Whether you're new to table games or a seasoned gambling veteran, one iconic image always comes to mind when thinking of a traditional casino: the black-and-red roulette wheel. This game, available in various forms like American, French, and European roulette, has some universal rules, particularly concerning odds and pay-outs.
Have you ever wondered about your chances of winning at roulette or how to calculate your odds? What are the differences between European and American roulette odds? In this guide, we'll explore all these questions and more.
What Are Odds and Pay-outs in Roulette?
Roulette odds refer to your chances of winning a bet. In American roulette, which features a wheel with double zeros, the odds of hitting a single number are 37:1 because there are 38 numbers. However, due to the house edge, the pay-out is based on odds of 35:1. This means that while your chances of hitting a single number are 37 to 1, your pay-out is calculated at 35 to 1, both in land-based and online roulette.
Roulette Pay-out Odds Chart
Understanding roulette pay-out odds is easier with a visual aid. Here's a simplified chart to help you grasp how pay-outs work:
Roulette Pay-out Chart
Bet Type | Covers | Pay Odds |
Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 |
Split Bet | 2 numbers | 17:1 |
Street Bet | 3 numbers | 11:1 |
Corner Bet | 4 numbers | 8:1 |
Line Bet | 6 numbers | 5:1 |
Column Bet | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
Dozen Bet | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
Even/Odd, Red/Black, High/Low | 18 numbers | 1:1 |
European vs American Roulette Odds
Understanding the differences between American and European roulette odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions. Let's break down the distinctions between these two popular versions of the game, including their layouts and house edges.
American Roulette
Layout: American roulette features a wheel with 38 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). This additional double zero is what significantly impacts the odds and house edge of the game.
House Edge: The house edge for American roulette is 5.26%. This higher house edge is due to the presence of the double zero pocket. Here's a quick breakdown of how this affects the odds:
Single Number Bet: The odds of winning are 37 to 1, but the pay-out is only 35 to 1.
Combination Bets: All combination bets also face the same house edge, making it less favourable for players compared to European roulette.
European Roulette
Layout: European roulette has a wheel with 37 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). The absence of the double zero reduces the house edge, making it more attractive to players.
House Edge: The house edge for European roulette is 2.7%. This lower house edge is a result of the single zero pocket, offering better odds for players. Here's how it impacts the game:
Single Number Bet: The odds of winning are 36 to 1, with a pay-out of 35 to 1.
Combination Bets: All combination bets benefit from the lower house edge, increasing the overall appeal of European roulette.
Key Differences
Number of Pockets:
American Roulette: 38 pockets (1-36, 0, 00)
European Roulette: 37 pockets (1-36, 0)
House Edge:
American Roulette: 5.26%
European Roulette: 2.7%
Betting Odds:
American Roulette: Lower chances of winning due to the extra double zero pocket.
European Roulette: Higher chances of winning with only a single zero pocket.
When choosing between American and European roulette, it's clear that European roulette offers a better chance for players to win due to its lower house edge. The absence of the double zero pocket nearly halves the house edge, making European roulette a more favourable option for those looking to maximise their winnings. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed decisions and potentially improve your overall roulette experience.
Different Odds in Inside vs Outside Bets
Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers, offering higher pay-outs but lower chances of winning. Outside bets are placed on larger groups of numbers, such as red or black, even or odd, and offer lower pay-outs but higher chances of winning.
Outside Bets
An outside bet provides the best chance of a pay-out. A significant amount of the possible outcomes of a game of roulette is covered by 'outside bets'. As the chances of winning are higher, your pay-out isn’t going to be incredibly generous – it’s only 1:1 for bets like odd or even that cover almost half the wheel. Other outside bets with a slightly better pay-out are column and dozen, which cover 12 of the numbers on the roulette wheel. These give you roughly a 1 in 3 chance of winning, and a pay-out of 2:1. If the roulette ball lands on 0 or 00, any outside bet will lose.
Outside Bet Odds
Roulette Bet Type | Potential Pay-out | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
Red or Black | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
Odd or Even | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
High or Low | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
Column | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.6% |
Dozen | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.6% |
Inside Bets
Inside bets refer to specific numbers and sets of numbers on the inside of the roulette betting table. They have a lower chance of winning than outside bets, but this is balanced by a larger pay-out. The house edge on inside bets is the same as on outside bets.
Inside Bet Odds
Roulette Bet Type | Potential Pay-out | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
Straight Bet | 35:1 | 2.7% | 2.6% |
Split Bet | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.3% |
Street Bet | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.9% |
Corner Bet | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
Basket Bet | 6:1 | N/A | 13.2% |
Double Street Bet | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15.8% |
Is it Possible to Improve Your Odds at Roulette?
There is no way to influence roulette odds or reduce the house edge for your chosen game. Having a good grasp of the odds is key, though, when it comes to choosing your bets. Although there isn’t a solution for how to win roulette on every spin, there are methods you can try to maximize your winnings.
Tips to Maximize Your Winnings
Come to the Game Prepared: The odds of different bets paying out in roulette vary massively. If you're looking to make the most of your bankroll, you'll need to read up on the odds of different bets paying out before you play.
Choose Your Roulette Game Wisely: If you're torn between American, European, or French roulette, make sure you are aware of the different odds for each variation before you begin. We recommend playing European roulette, as it has the lowest house edge.
Place Outside Bets to Improve Your Chances: If you are purely interested in the best chance of winning at roulette, outside bets are the way to go. These pay out more frequently and you can stick to the table's minimum bet if you want to stay extra safe. Placing two equal outside bets – for example on black and odd – is a relatively low-risk way of giving yourself a decent chance of a pay-out.
Roulette Odds Recap: Lowest Risk Wagers
Odd or Even: 1:1
High or Low: 1:1
Red or Black: 1:1
Dozen: 2:1
Does Having a Good Roulette Strategy Actually Work?
Knowing roulette pay-out odds can boost your confidence and help you make informed decisions about your betting budget. However, remember that roulette is fundamentally a game of chance. No strategy can predict the wheel's outcome, but that's part of what makes the game exciting!
Conclusion
Understanding roulette odds and pay-outs is essential for any player looking to enjoy and potentially win at this classic casino game. By learning the differences between American and European roulette and familiarizing yourself with the pay-out odds, you can make smarter bets and enhance your overall gaming experience. Remember, while strategy helps, luck is a big part of the game. Enjoy the thrill of the spin and play responsibly!
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