Roulette Odds Explained – Payouts and Odds on Roulette Tables
Roulette has been a favourite among casino players for centuries, and its appeal only grew once it transitioned online. Compared to most other games, roulette odds are some of the fairest, statistically giving players more winning opportunities than slots or craps. By knowing these odds and understanding what they mean, you can make better-informed decisions on bets and stakes.
From the house edge to the probabilities of different bets, roulette table odds balance entertainment with potential payouts. As they differ from one variant and bet to another, choosing the right ones is essential for a winning strategy. This knowledge will help you enjoy the game responsibly while optimising the likelihood of success.
What are Roulette Odds?
Roulette odds represented the mathematical likelihood of specific outcomes occurring. These figures vary based on the roulette variant and bet type. For example, a straight-up bet offers a lower chance than a bet on red or other even-money bets.
By understanding the odds on roulette, you can identify the bets that are most and least likely to pay out over time across the three major variants.
Roulette odds are calculated by dividing the number of winning outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. For example, in European Roulette, one winning number for a straight-up bet and 37 possible outcomes result in odds of 1/37 or approximately 2.70%.
Glossary of Important Roulette Terms
As you learn more about roulette odds, you’ll come across the following terms. To help you understand their meaning, we’ve included a handy glossary.
- Bankroll: The amount of money a player has available for betting.
- House Edge: The casino’s mathematical advantage over players.
- Inside Bets: Bets placed on specific numbers or small groups.
- La Partage: A French roulette rule that reduces losses on even-money bets.
- Outside Bets: Bets covering larger sections like colours or odd/even.
- Payout: The ratio of winnings to the bet amount.
- Probability: The chance of a specific event occurring.
- Roulette Variants: Different types of roulette, such as European, French, and American.
- Roulette Wheel: The spinning mechanism determining game outcomes.
- Zero Pocket: The green section containing the 0 and 00.
House Edge in Roulette
The roulette house edge is a crucial element in the game as it directly affects your odds of winning. This percentage represents the casino’s statistical advantage and varies between different variants.
| Roulette Variant | House Edge |
| European Roulette | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | 5.26% |
| French Roulette (La Partage rule) | 1.35% (on even-money bets) |
Why Does the House Edge Matter?
The house edge of any game determines how much the casino expects over time from each player’s wagers. For UK players, European and French variants are more advantageous due to their lower house edges. Generally, choosing games with better odds can make a significant difference in your performance over time.
Helpful Tip: Every casino game in which you are playing against the house features a house edge. This percentage is based on a mathematical calculation but generally materialises over the medium and long terms. Over the short term, which is more representative of an average player’s session, results are much more unpredictable.
Roulette Odds and Payouts Explained
While top UK online casinos provide a variety of virtual and live dealer roulette games, the vast majority feature the same standard set of bets and payouts. The following roulette odds chart outlines all you need to know about the chances of winning different bets and their potential prizes.
Since some odds and payouts vary, you should always check the game’s paytable when playing on virtual and live roulette casinos.
| Bet Type | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds | Payout |
| Straight-up Bets (1 number) | 2.70% | 2.63% | 35:1 |
| Split Bets (2 numbers) | 5.41% | 5.26% | 17:1 |
| Street Bets (3 numbers) | 8.11% | 7.89% | 11:1 |
| Corner Bets (4 numbers) | 10.81% | 10.53% | 8:1 |
| Line Bets (6 numbers) | 16.22% | 15.79% | 5:1 |
| Column Bets (12 numbers) | 32.43% | 31.58% | 2:1 |
| Dozen Bets (12 numbers | 32.43% | 31.58% | 2:1 |
| High/Low (18 numbers) | 48.65% | 47.37% | 1:1 |
| Red/Black (18 numbers) | 48.65% | 47.37% | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even (18 numbers) | 48.65% | 47.37% | 1:1 |
Helpful Tip: Because of the 0 found in all variants and the 00 in American Roulette wheels, none of the inside or outside bets cover half the table’s numbers. Even-money bets, such as Odd/Even, come closest, covering 18 out of the 37 or 38 numbers.
Odds on 0 in Roulette
While most roulette numbers have either a red or black background, zero and double zero have a green background. As such, when we mention odds on green in Roulette, we’re talking about betting on 0 or 00.
The existence of green numbers is the only reason why roulette is not a perfectly fair casino game. Without them, even-money outside bets would cover 50% of numbers, giving you an equal chance of winning or losing.
While all classic versions of the game feature the 0, only American tables feature the 00. While the green odds in Roulette don’t change, the introduction of the 00 almost doubles the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.
Betting on a 0 or 00 is considered a regular straight-up bet. As such, your odds of winning on green are 2.70% in European Roulette and 2.63% in American Roulette. The latter variant also features an additional inside bet specifically covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. This basket bet has roulette odds of 13.2% and pays 6:1.
Finding the Best Odds on Roulette
If you’re one of the thousands who enjoy playing online roulette in the UK, you’re probably looking for the best odds in roulette. French Roulette is considered to be the most player-friendly variant thanks to two unique rules that affect even-money bets and come into play when the winner is zero.
Roulette Betting Odds with the La Partage Rule
When the ball lands on 0, the La Partage rule refunds half of all even-money bets, such as Odd/Even. This rule effectively reduces the house edge on these bets to 1.35%, making French Roulette an excellent choice if you’re implementing a basic roulette strategy.
Odds of Roulette with the En Prison Rule
The En Prison rule is an alternative feature that applies to even-money bets in French Roulette. If the ball lands on zero, instead of losing your entire bet, it is “put in prison” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back.
Roulette Odds on Racetrack Bets
Racetrack bets, also known as call bets, are popular in European and French Roulette. These bets cover specific sections of the wheel rather than the table and offer a unique way to engage with the game.
| Racetrack Bet | Description | European Roulette Odds |
| Voisins du Zéro | Covers 17 numbers near zero (0) | 45.90% |
| Tiers du Cylindre | Covers 12 numbers opposite zero on the wheel | 32.40% |
| Orphelins | Covers 8 numbers not included in other racetrack bets | 21.60% |
Helpful Tip: Racetrack bets are made up of a combination of inside bets, so when they win, they pay out standard prizes. Despite featuring high odds of winning, they require a higher upfront cost than regular bets.
Mini Roulette Wheel Odds
A few of the best roulette casinos offer a fast-paced and simplified game called Roulette Mini. This unique game features a wheel with just 13 pockets, made up of a 0 and numbers 1-12. With this setup, the odds of winning roulette and available types of bets vary.
| Bet Type | Mini Roulette Odds | Payout |
| Straight-up (1 number) | 7.70% | 11:1 |
| Split (2 numbers) | 15.30% | 5:1 |
| Street (3 numbers) | 23.10% | 3:1 |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 30.70% | 2:1 |
| Column (12 numbers) | 30.70% | 2:1 |
| Red/Black (18 numbers) | 46.20% | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even (18 numbers) | 46.20% | 1:1 |
Helpful Tip: With the winning odds for Roulette Mini being so low, you may be wondering why players choose it. Some players in the UK enjoy this variant due to its faster pacing and support for low bet limits, which can sometimes be as low as 1p. The game’s novelty is also a popular reason, providing a fresh take to seasoned players.
Mini Roulette Odds Explained
The house edge in Mini Roulette is about 3.85%, which is higher than European and French Roulette but lower than American Roulette. Some versions of the game include a special Zero Rule that returns half of the even-money bets when the ball lands on zero.
Comparing Roulette Odds with Other Popular Table Games
European Roulette is often compared to other popular casino games such as blackjack, baccarat, and craps. Each game has specific odds and house edges, so we’ve created the following table to help you compare them easily.
| Casino Game | Best Odds of Winning | Lowest House Edge |
| European Roulette | 48.65% | 2.70% |
| Blackjack | Up to 49.50% | 0.5% – 1%+ |
| Baccarat | 45.80% | 1.06% |
| Craps | 49.30% | 1.36% |
Tips for Maximising Your Roulette Winning Odds
While you can’t change the house edge or odds in roulette, adopting smart and simple strategies can improve your winning chances and manage your bankroll effectively.
- Choose the Right Roulette Variant: Always opt for European or French Roulette variants if possible. Avoid American Roulette, Mini Roulette, and any other variant with a house edge higher than 2.70%.
- Learn the Basics of the Game: If you’re fairly new to the game or variant, spend a few moments learning how to play roulette online. Knowing basic gameplay and types of bets is essential before placing your first real money wager.
- Place Even-Money Bets: Statistically, these bets are the most likely to win over both the short and long terms. Roulette odds on black or red are far higher than roulette odds on a single number.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: Stick to a budget and have a basic betting strategy in place before you play. Don’t try to recover any losses or spend more in the hopes of a win as this goes against responsible gambling and can lead to addiction.
- Understand Roulette Odds and Payouts: Familiarise yourself with the odds of different bets to choose the ones that best align with your risk tolerance. In addition, remember to look at payouts to understand how much you could win from different types of bets.
Conclusion
Roulette remains one of the most dynamic and engaging casino games in the UK, offering players a mix of strategy and chance. By understanding the roulette odds across different variants, bets, and layouts, like racetrack options, you can make more informed decisions. Knowing the odds of the game is also an important part of becoming a seasoned player.
FAQs
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Resources
- https://math.info/Misc/House_Edge/
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/about-us/guide/page/online-casino-games-excluding-slots-key-findings
