Roulette. It’s a well-loved casino game full of style, thrill, and some risk. If you’re new and just giving it a go, or an old hand aiming to change your game plan, grasping the odds in roulette is vital for better bets.
This guide clears up the fog on roulette odds, lays out the top bets to try, and lets you in on tips to boost your shot at leaving the table (or screen) with a win.
By the end, you’ll be ready to walk up to any roulette wheel in a busy casino or the online world of digital roulette.
Understanding Roulette Odds and the Basics of Betting
At its core, this game is all luck. A dealer turns the wheel while you bet on where the ball will end up when the turn ends. Will it stop on black or red? Even or odd? Maybe you feel lucky to guess the right number.
Now, here comes the tough part. There are two key kinds of roulette wheels:
- European Roulette: It has 37 slots (numbers 1–36 and a 0). The house has a small edge of 2.7% with just one zero.
- American Roulette: Holds 38 slots (numbers 1–36, a 0, and a 00). The extra zero makes the house edge go up to 5.26%.
Roulette Payouts Explained
Roulette has many ways to bet, split into two types:
- Inside Bets: Put on one number or a few numbers.
- Outside Bets: Put on big groups like red/black, odd/even, or high/low (numbers 1–18 and 19–36).
Each bet has a set payout that shows its odds. For instance:
- Betting on one number (a “straight-up” bet) gives 35 to 1, but the chance to win is much lower—2.7% in European roulette.
- Betting on red or black gives a payout of 1 to 1, but the shot of winning is almost 50%.
This mix of risk and gain is what makes roulette so fun to play.
The Best Bets to Make in Roulette
When it comes to smart betting, it’s all about checking your risk level against your money goals. Some bets get you more cash than others, great for new folks or those who want to keep their cash longer.
1. Stick to Outside Bets
If you’re new to roulette, go for outside bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. Why? These bets take up almost half the numbers on the wheel. While they won’t make you rich quickly, they give regular wins, which is good if you’re still learning the game. Also, the low risk means you can play more without using up all your money.
2. Choose Columns or Dozens
If you’re feeling bold, consider betting on a column or dozen, such as numbers 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. These bets cover 12 numbers and they pay 2 to 1. They are a good choice if you want a mix of good chances and fair wins.
3. Combination Bets for Variety
Inside bets, like splits (betting on two numbers) or streets (three numbers), can have a bit better odds than one-number bets. These choices do have more risk, but they are good if you want to mix things up and go for a big win.
4. Play European Roulette When Possible
Go for European Roulette when you can. It’s an easy choice. The smaller house edge on European wheels means you have better chances than with American roulette. If you’re playing online roulette, most sites let you pick between the two. Always go for the European one if you can.
Bets to Avoid
Not all bets are created equal. Some carry such poor odds that even the thrill can’t justify the risk. Here’s what to steer clear of:
The “Basket” Bet in American Roulette
This inside bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. While it might seem like a solid option, the house edge skyrockets to a whopping 7.89%.
High-Risk Straight-Up Bets
While the appeal of betting on a single number is undeniable (35 to 1 payout!), keep in mind that your odds of hitting a winning number are only around 2.7%. Straight-up bets are more like the cherry on top—place them sparingly for fun, but don’t rely on them.
Double-Zero Bets
Avoid wheels with a double zero whenever possible. It’s simple math—more pockets mean worse odds for you.
The Role of Strategy in Roulette
Roulette is mostly a game of luck. No plan can fully beat the house edge or “win the wheel.” But, using some easy money rules and steady bet ways can help make your playtime—and fun—last longer. Here are some plans you can try:
- The Martingale Plan: Up your bet two times after each loss to get back what you lost when you win.
- The Reverse Martingale: Raise your bet after each win and cut it after each loss. Great for adding to a winning run.
- The D’Alembert Plan: Slowly up your bets after losses but go back to your first bet after a win. Good for keeping risk low.
Keep in mind, that these plans are just ways to help you handle your bets; they won’t raise your odds of winning.
