, low/high, even/odd, red/black. There are significantly better odds of winning outside bets, so the payouts are lower.
When playing roulette online, you should be aware of table betting limits. Inside bets get capped at lower amounts than outside bets. For example, there might be a maximum bet of $100 for a straight bet on one number, while an even-money bet may allow up to $2,000 or higher.
Roulette Odds for Inside Bets
We'll take a closer look at the roulette odds for each kind of bet below, but first, here's a handy summary table that includes everything you need to know about the roulette odds and payouts for inside bets.
Inside Bets - Roulette Payouts Table
| Bet Type | Bet Description | Roulette Payout | European Odds | American Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Bet | Single number from 1 to 36 (or 0, 00). | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Split Bet | Bet on 2 bordering numbers. | 17:1 | 5.40% | 5.26% |
| Street Bet | Row of 3 numbers (or 0, 00, and 2 in American Roulette). | 11:1 | 8.10% | 7.89% |
| Corner Bet | Square of 4 numbers. | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.52% |
| Basket Bet | Numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (only available in American Roulette). | 6:1 | - | 13.15% |
| Double Street Bet | Bet on 2 adjacent rows of 3 numbers. | 5:1 | 16.21% | 15.79% |
Straight Bet - Single Number
Roulette payouts for single-number wagers are the same for most variants: 35 to 1. A bet on one number (1-36, 0, 00) may include zero/double zero.
American Roulette odds for a straight bet (2.63%) incorporate an extra zero (00) for lower odds when compared to a European wheel (2.70%).
Wagering $100 on a single-number bet could yield a payout of $3,500, totaling $3,600.
American odds: 2.63% (1 in 38)
European odds: 2.70% (1 in 37)
Split Bet - Two Numbers
A split bet covers two numbers in American and European Roulette (French included). Compared to American odds (5.26%), there are slightly better chances of winning these wagers in European variants (5.40%).
You can collect a profit of $1,700 for a successful wager of $100 on a split bet in roulette.
To wager on two numbers connected via the roulette table layout, place your bet on the line that connects them for a potential payout of 17 to 1.
American odds: 5.26% (1 in 38)
European odds: 5.40% (2 in 37)
Street Bet - Three Numbers
A street bet includes three numbers (i.e., 7, 8, 9 or 31, 32, 33). Street bets on the American wheel (7.89%) offer lower chances of winning when compared to European Roulette odds (8.10%).
Place your wager on the horizontal line at the end of a row of three numbers to make a three-line bet. (When you play roulette online, you’ll see the three highlighted numbers the three-line bet covers.) These bets pay 11 to 1.
A successful $100 wager on a street bet could yield a profit of $1,100, earning $1,200.
American odds: 7.89% (3 in 38)
European odds: 8.10% (3 in 37)
Corner Bet - Four Numbers
A corner bet covers four numbers (i.e., 22, 23, 25, 26) on the roulette table. While American odds (10.53%) are lower than European (10.81%), the roulette payout chart remains the same.
To wager on four numbers, place your bet at the intersection of four numbers on the roulette table to form a square. These bets payout 8 to 1.
Wager $100 on a corner bet when playing on an American or European Roulette wheel for a potential profit of $800 and a total payout of $900.
American odds: 10.53% (4 in 38)
European odds: 10.81% (4 in 37)
Basket Bet - Five Numbers
A basket bet, also known as a top-line bet, consists of five specific numbers: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
The payout odds for a basket bet or top-line are only available from an American Roulette wheel—not the European wheel, as a 00 is required. The general odds of winning a basket bet (13.16%) reflect a potential payout of 6 to 1.
Place your wager at the intersection of the vertical line between zero (0) and one (1) to bet on five numbers. (Be sure you’re not betting on two numbers for this wager when you play online roulette.) The top-line bet pays 6 to 1.
A successful bet of $100 on five numbers would generate a profit of $600 and a total payout of $700.
American odds: 13.16% (5 in 38)
European odds: not available
Double Street Bet - Six Numbers
A double street bet, or a six-line bet, allows you to wager on six numbers simultaneously by combining two street wagers (e.g., 1-6 or 25-30).
Place this bet at the bottom of a vertical line, incorporating the horizontal line. These bets pay 5 to 1, with European Roulette odds at 16.22%, slightly higher than American odds at 15.79%.
A $100 wager can yield a $600 payout, including a $500 profit.
American odds: 15.79% (6 in 38)
European odds: 16.22% (6 in 37)
Roulette Odds for Outside Bets
If you're looking to play it a little bit safer, outside roulette bets might be what you're looking for!
Outside Bets - Roulette Payouts Table
Again, we'll take a look at each outside roulette bet in detail, but here's an overview first!
| Bet Type | Bet Description | Roulette Payout | European Odds | American Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Column | Column of 12 numbers. | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Dozen | Set of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36) | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Low / High | Low number (1-18) or high number (19-36). | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Even / Odd | Even or odd number. | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Red / Black | Red or black number. | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
Column Bet
There are three columns, each with 12 numbers. A column bet pays 2 to 1.
American (31.58%) and European odds (32.43%) for these bets reflect a nearly one-in-three chance for 0 or 00 variants, each paying 2 to 1.
Each column includes four, six, or eight red and black numbers. For example, one column offers six red and six black, while the others differ between four and eight. So, if you wager on red or black and combine it with a column, make sure it’s beneficial to your initial bet.
American odds: 31.58% (12 in 38)
European odds: 32.43% (12 in 37)
Dozen Bet
Dozens offer three outside bet options: 1st - 12 (1-12), 2nd - 12 (13-24), 3rd - 12 (25-36). Dozen bets pay 2 to 1. A winning $10 bet on any dozen pays $30 for a profit of $20.
American odds: 31.58% (12 in 38)
European odds: 32.43% (12 in 37)
Even Bets
Bets with even chances are wagers on 18 numbers (1-36), excluding zero/double zero. The odds of winning change from American Roulette to French and European Roulette. Even bets (even/odd, red/black) include high (1-18) and low numbers (19-36) with payouts of 1 to 1.
American odds: 47.37% (18 in 38)
European odds: 48.65% (18 in 37)
French odds: 48.65% (18 in 37)*
*While the number of winning pockets on an even money bet is the same in French Roulette as European Roulette, the effective house edge in French Roulette is 1.35% (instead of 2.70%), as half of losing wagers are returned when a zero lands in the French variant.
If you play European or French roulette and place only even bets, you'll find roulette to be one of the casino games with best odds.
Red or Black
As one of the most common wagers in roulette, players can bet on either 18 red or 18 black numbers (1-36). There are different odds for American (47.37%) and European variants (48.65%).
For a successful $10 wager on red or black, you’ll receive a 1:1 payout of $20, which includes a $10 profit.
Odd or Even
Another well-known bet in roulette is on even or odd numbers. There are 18 even and 18 odd numbers, with different odds in American (47.37%) and European versions (48.65%). The casino matches any winning even or odd wager for a payout of 1:1.
High or Low
A third bet comprises two halves of 36 numbers—low (1-18) and high (19-36). These bets also pay 1 to 1, with odds that reflect 0 or 00 versions of roulette.
Best Real Money Online Casinos to Play Roulette
Strategy Tips to Improve Roulette Odds
Now that we’ve covered the roulette payouts and percentages associated with odds, we can look at how to develop a strategy. Here are some tips you can use at online casinos and brick-and-mortar locations.
We've also got a handy guide on How to Play Roulette.
Come Prepared
Most land-based casinos have retail players or walk-ins who don’t know the odds in roulette. Players might get lucky with winning bets when they start, but the gambling industry is always one step ahead of the crowd.
For an improved chance of winning, rather than making a bet on a single number and hoping for the best, you should come prepared before you make a roulette bet.
You can use the information on this page at your convenience and check out our guides, reviews, and more for strategies to protect your bankroll by learning to make informed decisions in advance.
Choose the Right Roulette Game
Any roulette player needs to choose the best game for their bankroll. While retail casinos might offer higher limits for American Roulette and its elevated house edge, players at any online casino have access to various games and table minimums and maximums.
European and French variants offer the best return-to-player (RTP) averages. You can check the game’s information tab for details about RTP and payouts.
We recommend players with smaller bankrolls choose European versions rather than the standard American variant.
Place Outside Bets
Outside wagers at roulette offer the best chances to win. If you’re starting out or only have a limited amount to spend for your bankroll, you should begin with low/high, even/odd, red/black.
Learn about roulette strategies like the Martingale, D’Alembert, and Fibonacci systems and find one that suits your bankroll and playing style.
Players should also understand that casinos display “hot and cold” numbers or the latest results to distract them from the game’s randomness, based on random number generators (RNGs) for virtual roulette. Stick with the better odds for outside wagers to build up your bankroll.
What is Roulette?
Roulette is a game of chance that became popular at casinos in France and Monte Carlo (Monaco) and spread to America in the 19th century. French mathematician Blaise Pascal may have initially developed the roulette wheel when attempting to invent a perpetual motion machine in the 1650s.
The roulette evolution included a 0 for European versions and a 00 for American variants. Players can place inside and outside wagers on a roulette wheel with 37 or 38 numbers, with 1-36 colored red and black. Green-colored pockets (0, 00) give the game a house edge of 2.70% (European) and 5.26% (American).
Licensed casinos began offering roulette in the 20th century, and iGaming platforms introduced the popular game between 2012 and now. Live dealer roulette also became popular at U.S.-regulated online casinos that are available in several states.
How to Play Roulette
Online roulette is a simpler version of its land-based counterpart. Retail casinos require roulette players to buy in via the dealer for a unique color (e.g., one player gets red chips, while another gets gray chips). Online casinos allow players to choose from chip denominations ranging from $0.10 to $1,000.
Here’s how to play roulette at an online casino:
- Select a reputable online casino from our list of recommended options.
- Sign up, register for a new account, or log in to an existing one.
- Make a deposit. (Some online casinos may allow eligible players to test casino games for free in demo mode even without creating an account.)
- Choose a game. We recommend playing a European variant to get started.
- Pick a chip denomination (i.e., $10).
- Place your wager(s) anywhere on the roulette table.
- Click the spin button and wait for the roulette ball to land in one of the numbered pockets.
Once the ball lands, you can see if you’ve won or lost your bet, which is paid automatically. (You may also click the spin button while the ball spins to get a faster result.) Then, you can choose to re-bet from the previous round or place a new wager(s).
Rules of Roulette
The object of roulette is correctly guessing which pocket the ball will land in after it spins around the wheel. Players can view the betting limits for each roulette table, while in-game settings typically display different inside and outside wager amounts. Click the paytable to view the game’s payouts.
For land-based roulette, make sure to follow proper casino etiquette. Dress appropriately, don’t drink too much, and remember to get your chips directly from the dealer.
Types of Roulette Games
Like slots and blackjack, online casinos have introduced various games to roulette players. Here are some of the available options for roulette at online and retail casinos:
- American
- Auto
- Double Ball
- European
- First Person
- French
- Immersive
- Lightning
- Speed
- VIP
Roulette Odds FAQs
What are the odds of winning in roulette?
The odds depend on the variant and bet type. In European Roulette, even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) win 48.65% of the time, while single numbers have a 2.70% chance. In American Roulette, even-money bets drop to 47.37%, and single numbers hit only 2.63%.
Which roulette game has the best odds?
French Roulette offers the best odds, with an effective house edge of 1.35% on even-money bets due to the La Partage rule, compared to 2.70% for European and 5.26% for American Roulette.
What roulette bet has the highest payout?
The single number bet (Straight Up) has the highest payout at 35 to 1, though with low probabilities of 2.70% in European and 2.63% in American Roulette.
What roulette bet has the best chance of winning?
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) offer the best chance of winning: 48.65% in European Roulette and 47.37% in American Roulette.
How do you calculate roulette odds?
Divide the number of winning outcomes by the total number of pockets. For example, a single-number bet in European Roulette covers 1 out of 37 numbers, which is 2.70%.
Is roulette a game of skill or luck?
Roulette is primarily a game of chance. While the outcome is random, choosing the correct variant and focusing on outside bets can improve long-term chances.
Are the odds good in roulette?
Roulette odds vary by variant. The house edge is 5.26% for American and 2.70% for European Roulette. French Roulette offers a reduced house edge of 1.35% on specific bets due to La Partage.
What are the odds of winning with red and black in roulette?
In American Roulette, they are 47.37%, while in European Roulette, they are 48.65%.
What are the odds/payouts for landing on green?
American Roulette has a payout of 35 to 1 with odds of 2.63% for a single number. In European versions, the odds are 2.70%.
Is there a house edge when playing roulette?
Yes, there is a house edge in roulette. In European Roulette, it's about 2.70% due to 37 numbers (including a single 0). In American Roulette, the house edge is 5.26% due to the additional 00, which increases the total to 38 numbers. This edge results from the difference between true odds and payout odds.