Red or Black Bet

Q: What is the house edge on a Red/Black Bet?

The house edge is 2.70% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette.

Q: Can I combine Red/Black Bet with other bets?

Yes, many players combine Red/Black with other bets to diversify their strategy.

Q: Is the Red/Black Bet good for beginners?

Absolutely, the Red/Black Bet is simple and offers a good balance of risk and reward for beginners.

The Red/Black Bet is one of the simplest and most popular bets in roulette. With this bet, you’re simply wagering that the next winning number will be either red or black.

It’s an even-money bet, meaning the payout is 1:1. While it offers relatively good odds, the house edge still applies due to the green zero (and double zero in American roulette).

This type of wager is one of the most common outside bets in roulette and is often recommended for beginners learning how the game works.

It sits alongside other even-money wagers such as the Even/Odd Bet and High/Low Bet, which offer similar payouts but cover different number groups.

See our full guide to Roulette Bets Explained

How the Red/Black Bet Works

The Red/Black Bet is an outside bet in roulette, placed on either the red or black section of the table.

You’re betting that the winning number will be one of the 18 red numbers or one of the 18 black numbers. If the ball lands on the color you chose, you win an even-money payout, but if it lands on a different color or on 0 (or 00 in American roulette), you lose.

For example, if you bet $20 on red and the ball lands on 7 (a red number), you win $20. However, if the ball lands on 10 (a black number) or 0, you lose.

Red/Black bets are available across all major roulette variants, including European Roulette, American Roulette, and live dealer roulette games online.

Odds, House Edge, and Payout

The Red/Black Bet is one of the safest bets in roulette, but here’s a breakdown:

Odds: 18/37 (48.6%) in European roulette and 18/38 (47.4%) in American roulette.
House Edge: 2.70% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette.
Payout: 1:1 – If you bet $10, you win $10.

The house edge is due to the green zero (and double zero in American roulette), which means that red or black doesn’t cover all possible outcomes.

To better understand how these probabilities impact your chances over time, use our roulette payout calculator.

Why Players Use Red or Black Bets

Red/Black bets are popular because they are simple, offer close to 50/50 odds, and are less volatile than many other roulette wagers.

They are also commonly used in betting systems such as the Martingale strategy, where players adjust their stake after each loss.

Examples of Red/Black Bet in Action

Example 1: You place a $50 Red Bet, and the ball lands on 32 (red). You win $50, doubling your bet.
Example 2: You bet $20 on black, but the ball lands on 0. Since 0 is neither red nor black, you lose your $20.

Compare Popular Roulette Outside Bets

Bet Type	Numbers Covered	Payout
Red/Black	18 numbers	1:1
Even/Odd	18 numbers	1:1
High/Low	18 numbers	1:1
Dozens	12 numbers	2:1

Is Red or Black Bet the safest Bet in Roulette?

Red/Black bets are often considered one of the safest options in roulette due to their lower variance compared to single-number bets.

However, they still carry a house edge, meaning no bet guarantees long-term profit. For better odds, many players prefer European roulette, which has a lower house edge than American versions.

Related Roulette Bets

Where to Play Online Roulette?

You can place Red or Black bets at virtually all online roulette tables, including both classic and live dealer games. If you're ready to try it yourself, check out our guide to the best online casino sites offering roulette with competitive odds, smooth gameplay, and generous bonuses.