Variety may be the spice of life, but when it comes to improving your odds of winning at the roulette table, less is definitely more. This roulette guide’s goal is to help you navigate the best and worst odds and how different variations of the game impact your chances of winning.
Because outside bets in roulette possess better odds, they offer a lower payout. However, taking advantage of outside bets is a great idea for first time players, novice players and those working with a tighter bankroll.
| Outside Bet | American Odds | European Odds | Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Even or Odd | 47.4% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
| Red or Black | 47.4% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
| High or Low | 47.4% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
| Dozens | 31.6% | 32.40% | 2:1 |
| Column | 31.6% | 32.40% | 2:1 |
You win when the ball lands on an even number and this pays 1-to-1. European odds are slightly better than American at 48.6% to 47.4%, respectively.
You win this bet when the ball lands on an odd number and it also pays 1-to-1. The European and American odds are the same as an EVEN bet.
If your ball lands on any number between 19-36, you win the high bet at 1-to-1 payout. If your ball comes to rest on numbers 1-18, you win the low at the same payout and odds as high/odd/even.
Here you can bet on three sets of numbers, 1-12, 13-24 and 25-36, otherwise known as dozen bets. These pay out a little better at 2-to-1, while the European odds are 32.4 percent and American are 31.6 percent.
There are three columns on a roulette table and if the ball lands within a range of numbers featured in that column, you win at 2-to-1 payout and the same odds as a Dozens Bet.
On the flip side, because your odds of winning an inside bet are lower, the payouts are higher. These are geared more towards experienced roulette players, those with an aggressive betting strategy and those who possess a large bankroll.
| Inside Bet | American Odds | European Odds | Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 2.63% | 2.70% | 35:1 |
| Six Line | 15.79% | 16.22% | 5:1 |
| Split | 5.26% | 5.41% | 17:1 |
| Basket | 13.16% | N/A | 6:1 |
| Street | 7.89% | 8.11% | 11:1 |
| Corner | 10.53% | 10.81% | 8:1 |
A straight up bet requires you to pick one number. If the ball comes to rest on it, you win at 35-to-1. As you can imagine, this is the most difficult roulette bet to win at 2.7% European and 2.63% American odds.
This bet is also referred to as a line bet where you are betting the ball lands on one of six numbers featured on two adjacent rows. This pays out at 5-to-1, while European odds are 16.22% and 15.79% on the American wheel.
The split bet pays out at 17-to-1 because you are hoping the ball lands on one of only two adjacent numbers. The European odds of this are 5.41% and 5.26% on an American roulette system.
This is only available on American roulette tables because you’re betting the ball lands on one of only five numbers, those being 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3. It pays out at 6-to-1 with 13.16% American odds.
The house edge in European roulette is just 2.7% or nearly half that of its American counterpart. We suggest that when offered, you always select the European/French roulette gaming option at your online casino.
Here you bet on one of three numbers on any given row, like 4, 5 and 6. If the ball lands on any number in the row, it pays out at 11-to-1 with 8.11% European and 7.89 American odds.
As the name implies you’re betting on four numbers that make up a corner of the roulette table. For example, 32, 33, 35, and 36. This pays out at 8-to-1 and 10.81% European and 10.53% American odds.
Only available in European/French roulette, called bets are exactly that as they are specific wagers directly on the wheel only and not the table. Examples of this are The Orphans, Zero Game, Thirds of the Wheel and Neighbors of Zero. These are rare in the online roulette world as most stick to the table bets.
Due to the fact American roulette features a 0 and 00, zero and double zero, the 5.26% house edge is greater compared to the European version. Another way of looking at this is to remember that their are 18 red and 18 black slots on the American roulette wheel in addition to two additional green numbered slots. These two additional outcomes tip the scales in favor of the house more in American roulette.
The house edge in European roulette is just 2.7% or nearly half that of its American counterpart. We suggest that when offered, you always select the European/French roulette gaming option at your online casino.
