Roulette odds represent your probability of winning on any given bet. Understanding these odds is essential for making informed decisions at the table and managing your bankroll effectively.
Roulette combines simplicity with mathematical precision, making it one of the most popular casino games worldwide. Understanding the odds behind each bet type is crucial for making informed decisions and managing your expectations at the table. While roulette is fundamentally a game of chance, knowledge of probabilities, payouts, and house edge allows you to approach the game strategically and maximize your entertainment value.
The odds in roulette represent your probability of winning on any given bet. These odds are determined by the wheel configuration and remain constant on every spin, regardless of previous outcomes. Payouts are expressed as ratios showing how much you win relative to your stake, while the house edge represents the casino's mathematical advantage over time.
Roulette odds are fundamentally based on simple probability calculations. In European roulette, with 37 numbered pockets (1-36 plus zero), a bet on a single number has a 1 in 37 chance of winning, or approximately 2.70 percent. American roulette adds a double zero, creating 38 pockets and reducing your odds to 1 in 38, or about 2.63 percent.
The critical distinction between odds and payouts creates the house edge. While a single number bet in European roulette has 37 to 1 true odds, the casino pays only 35 to 1 when you win. This two-unit difference on a winning bet, combined with losing your stake on unsuccessful bets, generates the casino's profit margin over thousands of spins.
Understanding this relationship helps you evaluate different bet types objectively. Every standard bet in roulette carries the same house edge within a given variant, meaning no bet is mathematically superior to another in terms of expected value. Your choice of bets should therefore reflect your risk tolerance and playing style rather than a search for better odds.
The single most important decision affecting your roulette odds is choosing between European and American variants. European roulette features one zero pocket, while American roulette includes both zero and double zero. This seemingly small difference has a substantial impact on your winning probability.
In European roulette, the house edge is 2.70 percent on all standard bets. This means that for every 100 dollars wagered over time, you can expect to lose 2.70 dollars on average. American roulette's extra zero pocket increases the house edge to 5.26 percent, nearly doubling the casino's advantage and reducing your expected return.
The mathematical impact becomes clear when examining specific bets. An even-money bet on red in European roulette wins 18 out of 37 spins (48.65 percent), while the same bet in American roulette wins 18 out of 38 spins (47.37 percent). Over hundreds of spins, this difference significantly affects your results and bankroll longevity.
French roulette, which uses the European wheel, often includes additional rules like La Partage or En Prison. These rules return half your stake or offer a second chance when zero hits on even-money bets, reducing the house edge to just 1.35 percent on those wagers. When available, French roulette with these rules provides the best odds in any roulette variant.
Understanding the relationship between bet coverage, odds, and payouts is essential for strategic play. The table below presents comprehensive odds for all standard roulette bets in both European and American variants.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout | European Odds | American Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 | 35 to 1 | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Split | 2 | 17 to 1 | 5.41% | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 | 11 to 1 | 8.11% | 7.89% |
| Corner | 4 | 8 to 1 | 10.81% | 10.53% |
| Five Number | 5 | 6 to 1 | N/A | 13.16% |
| Six Line | 6 | 5 to 1 | 16.22% | 15.79% |
| Column | 12 | 2 to 1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Dozen | 12 | 2 to 1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Red/Black | 18 | 1 to 1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 1 to 1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| High/Low | 18 | 1 to 1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
The payout calculation follows a simple formula: divide 36 by the number of pockets your bet covers, then subtract 1. For a corner bet covering 4 numbers, the calculation is 36 divided by 4 equals 9, minus 1 equals 8, giving you the 8 to 1 payout. This formula works for all inside bets and helps you quickly understand the risk-reward relationship.
Notice that as you cover more numbers, your winning probability increases but your payout decreases proportionally. A straight-up bet offers a 35 to 1 payout with low odds, while even-money bets provide 1 to 1 returns with nearly 50 percent probability. This inverse relationship between risk and reward is fundamental to roulette strategy.
Roulette odds are determined by the number of pockets on the wheel and the type of bet you place. European roulette features 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 plus a single zero), while American roulette has 38 pockets (adding a double zero). This single pocket difference significantly impacts your winning probabilities.
The house edge is built into every bet through the payout structure. While a single number bet has 37 to 1 odds in European roulette, the casino pays only 35 to 1. This difference ensures the house maintains a mathematical advantage over time, regardless of short-term outcomes.
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main betting grid. These bets offer higher payouts but lower winning probabilities.
Betting on a single number provides the highest payout at 35 to 1. In European roulette, your odds of winning are 2.70 percent (1 in 37), while American roulette offers 2.63 percent (1 in 38). Despite the attractive payout, this bet carries the highest risk.
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17 to 1. Your winning probability is 5.41 percent in European roulette and 5.26 percent in American roulette. Place your chip on the line between two numbers to make this bet.
Street bets cover three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row, paying 11 to 1. The odds are 8.11 percent for European and 7.89 percent for American roulette. This bet offers a middle ground between risk and reward.
Also called a square bet, this covers four numbers where their corners meet. The payout is 8 to 1, with winning odds of 10.81 percent (European) and 10.53 percent (American). Place your chip at the intersection point of four numbers.
This bet covers six numbers across two adjacent rows, paying 5 to 1. Your odds improve to 16.22 percent in European roulette and 15.79 percent in American roulette, making it one of the safer inside bets.
Available only in American roulette, this bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, paying 6 to 1. With a house edge of 7.89 percent, this is statistically the worst bet in roulette and should be avoided.
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer better winning probabilities but smaller payouts. These bets are ideal for conservative players or those managing smaller bankrolls.
Betting on color is the most popular outside bet, paying 1 to 1. European roulette offers 48.65 percent winning odds, while American roulette provides 47.37 percent. The zero pockets ensure these are not true 50-50 propositions.
Similar to color bets, odd or even wagers pay 1 to 1 with identical probabilities: 48.65 percent (European) and 47.37 percent (American). Remember that zero is neither odd nor even, so these bets lose when zero hits.
Betting on low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36) also pays 1 to 1 with the same 48.65 percent and 47.37 percent odds. These even-money bets form the foundation of many betting systems.
Dozen bets cover 12 consecutive numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36) and pay 2 to 1. Your winning probability is 32.43 percent in European roulette and 31.58 percent in American roulette, offering a balanced risk-reward ratio.
Column bets also cover 12 numbers arranged vertically on the betting layout, paying 2 to 1. The odds are identical to dozen bets at 32.43 percent (European) and 31.58 percent (American). You can combine column and dozen bets for varied coverage.
The house edge represents the casino's average profit on each bet over time. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.70 percent due to the single zero. American roulette's double zero increases the house edge to 5.26 percent, nearly doubling the casino's advantage.
This difference means that for every 100 dollars wagered, you can expect to lose 2.70 dollars on European roulette versus 5.26 dollars on American roulette over the long term. The house edge applies equally to all standard bets, making European roulette the superior choice when available.
Some casinos offer French roulette with special rules like La Partage or En Prison, which return half your stake or allow a second chance on even-money bets when zero hits. These rules reduce the house edge to just 1.35 percent on affected bets, providing the best odds available in roulette.
Expected value is a mathematical concept that helps you understand the long-term outcome of any bet. To calculate it, multiply each possible outcome by its probability, then sum the results.
For a 10 dollar straight-up bet in European roulette: you win 350 dollars with 2.70 percent probability (value: 9.45 dollars) or lose 10 dollars with 97.30 percent probability (value: -9.73 dollars). The expected value is -0.27 dollars, representing the 2.70 percent house edge.
Every bet in roulette has a negative expected value, meaning the house always has a mathematical advantage. Understanding this helps you approach the game with realistic expectations and proper bankroll management.
Many players employ betting systems hoping to overcome the house edge. While these strategies can structure your play and manage short-term variance, none can eliminate the mathematical disadvantage.
The Martingale involves doubling your bet after each loss, aiming to recover all losses with one win. While theoretically sound, it requires an unlimited bankroll and faces table limits. A losing streak can quickly escalate your required bet beyond practical limits.
Based on the Fibonacci sequence, this system increases bets following the pattern 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on. It's less aggressive than Martingale but still vulnerable to extended losing streaks and table limits.
This system increases bets by one unit after losses and decreases by one unit after wins. It's more conservative than Martingale but still cannot overcome the house edge over sufficient trials.
Betting the same amount consistently is the simplest approach. While it won't beat the house edge, it provides predictable variance and extends playing time, making it ideal for recreational players focused on entertainment value.
Choose European or French roulette over American whenever possible to benefit from the lower house edge. The single zero format nearly halves the casino's advantage, significantly improving your long-term prospects.
Set a strict budget before playing and divide it into session bankrolls. Never chase losses or bet money you cannot afford to lose. Roulette is a negative expectation game, so treat any winnings as fortunate outcomes rather than expected results.
Understand that each spin is independent and random. Previous results have no influence on future outcomes, making patterns or hot and cold numbers purely coincidental. The ball has no memory, and the odds remain constant on every spin.
Focus on bets that match your risk tolerance and playing style. Conservative players should favor outside bets for more frequent wins, while those seeking excitement might prefer inside bets despite their lower hit rate.
Take advantage of casino comps and loyalty programs to extract additional value from your play. While these don't change the mathematical odds, they provide tangible benefits that improve your overall casino experience.
Understanding roulette odds is fundamental to making informed betting decisions and managing expectations at the table. While no strategy can overcome the house edge, knowledge of probabilities, payouts, and game variants allows you to maximize entertainment value and make choices aligned with your risk tolerance.
European roulette offers significantly better odds than American roulette, with a house edge of 2.70 percent versus 5.26 percent. French roulette with favorable rules provides the best odds at 1.35 percent on even-money bets. Always choose the most favorable variant available.
Remember that roulette is designed as entertainment with a built-in house advantage. Approach the game with realistic expectations, proper bankroll management, and an understanding that long-term profitability is mathematically impossible. Play responsibly and view any losses as the cost of entertainment.
Even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) offer the best winning probability at 48.65 percent in European roulette. However, all bets carry the same house edge of 2.70 percent, making no bet mathematically superior in terms of expected value.
European roulette is significantly better, with a house edge of 2.70 percent compared to American roulette's 5.26 percent. The single zero format nearly doubles your long-term expectation, making it the clear choice when both variants are available.
No betting system can overcome the house edge in roulette. While systems like Martingale or Fibonacci can structure your play and manage short-term variance, they cannot change the mathematical disadvantage built into every bet.
The five-number bet in American roulette (covering 0, 00, 1, 2, 3) is the worst bet with a house edge of 7.89 percent. This bet should always be avoided as it offers significantly worse odds than any other roulette wager.
Payouts are calculated by dividing 36 by the number of squares your bet covers, then subtracting 1. For example, a bet covering 4 numbers: 36 divided by 4 equals 9, minus 1 equals 8, giving you 8 to 1 payout odds.
No, each spin is completely independent and random. Previous results have zero influence on future outcomes. The odds remain constant on every spin regardless of what numbers have hit recently.
Play roulette at reputable online casinos offering fair odds and secure gaming environments.
Learn how to effectively use straight-up, split, street, corner, and line bets to maximize your roulette strategy with higher-risk, higher-reward wagers.
Discover how to use even-money bets, dozens, and columns to create consistent roulette strategies with better winning probabilities and controlled risk.
More casinos are introducing French roulette with La Partage and En Prison rules, offering players a reduced house edge of 1.35 percent on even-money bets.
Random number generators in online roulette ensure fair odds identical to physical wheels, with independent testing verifying true randomness and proper payout percentages.
Live dealer roulette games offer the same mathematical odds as land-based casinos, with real-time streaming providing transparency and authentic gaming experiences.