Roulette Odds Guide in 2021: Fully Explained
Roulette is a casino game named after the French word meaning little wheel which was likely developed from the Italian game Biribi. In the game, players may choose to place bets on either a single number, various groupings of numbers, the colors red or black, whether the number is odd or even, or if the numbers are high (19-36) or low (1-18).
To determine the winning number, a croupier spins a wheel in one direction, then spins a ball in the opposite direction around a tilted circular track running around the outer edge of the wheel.
The ball eventually loses momentum, passes through an area of deflectors, and falls onto the wheel and into one of 37 (single zero French/European style roulette) or 38 (double zero American style roulette) or 39 (triple zero “Sands Roulette”) colored and numbered pockets on the wheel. The winnings are then paid to anyone who has placed a successful bet.
A Guide to Understanding Roulette Odds
Roulette is a game of chance, so gaining an understanding of the odds and terminology involved is crucial. Get on top of the different bets you can place with our roulette payout guide, and find out:
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- How to calculate your odds in roulette
- How the different roulette bet types work
- How different roulette variations affect the odds
- How to play the roulette wheel to your advantage
Calculate your Roulette Winnings with our Roulette Payout Guide
Our roulette payout chart shows the odds and types of bets for both European and American roulette.
The potential payout odds in roulette are stated in the form of x:1. This means you’ll win x dollars for every 1 dollar you bet. For example, a single-number bet offers a payout of 35:1. So, if you win, you’ll get your dollar back plus $35.
How to calculate roulette payouts?
All the calculations are done for you in our roulette payout guide, so you can find your roulette winnings at a glance. However, if you’re curious about the math, divide the number 36 by the number of squares your bet covers. Then subtract 1 from that figure to get the payout odds.
For example, a three number bet means dividing 36 by 3 to get 12, then subtracting 1 to equal 11. The payout rate for a three numbers bet is therefore 11:1, meaning a $10 bet would result in a $110 payout.
Roulette Bet Type | Example Roulette Bet | Potential Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
---|---|---|---|---|
Column | Any number in the third column | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.6% |
Dozen | Any of 13 to 24 | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.6% |
Even bets | Black over red | 1:1 | 48.60% | 47.4% |
Single number | 7 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.60% |
Two numbers | Either 19 or 20 | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.3% |
Three numbers | Any of 28, 29 or 30 | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.9% |
Four numbers | Any of 5, 6, 8 or 9 | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
Five numbers | Any of 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3 | 6:1 | 13.5% | 13.2% |
Six Numbers | Any of 4 to 9 | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15.8% |
What are Odds in Roulette?
The betting odds in roulette of hitting a single number with a straight-up bet are 37 to 1, since there are 38 numbers (1 to 36, plus 0 and 00). However, the house only pays out 35 to 1 on winning bets, with the same odds for payouts on combination bets. So, the house edge is substantial, but hitting on roulette can see you win big!
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Roulette Bet Types
Roulette bets fall into two main categories – inside and outside bets – with the names coming from the table layout.
What is an outside bet?
An outside bet (for example odd or even, red or black, 1-18 or 19-36) often gives players the best chance of a payout. Half of the possible outcomes of a game of roulette are covered by ‘outside bets’. With such a high chance of winning, your payout isn’t going to be incredibly generous – it’s usually 1:1.

Other outside bets with a slightly better payout 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 payout of 2:1.
Outside bet of red in roulette
There are a number of bets which are “outside” the 38 numbers on an American roulette table. These bets refer to a specific set of numbers or colors. If the roulette ball lands on 0 or 00, any outside bet will lose. Examples of outside bets include:
Red or Black: This bet pays out at even odds (1:1) if the ball lands on the roulette color you choose.
Odd or Even: This bet pays out at even odds (1:1) if you correctly call the ball landing on odd or even.
Low or High: The payout will be even odds (1:1) if the ball lands on 1-18 and you’ve bet low, or if the ball lands on 19-36 and you’ve bet high.
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Column: Your roulette winnings will be paid out at 2:1 if the ball lands on one of the numbers in the column you choose. The numbers on a roulette layout are organised into three columns of 12 numbers each.
Dozens: The payout will be 2:1 if you successfully bet on the roulette ball landing on either the first dozen (1-12), second dozen (13-24) or third dozen (25-36).
Outside Bet Odds
Roulette Bet Types | Potential Payout | 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% |
What is an inside bet?
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 payout. The house edge on inside bets is the same as on outside bets. Examples of inside bets include:
Straight-up: The payout will be 35:1 (with a percentage chance of 2.7% in European roulette and 2.6% in American roulette) as you are betting on one specific number. This is also called a single-number bet.
Split: The payout will be 17:1 (with a percentage chance of 5.4% in European roulette and 5.3% in American roulette) as you are betting on two adjacent numbers.
Street: The payout will be 11:1 (with a percentage chance of 8.1% in European roulette and 7.9% in American roulette) as you are betting on a row of three numbers (i.e. 19, 20, 21).
Corner: The payout will be 8:1 (with a percentage chance of 10.8% for European roulette and 10.5% for American roulette) as you are betting on four numbers by placing your chip in the corner that joins them all together (essentially the centre of four numbers). This is also called a square bet or quarter bet.
Basket: The payout will be 6:1 (with a percentage chance of 13.2% in American roulette, this bet is not found in European roulette) as you are betting on five numbers (i.e. 0, 00, 1, 2, 3).
Double Street: The payout will be 5:1 (with a percentage chance of 16.2% in European roulette and 15.8% in American roulette) as you are betting on two adjoining rows of numbers (six numbers in total). This is also called a line bet.
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Inside Bet Odds
Roulette Bet Types | Potential Payout | 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% |
How to Beat Roulette by Improving Your Odds?
The house edge on an American roulette wheel is 5.26%, so having a good grasp of the odds involved is key if you want to improve your odds of winning.
There isn’t a solution for how to win roulette on every spin. However, there are ways to maximise your winnings in roulette, giving yourself a better chance of that all-important payout. For a full insight, check out our page on roulette strategy, but to get you started, here are a few tips from our experts:
1.) Know your roulette odds
The odds of different bets placed in roulette vary massively, so if you’re looking to make the most of your bankroll you’ll definitely need to know your odds. Read our roulette payout guide to find odds for different types of roulette bets before you begin.
2.) Choose your roulette game wisely
If you’re torn between American, French or European roulette, make sure you look into the different odds of each variation before you begin. Finding out whether your game of choice has a roulette 00 on the wheel could be the difference between a costly loss and a big win.
3.) Place outside bets to improve your chances
If you want to the best possible chance of winning at roulette, outside bets are the way to go, as they pay out more frequently. Stick to the table’s minimum bet if you want to stay safe. Placing two equal outside bets – for example on black and odd – is a relatively low risk way of giving yourself a chance of a payout. Betting like this won’t dramatically increase your roulette winnings, but it’s a fun way to play without losing big sums of cash.
4.) Play European roulette
European roulette has the lowest house edge of all roulette variants, so opt for it if you can. European roulette wheels can be found at all the top Las Vegas casinos and at many online casinos too.
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How much does green pay in roulette?
Betting on green pays out either 35 to 1 or 17 to 1, depending on the roulette variation you’re playing and your bet. In American roulette, the wheel features a green 0 and 00, while the European version just has the single green 0. If you bet on 0 or 00 on an American wheel, and your bet hits, you’ll get a payout of 35 to 1.
If you place a “row” bet (betting on both 0 and 00), and your bet hits, you’ll get a payout of 17 to 1. As the European wheel only has the one green 0, you can only place a single bet, however it’s the same 35 to 1 payout as the American version if your bet hits.
What is the best bet in roulette?
The best bet in roulette is on a European roulette table which offers the en prison option. This reduces the house edge by half again, making it only 1.35%. Here’s how it works: On a European roulette game with the en prison rule in effect, your even money bet becomes “imprisoned” when the ball lands on the zero.
Is it mathematically possible to beat roulette?
What Einstein actually meant was that there is no mathematical trick that can help you win at roulette. Each spin is an independent trial and, in the long run, the casino will win. This is different to a game such as Blackjack where the probabilities change as cards are dealt.
What is the safest bet in roulette?
The Fibonacci system is one of the safest Roulette strategies, especially when you compare it with other progressive methods like the Martingale. Despite the fact that it’s quite safe to use, the Fibonacci still has the potential to bring you some wins.
How do you win at roulette every time?
Bet a small amount on black or red; even or odd; or 1-18 or 19-36. Keep your wager on the same spot on the table until you hit it. If you keep losing, keep betting a very small amount. When you hit your bet and win, double your bet on the same spot for the next round.
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