What Are The Odds Of Roulette?
Roulette is one of the most recognised and popular gambling games worldwide and blends simple rules with the thrill of chance. At its heart, roulette is a game of probabilities and understanding the odds is key to making informed bets and optimising your strategy.
In this article, we’ll break down roulette odds and focus on common bets, the differences between European and American roulette, and how the house edge impacts gameplay. By gaining a clearer understanding of these probabilities you’ll be better equipped to make strategic choices and enjoy the game to its fullest.
Roulette Odds for Common Bets
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options but they can be divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Each type of bet comes with its own probabilities and payouts which gives players the flexibility to choose between higher-risk or safer options.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets come with higher payouts but lower probabilities of winning.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
| Straight-Up | Betting on a single number | 35:1 | 2.7% (1 in 37) | 2.63% (1 in 38) |
| Split | Betting on two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.26% |
| Street | Betting on three numbers in a row | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.89% |
| Corner | Betting on a block of four numbers | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.53% |
| Six Line | Betting on two adjacent rows (6 numbers) | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15.79% |
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel, offering lower payouts but significantly higher chances of winning.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
| Red/Black | Betting on the colour of the number | 1:1 | 48.6% | 47.4% |
| Odd/Even | Betting on odd or even numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% | 47.4% |
| High/Low | Betting on 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 | 48.6% | 47.4% |
| Dozens | Betting on a group of 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.6% |
| Columns | Betting on one of three vertical columns | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.6% |
European vs. American Roulette Odds
The primary difference between European and American roulette lies in the number of pockets on the wheel. This directly impacts the odds and the house edge with European roulette generally being more favourable for players.
European Roulette:
- Number of Pockets: 37 (1–36 and a single zero).
- House Edge: 2.7%.
- Impact on Odds: European roulette offers better probabilities for all bets due to the absence of the double zero.
American Roulette:
- Number of Pockets: 38 (1–36, a single zero, and a double zero).
- House Edge: 5.26%.
- Impact on Odds: The additional double zero increases the house edge and lowers the odds of winning for every type of bet.
Some roulette players recommend choosing European roulette over American roulette. The lower house edge significantly improves your chances of winning over the long term.
How the House Edge Affects Roulette Odds
The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage over players which helps it make a profit in the long run. In roulette, the house edge is primarily determined by the zero and double zero pockets which give the casino an advantage on all bets. Here’s how the house edge works:
- European Roulette: With a single zero and the house edge is 2.7%. For every £100 wagered the casino keeps an average of £2.70.
- American Roulette: The double zero increases the house edge to 5.26% which means the casino keeps an average of £5.26 for every £100 wagered.
Impact of Zero Pockets:
- Bets like red/black or odd/even have nearly 50/50 odds but the zero pockets skew the probabilities in favour of the house.
- This slight disadvantage adds up over time which makes roulette a profitable game for casinos despite its seemingly fair structure.
Comparing Roulette Odds to Other Casino Games
Roulette’s house edge falls somewhere in the middle when compared to other popular table games. While it’s not as favourable as blackjack or baccarat it offers better odds than most slots.
| Game | House Edge |
| European Roulette | 2.7% |
| American Roulette | 5.26% |
| Blackjack | ~0.5% (with strategy) |
| Baccarat | 1.06% (Banker bet) |
| Slots | 2%–10% (varies by machine) |
FAQs About Roulette Odds
European roulette has 37 pockets and a house edge of 2.7%. American roulette has 38 pockets due to the double zero and has a house edge of 5.26%.
Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low offer the best odds with nearly a 50% chance of winning (48.6% in European roulette, 47.4% in American roulette).
The house edge determines the casino’s long-term advantage. In European roulette, you lose an average of £2.70 for every £100 wagered compared to £5.26 in American roulette.
Understanding roulette odds is essential for making informed bets and managing your gameplay effectively. Always gamble responsibly, and enjoy the excitement of spinning the wheel!