Basics of Roulette Payouts and Odds of Winning

Before you place your chips on reds, blacks, odds, or evens, it’s important to have a fine-tuned roulette strategy. Here, you’ll learn how different bets affect your chances of winning and find handy strategies to help reduce the house edge. With this knowledge, you can bet more confidently and improve your chances of success at the roulette table.

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Roulette Payouts and Odds of Winning

The odds in roulette indicate the likelihood of winning a certain bet; each type of bet has its own set of odds and payouts. The odds also differ from one variation of roulette to the next. European roulette, for example, with its single zero, differs from American roulette, which has a double zero. Understanding these odds allows roulette players to modify their betting strategy and improve their bankroll.

Calculating roulette odds involves understanding the probability of the ball landing on a chosen number or set of numbers. The formula is simple—you divide the number of ways to win by the total number of outcomes. We’ll take a look at how to calculate odds for different types of roulette bets next. All the bets in a roulette game can be broadly categorized as inside, outside, and special bets.

Inside bets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. The odds of winning are lower, but the payouts are higher.

Straight-up bets cover a single number and the odds are 1/37 or 1/38, depending if you are playing on a European or American roulette table.
The split bet covers two numbers so the odds are going to be 2/37 or 2/38.
A street bet has three possible winning outcomes, therefore the odds are going to be 3/37 or 3/38.
Corner bets cover four grouped numbers, with four ways to win and the odds would be calculated as 4/37 and 4/38.
Six-line bets offer six ways to win and their odds would be calculated as 6/37 and 6/38.

Outside bets

Outside bets cover a larger group of numbers, which means the chances of winning are higher but the payouts are significantly lower than with inside bets.

The three bets Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low all have the same odds of 18/37 or 18/38.
Dozens offer 12 ways to win and the odds are 12/37 or 12/38. The Columns have the same odds, and although they are different wagers, there are still 12 ways to win.

Special bets

Special bets are found in European and French roulette and often involve special sections of the roulette wheel. These bets are more popular with experienced players as they involve a more detailed understanding of the game. However, calculating the odds is simple enough.

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero) offers the player 17 ways to win, and the odds are 17/37.
Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel) covers twelve numbers with this wager, therefore we calculate the odds as 12/37.
The Orphelins (Orphans) bet has a total of 13 winning numbers, and the odds for winning are 13/37.

Although the payouts and winning odds are generally consistent across casinos, they may differ slightly depending on the table you’re playing at. On top of that, some casinos may provide alternate versions of the game with distinct payback and odds.

It is important to understand the relationship between odds and the house edge in casino games, particularly in games like roulette or blackjack. The house edge is the casino’s average profit over time from each bet placed, calculated from the difference between true odds and payout odds.

In gambling, true odds are what you would be paid if there were no house edge. The payout odds are what the casino pays you when you win a bet. For example, in American roulette, a straight-up bet pays 35 to 1, whereas the true odds are 37 to 1, as there are 37 ways to lose and just one winning number. Below we’ve provided a simple calculation and example as an illustration.

House Edge = (1 – (Payout Odds / True Odds)) × 100%

We can calculate the house edge for American roulette, with the double zero:

House Edge = (1 – (35/37)) × 100% ≈ 5.26%

In roulette rules, the existence of the zero (or double zero in American roulette), gives the game its house edge. These slots reduce the odds of winning on any bet that does not specifically include zero, such as red/black or even/odd bets.

By understanding the odds and how they influence the house edge, players can make more informed betting decisions. Opting for games with a lower house edge, such as European roulette (which features only a single zero), or seeking out special betting rules like ‘En Prison’ can enhance a player’s chances of winning.

The two most popular versions are American and European roulette. As mentioned previously, the biggest difference between these is the single zero pocket in European roulette versus the double zero pockets in American roulette. The odds of the game are significantly impacted by the difference between the two layouts, despite how slight it may appear to be.

Here is an overview of the three different roulette versions and their odds:

American Roulette: Includes 38 slots with numbers from one to 36, plus 0 and 00 (zero and double zero). The house edge is 5.26%. This makes the American roulette odds lower than European roulette odds. There is also the five-number bet (0,00,1,2,3) which is unique to American roulette and has a house edge of 7.89%.
European Roulette: Single zero layout which lowers the advantage the house has on even-money bets and the house edge is 2.7%. All inside and outside bets are available just as in American roulette, but there is no five-number bet.
French Roulette: The table has a distinctive design that has layouts on either side and a wheel in the middle. This kind of design is typically only seen in upscale casinos like Monte Carlo. The house edge is approximately 2.7% because it has a single zero and numbers 1-36, the same as any other European-style roulette table. There are, however, special rules like La Partage and En Prison that you will find nowhere else. On tables where these rules apply, the house edge is only 1.35%, making French roulette bets more favorable for players.

It’s important to note that the majority of casinos use American-style layout games, which have a bigger house edge than European-style tables. However, when it comes to counting your profits, American roulette payouts are identical to those on European roulette tables.

Each type of bet you make, a simple straight-up on a single number or a more complex arrangement like a corner or street bet, comes with its own set of roulette table odds based on the roulette table layout and the rules of the game.

Understanding these odds associated with different betting patterns in roulette is critical for any player seeking an effective strategy for real money roulette.

Odds on Outside Bets – Greater Probability With Smaller Payouts

Anyone learning how to play roulette should begin with outside bets. You have a better chance of landing a win with these bets because they cover more of the wheel, but don’t expect a large payout.

Column Bet

With the column bet you can wager on one of the three columns, each containing 12 numbers (minus the 0 and/or 00 at the end). The chances to win are 32.4%, and you’ll receive a 2:1 payout if the ball lands on any of the 12 numbers in the column.

Dozens Bet

Place your roulette table bets on the first, second, or third 12 numbers on the table. Each set consists of six red and six black numbers, and you will be paid out at 2:1 odds if any of the numbers in your selected set come up.

Odd/Even Bet

Keep it easy and wager on whether or not the winning number will be odd or even (excluding 0 and/or 00). You’ll be paid even money if you’re correct, with a roughly even probability of succeeding.

Red/Black Bet

Feeling fortunate with a certain color? Wait for the ball to land on your color of choice after placing a bet on red or black. You’ll be compensated at even money odds if the ball lands on your selected color.

High/Low

Place a wager on either the high end (19–36) or the low end (1–18). You’ll receive an even money payout if the ball lands on a number that falls within the range you specified.

Odds on Inside Bets – Lower Probability with Bigger Wins

Inside bets on the roulette wheel provide a new kind of pleasure; even though they carry higher risk and may not have the best odds in roulette, they can result in significant victories if you are lucky enough to win.

Straight Up Bet

Using this wager, you can place a bet on a single numbered spot on the table. Despite the low odds of success, the payout for selecting the correct number could be as high as 35:1. It’s a bold move, but the payoff could be massive.

Corner Bet

This bet, which covers four numbers in a square shape, can be made by placing your chips on the corner where the four numbers meet. Your chances of winning are slightly higher than with a straight-up bet, but the payout is also lower at 8:1.

Split Bet

For those who want to spread their bets, the split bet allows you to choose two numbers to wager on. You win if either of the two numbers comes up. Place your chips on the line between the two numbers you have selected. Because of the 17:1 payout, your chances of winning are slightly higher than with a straight-up wager.

5-Number Bet

This bet, which is only available in American roulette, covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Although the roulette winning odds are higher than with some other inside bets, the payout is only 6:1. It’s a risky bet, but if the odds are in your favor, it could pay off.

Street Bet

You can wager on three consecutive numbers in a row with the street bet. Put your chips on the row’s edge and cross your fingers that one of the numbers will come up. A successful street bet pays out 11:1.

Six Line Bet

This wager combines two street bets to cover six numbers in a row. While the odds of hitting a six-number bet are higher than those of other inside bets, the payout is still only 5:1.

Prepare for a wild ride regardless of the inside wager you choose. Even if the odds aren’t in your favor, picking the correct number can result in a large payoff that will make your night.

Roulette Payout and Odds on Called Bets

In addition to standard inside and outside bets, some casinos offer unique wagers known as racetrack bets, or called bets. These are placed on a separate section of the table called the roulette racetrack, which corresponds to specific sequences of numbers on the wheel. Here is an overview of these bets, as well as an explanation of their odds and payouts.

Voisins du Zéro

It means “neighbors of zero” in French. This wager includes 17 numbers closest to zero on the wheel, covering the portion of the wheel between numbers 22 and 25, with zero in the middle. The odds of winning are 45.9%. However, it requires that multiple bets be wagered simultaneously. These involve basket, corner, and split bets. The highest payout possible is 17:1 for a successful split bet. The corner bet pays out 8:1 and the basket bet 11:1.

Tiers du Cylindre

Another French term, this one means “thirds of the wheel.” This wager covers all 12 numbers between 27 and 33 that are located on the opposite side of the zero on the wheel. The odds of winning are 32.4%, and the payout for a successful wager is 17:1. Six split bets need to be wagered simultaneously.

Orphelins

The eight remaining numbers that are not covered by either of the other two called bets are covered by this wager, whose name translates to “orphans” in French. This includes 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34.

For a straight-up wager on 1, there’s a 35 to 1 payout, and for a split wager on the other numbers, it’s 17:1. The odds of placing a winning bet with Orphelins is 21.6%.

Note that not all roulette tables accept called bets, and not all online casinos provide this option.

Roulette Payout Chart

In roulette, the relationship between risk and reward is clearly defined: higher probabilities of winning yield lower payouts, but long-shot bets have the potential for huge profits. If you want to improve your chances of winning, understanding the balance between probability and payout is crucial for strategizing effectively.

Despite the variety of betting options, any roulette bet is designed to favor the house. Yet, the thrill of the game lies in this very unpredictability, where a single spin can turn the tables. Have a look at the roulette payout chart below and find bets that give you the best odds.

Bet Type	Payout	American Roulette Odds	European Roulette Odds
Straight	35:1	2.6%	2.7%
Split	17:1	5.3%	5.5%
Street	11:1	7.9%	8.3%
Trio	11:1	5.3%	2.7%
Corner	8:1	10.5%	11.1%
Six Line	5:1	15.8%	16.7%
Snake	2:1	31.6%	32.4%
Column	2:1	31.6%	32.4%
Dozen	2:1	31.6%	32.4%
Red/Black	1:1	47.4%	48.6%
High/Low	1:1	47.4%	48.6%
Even/Odd	1:1	47.4%	48.6%

If you’re wondering how to lower the house edge in roulette, you’re in luck. Next, we’ll go over some practical ideas and ways to assist you in making better betting decisions before you venture into real money casinos and begin making bets. Follow these suggestions to improve roulette odds with strategy and tactical wagers.

Know the Odds

Understanding the odds of each wager is the first step toward increasing your chances of winning at roulette. While some wagers have higher payouts but lower chances of winning, others have lower payouts but higher chances of winning. If you are aware of the odds associated with each wager, you can make more informed decisions about where to place your chips.

Choose Your Game Wisely

Your odds of winning can be increased by selecting the game with the lowest house edge. In contrast to European roulette, which only has a single zero pocket, the American roulette layout has a double zero pocket, giving the house an additional advantage from 2.7% to 5.26%.

Place Outside Bets

Consider starting with outside bets if you’re aiming for a low-risk strategy to increase your chances of winning. These wagers pay out more frequently and have better odds of winning in roulette than inside wagers. If you want to play it safe, stick to the minimum bet allowed at the table.

Look for the En Prison Rule

The En Prison rule is a valuable tool for players looking to beat the house edge. However, this rule is not available in every game of roulette and when you do locate it, it only applies to even-money bets.

Here’s how it works–if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, instead of losing your wager, your bet is “imprisoned.” You are given a second spin. If this spin produces a win, you get to keep your original wager. More importantly, this effectively reduces the house edge to 1.35%.

If you like to play roulette online, you have a better chance of finding a table that includes this rule. It is less commonly found in the United States, but some Vegas casinos do offer this rule for players.

Get Familiar With Advanced Probability Concepts

Understanding advanced concepts is essential for making informed decisions in gambling and developing the best roulette strategies for your bankroll. These principles apply universally, whether you are playing online roulette, live dealer roulette, or any variation of the game. Here’s how to apply these statistical tools:

The expected value (EV) is essentially the average outcome you can expect from a bet if you were to make that bet repeatedly. A positive EV indicates a bet profitable over the long term. A negative EV suggests it would lead to a loss, which is the case with all roulette bets because of the house edge. This concept helps players identify bets with a higher expected value, which means they will be less financially draining over time.
Standard deviation helps a player understand the risks involved in different types of bets, and choose accordingly. A high standard deviation indicates a high risk and a high potential reward. The straight-up bet would be a prime example of such a bet. On the other hand, an even-money bet like odds/evens that has almost a 50% chance, is a low standard deviation bet.
Conditional probability is the likelihood of an event occurring, given that another event has already occurred. Although useful in card games like poker and blackjack, this concept is not important for roulette players, as each spin is autonomous.

By simulating thousands or even millions of roulette spins, we can measure the probabilities and expected outcomes associated with different bets. It goes beyond the static probabilities calculated by simple mathematical formulas, and this is why simulation and modeling are useful tools for analyzing roulette odds and outcomes.

Each spin of the roulette wheel is an independent event. However, a simulation can reveal how a betting strategy performs in the long run.

The Martingale betting strategy, for example, which consists of doubling bets after losses, works well in the short run and is popular among roulette players. Nevertheless, simulations demonstrate its long-term unsustainable nature due to table limitations and the bankroll required to carry out the strategy.

Also, a player might simulate betting on a single number for 10,000 spins to observe the frequency and distribution of wins and losses, providing a clear picture of the high-risk, high-reward nature of such a bet.

Ultimately, being aware of these models protects players from potentially damaging biases, such as the gambler’s fallacy, a common belief among gamblers that previous rounds have a direct influence on the present spin. Instead, having a deeper understanding of how different strategies work in the long run, players can develop effective strategies that align with their risk tolerance and gambling goals.

Roulette Odds FAQs

Getting the ball to land on zero or hitting the green, will show different odds depending on the roulette version you play. Roulette odds for green are 2.70% for the European version and 5.26% for American-style roulette. The American version of the roulette wheel holds two zeroes, compared to a single zero on a European wheel, and therefore there is a bigger chance of the ball landing on green.

The probability of hitting a given number in roulette is 1 in 37 in European roulette and 1 in 38 in American roulette. The odds are 2.70% for European roulette and 2.63% for the American version with two zeros.

When looking at blackjack vs roulette odds the important question to consider is what type of betting strategy you are using. The odds of winning a hand in blackjack are 42.22% on average. The odds in roulette greatly vary by bet type. Placing a bet on an even-money bet provides the odds of 48.6% which is higher than the average in blackjack. However, other types of bets in roulette can have significantly lower odds, for example, the street bet in the American roulette wheel gives you just an 8.1% chance but will offer higher payouts.

A straight-up bet on a single number in roulette offers the highest payout. If your wager is successful, you will be paid 35 to 1 (or 35 times your initial wager). Plus you get your initial bet back. This is the best bet in roulette when it comes to payouts but it also comes with the lowest probability of winning.

The even-money wagers, such as those on red or black, odd or even, or high or low numbers, are typically considered to be the best ones to make when playing roulette. With a nearly 50/50 chance of winning, these wagers have a higher chance of success and provide a 1 to 1 payout.

When it comes to roulette payouts and odds, the payout for a straight-up wager is usually 35:1, meaning that if you wager $100 on a single number and it comes up, you will win $3,500 (35 times your original bet). Also, you will get to keep your original wager, meaning your bankroll will be $3,600 if you win a straight-up bet.

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