I’ve been playing roulette for a long time, and the game has always fascinated me with its mix of chance and strategy. That said, I tend to always look beyond the excitement to understand the roulette odds behind every spin.
If you’re unaware, every bet type in the little wheel game has its probability. Also, factors like the wheel design — American or European — affect the house edge. Hence, you can’t afford to overlook the math while playing roulette. In this article, I’ll break down the odds and other important facts you need to know. Let’s get into it.
Quick facts about roulette game odds
- Roulette odds are affected by the house edge and bet type
- European roulette has better odds than American roulette due to having only one zero
- Straight-up bets have the lowest odds but the highest payout
- Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) have almost a 50% chance of winning
- Roulette odds can’t be affected by any strategy
The basics of roulette table odds
Before getting into the odds, you need to fully understand how roulette actually works. It’s not complex, anyway. You simply place a bet on where you think the ball will land after the wheel spins. There are different types of bets in roulette, some on single numbers, others on groups like red or black, odd or even.
When talking about roulette odds, I mostly pay attention to the different versions of the game. The most common ones are American, European, and French roulette. They all look similar, but the layout and rules can seriously affect your odds and
payout in roulette. Here are the key differences to note:
- American Roulette:
Has 38 pockets, with numbers 1 to 36, plus 0 and 00.
- European Roulette:
Has 37 pockets, with 1 to 36 and a single 0.
- French Roulette:
Similar to European, but with extra rules like La Partage and En Prison that can improve your odds.
Based on my experience, the fewer the zeroes on the wheels, the better your odds. That’s why European roulette is the favorite variant for many players. To understand more, let’s particularly look at the house edge.
Roulette house edge and how it affects odds
Simply put, the house edge is the built-in advantage casinos have over players. In roulette, it comes from the green zero pockets on the wheel. I prefer European roulette because it has just one zero, resulting in a 2.70% edge. That means for every $100 I bet, the casino expects to make about $2.70 over time. Meanwhile, I can theoretically get back $97.3.
With American roulette, things get a bit tougher. The wheel has both 0 and 00, taking the house edge up to 5.26%. That might not sound like much, but it adds up over time and reduces your roulette wheel odds.
Since French roulette is similar to the European variant, you won’t get higher than a 2.70% house edge. When the La Partage and En Prison rules apply, the rate reduces to 1.35%. Without question, it offers the best roulette odds among all three.
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Overview of roulette odds by bet type
Now, I’m sure you’ve got a handle on how the house edge works and why it matters. Next up, let’s look into the odds for each type of bet. If you know
how to play online roulette, you’ll know now all wagers are equal. Outside bets give you better chances of winning but lower payouts, while inside picks come with a bigger payout but higher risks.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common roulette bets, along with their odds of winning on a European/American wheel:
| Bet type | Odds |
| Straight up | European: 2.70%
American: 2.63%
|
| Split bet | European: 5.40%
American: 5.26%
|
| Street bet | European: 8.10%
American: 7.89% |
| Corner bet | European: 10.81%
American: 10.52%
|
| Line bet | European: 16.21%
American: 15.78%
|
| Column bet | European: 32.43%
American: 31.57%
|
| Dozen bet | European: 32.43%
American: 31.57%
|
| Red/Black | European: 48.64%
American: 47.36%
|
| Even/Odd | European: 48.64%
American: 47.36%
|
| Low/High | European: 48.64%
American: 47.36%
|
How to improve your roulette winning odds
To be upfront with you, roulette is a game of chance. Unlike strategic table games like blackjack and poker, you can’t really improve your odds of winning roulette. That said, there are a few things I usually do.
The first is to choose the right version of the game from the start. Remember, European roulette offers better odds than the American variant due to the single zero pocket. If you find French roulette, it’s also ideal.
Secondly, I recommend sticking to outside bets like red/black or odd/even. As the previous table shows, these picks have the highest roulette odds. They’re easier to win than straight-ups and split bets, although the payout is lower.
My final tip is to claim and play with friendly casino promotions. I’m always on the lookout for
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offers, because they allow me to play without touching my bankroll. That said, such promos are extremely rare.
Pros and cons of Roulette odds
I find roulette odds easy to understand, especially for even-money bets with two possible outcomes. Also, the fact that the house edge differs by variant provides a chance to choose the best version. However, the main drawback is that no strategy can genuinely improve your odds, as each spin is random. Here’s my summary of the pros and cons of odds in roulette:
Advantages
- Simple to understand odds
- Different variants and house edges
- High odds for even-money bets
Disadvantages
- Odds can’t be influenced by strategy
Conclusion – Know the odds and play roulette like a pro
Understanding roulette odds really changed my approach towards the popular table games. It made my sessions more enjoyable and potentially profitable as I got a grip on the house edge for different variants. I’ve provided the information in this guide, so all you have to do is keep it in mind. Apply it whenever you’re making your roulette bets to play like a pro.
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Roulette odds FAQs
🎰 What are the odds in roulette?
The odds in roulette determine your chances of winning after each spin, and it varies for different bet types. You get better odds with outside bets in European or American roulette.
🎲 Is roulette 100% chance?
Yes, the outcome of each roulette spin is entirely based on chance. However, you can improve your gaming experience by placing your money on bets with better odds before the spin.
📊 How do you calculate odds on roulette?
Calculating odds in roulette is somewhat technical. You have to derive the total possible winning results and total outcomes. Then, divide the former by the latter and multiply by 100.
