Roulette Odds
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. A basic understanding of how payout odds and percentages work when playing roulette may help increase your probability of winning at any of our recommended online casino options.
CONTENTS
- What are Roulette Odds
- How are Roulette Odds Calculated
- Odds & Payouts by Roulette Bet Type
- Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets Explained
- Tips to Boost Roulette Odds
- What is Roulette?
- How to Play Roulette
- Rules of Roulette
- Types of Roulette Games
- Roulette Odds FAQs
What are Roulette Odds
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 36 numbers (1-36, 0) helped popularize roulette as a casino game that quickly spread to America, where it once again evolved to benefit casinos.
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%.
European Roulette provides a house edge of around 2.70% from 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.
How are Roulette Odds 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 numbers 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).
Odds & Payouts by Roulette Bet Type
Column
There are three columns, each with 12 numbers. A column bet pays 2 to 1.
American odds: 31.58%
European odds: 32.43%
Dozen
There are three types of bets on a dozen numbers simultaneously: 1st - 12 (1-12), 2nd - 12 (13-24), 3rd - 12 (25-36). Dozen bets pay 2 to 1.
American odds: 31.58%
European odds: 32.43%
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%
European odds: 48.65%
French odds: 48.65% (If the ball lands on zero, half your wager gets returned.)
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 odds: 2.63%
European odds: 2.70%
Two Numbers
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%
European odds: 5.40%
Three Numbers
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.
American odds: 7.89%
European odds: 8.10%
Four Numbers
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.
American odds: 10.53%
European odds: 10.81%
Five Numbers
The payout odds for a top-line bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) are usually only available from an American Roulette wheel—not the European wheel. 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.
American odds: 13.16%
European odds: not available
Six Numbers
It’s possible to bet on six numbers simultaneously by combining two three-line wagers. Like the top-line bet from the American Roulette wheel, you can place a six-line bet at the bottom of a vertical line (make sure to incorporate the horizontal line there as well). These bets pay 5 to 1.
American odds: 15.79%
European odds: 16.22%
Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets Explained
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.
Odds for Inside Bets
Straight Bet
For most roulette games, a straight bet pays 35 to 1. 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 pay $3,500 for a total payout of $3,600.
Split Bet
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.
Street Bet
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%). A successful $100 wager on a street bet could pay $1,200 for a profit of $1,100.
Corner Bet
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. 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.
Basket Bet
A basket bet or top-line bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) refers to the payout chart in American Roulette. The general odds of winning a basket bet (13.16%) reflect a potential payout of 6 to 1. For example, a successful bet of $100 on five numbers would generate a profit of $600 and a total payout of $700.
Double Street Bet
A double street combines two streets for a six-line bet (i.e., 1-6 or 25-30). European Roulette odds (16.22%) are higher than American odds (15.79%) for a double street wager. The line bet pays 5 to 1 for a potential payout of $600 on a $100 wager, including a profit of $500.
Odds for Outside Bets
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 to 1 payout of $20, which includes a $10 profit.
Odd or Even
Another well-known stake in roulette is even or odd. 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 to 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.
Column
Two additional outside bets include columns and dozens for wagering on 12 numbers simultaneously. 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.
However, there’s a significant difference between columns and dozens. 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.
Dozen
Dozens offer three outside bet options (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) with the same odds and 2 to 1 payouts as columns. A winning $10 bet on any dozen pays $30 for a profit of $20.
Tips to Boost Roulette Odds
Now that we’ve covered the payouts and percentages associated with odds, we can look at how to develop a roulette strategy. Here are some tips you can use at online casinos and brick-and-mortar locations.
We've also got a 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 have offered higher limits for American Roulette and its elevated house edge, players at any online casino get 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 Martindale, 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 you 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:
- Pick a real money 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 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 on a pocket.
Once the ball lands, you can see if you’ve lost or won your bet, which gets 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 betting limits for each roulette table, while in-game settings usually depict 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
Are the odds good in roulette?
The odds in roulette depend on your wager and which game you choose. There’s an overall house edge of 5.26% for the American variant and 2.70% for European Roulette. Wagers on low/high, even/odd, and red/black at French roulette offer a reduced house edge of 1.35% since a La partage rule gives a player half their money back if the ball lands on zero.
What are the odds of winning with red and black in roulette?
The odds of winning any red or black wager in roulette depend on the game. American versions offer 47.37% odds, while European variants offer 48.65%.
What are the odds/payouts for landing on green?
Depending on the wager, there are various odds of landing on green for American and European Roulette. American odds on one or two numbers range from 2.63% to 5.26%, while they range from 2.70% to 5.40% for European versions. Payouts range from 35 to 1 (one number) to 17 to 1 (two numbers) for most variants.
Is there a house edge when playing roulette?
Yes, there’s a casino advantage built-in to roulette, reflecting the odds associated with 37 or 38 numbers and payouts representing 36 numbers (an extra 0 and 00 reflect the house edge).
What are the highest roulette payout odds?
The highest payout odds for roulette include outside bets: low/high, even/odd, red/black. They range from 47.37% (American) to 48.65% (European). The highest payout would be 35 to 1 for winning a single-number bet.