A Complete Guide to Betting on Roulette
Ever found yourself confused by the different roulette bets?
Roulette is a simple game, but it carries with it a world of possibilities and risks. Whether you're a casino regular or a new player, understanding roulette bets is key to getting the most out of the game.
My roulette betting guide breaks down every type of roulette bet, their odds, potential payouts, and even the strategies that players use to potentially pick up a win on the wheel.
Types of Roulette Bets
Roulette betting comes down to two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. The two types are a useful way of deciding what your roulette betting strategy should be, and how this affects your chances of a good outcome, as well as the risks.
Here’s a quick look at how these two categories compare:
| Bet Type | Position on Table | Risk Level | Payout | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Bets | Inside the numbered grid. | High | Up to 35:1 | High-risk, high-reward seekers. |
| Outside Bets | Around the number grid. | Lower | Up to 2:1 | Beginners, low-risk players. |
Inside Bets
Inside bets are made on specific numbers or small clusters of adjacent numbers. These bets offer the highest payouts, but your odds of winning are slimmer.
Let’s break each one down:
Straight-Up Bet
- Betting on a single number (e.g., 17).
- Payout: 35:1
- Odds (European): 2.70%
Split Bet
- Betting on two adjacent numbers (e.g., 14 and 17).
- Payout: 17:1
- Odds: 5.41%
Street Bet
- A bet on three numbers in a row (e.g., 4, 5, 6).
- Payout: 11:1
- Odds: 8.11%
Corner Bet
- Covers four numbers in a square layout (e.g., 10, 11, 13, 14).
- Payout: 8:1
- Odds: 10.81%
Line Bet (Double Street)
- Covers six numbers over two adjacent rows.
- Payout: 5:1
- Odds: 16.22%
Why go for inside bets? They balance big risk with big wins, but as with all roulette bets, the outcome is still down to luck.
Outside Bets
Looking for safer bets? Enter outside bets. These cover larger groups of numbers and hit more often, though they come with lower payouts.
Here are your main options:
Red or Black
- Bet on the color the ball will land on.
- Payout: 1:1
- Odds: 48.65%
Odd or Even
- Predict whether the number will be odd or even.
- Payout: 1:1
- Odds: 48.65%
High or Low
- Bet on numbers 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high).
- Payout: 1:1
- Odds: 48.65%
Column Bet
- Choose one of the three vertical columns.
- Payout: 2:1
- Odds: 32.43%
Dozens Bet
- Bet on the 1st (1–12), 2nd (13–24), or 3rd (25–36) dozen.
- Payout: 2:1
- Odds: 32.43%
Outside bets are ideal if you’re aiming to prolong your game time, manage your bankroll, or just get your bearings on making roulette bets.
Best Roulette Bets for Players
Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as a guaranteed win in roulette. But some bets do offer better chances than others due to the specific odds.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best roulette bets based on odds and house edge:
| Roulette Bet Type | Risk and Chance of Winning |
|---|---|
| Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) | Lower risk, nearly 50/50 outcomes. Best for longevity. |
| Dozens or columns | Moderate risk, higher payouts, decent win rate. |
| Straight-up and splits | Sky-high payouts, but rare wins. Use cautiously. |
Remember, European roulette has a single zero and a lower house edge (2.70%) than American roulette, which has a double zero and a higher house edge (5.26%). Always opt for the European wheel if given a choice.
Roulette Odds Calculator: Know Your Chances
Take the guesswork out of the game with our Roulette Probability Calculator. This tool breaks down the odds for every possible bet, from simple red or black wagers to complex number combinations.
Whether you’re aiming to refine your strategy or just curious about your chances, our calculator gives you a clear view of the probabilities so you can play smarter and enjoy the excitement of roulette with confidence.
Roulette Betting Strategies
If roulette is a game of chance, can strategy even help? Sort of. While you can’t influence the outcome, roulette betting strategies can help you manage your money and play smarter.
Here are three popular approaches:
| Strategy | How It Works | Pros | Cons | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martingale | Double your bet after every loss until you win | Quick recovery from losses | Risk of big losses and table limits | |||
| Fibonacci | Follow a sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, ...) after a loss | Slower losses than Martingale | Can escalate quickly | |||
| Andrucci | Bet on "hot" numbers from previous spins | Adds excitement | Based on gambler’s fallacy |
These systems won’t guarantee success, but they add structure to your play and might help you stay disciplined. Just don’t chase losses—it’s a slippery slope.
How to Win at Roulette?
Find out how to enhance your chances of a potential roulette win, with our full roulette strategy guide!
Read moreCommon Mistakes to Avoid in Roulette Betting
Roulette is an enjoyable game, but it’s also easy to get caught in emotional traps when playing. Here are common blunders to steer clear of:
- Chasing losses
Trying to recover money by increasing bets usually leads to deeper losses. - Believing in patterns
"Red has come up five times—it has to be black next!" Nope. Each spin is random, and online roulette uses a Random Number Generator to ensure random outcomes. - Ignoring table limits
Strategies like Martingale can collapse when you hit max bet limits, waiting for a win to come up. Always find out the table limit before you place your first bet. - Playing American roulette when European is available
This is a big one. The extra zero in American roulette almost doubles the house edge, compared to European roulette, which only has a single zero. - Not setting a budget
Set a limit and stick to it. Know when to walk away, and play again another day.
Never chase losses
Always set limits
Take regular breaks
The PokerNews Verdict: Roulette Betting Guide
Roulette is more than just spinning a wheel. It's a mix of probability, psychology, and sheer luck. Whether you prefer the enhanced risk of inside bets or the steady pattern of outside bets, understanding how roulette bets work is your first step toward a more enjoyable roulette game.
So next time you place your chips, do it with confidence, and remember your roulette betting guide!
Roulette Bets FAQs
What is the safest bet in roulette?
No roulette bet is 'safe'. However, even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) offer nearly 50/50 odds and are the safest in terms of probability. Be aware then playing that they still carry a house edge.
What are the highest-paying bets in roulette?
The straight-up bet pays the most at 35:1. It’s a single number bet and the most rewarding—but also the least likely to hit.
Which roulette bets have the best odds?
Outside bets like red/black or odd/even have the best odds of winning, with a nearly 48.65% success rate in European roulette.
Is there a strategy for winning roulette bets consistently?
No strategy can guarantee consistent wins, as roulette is a game of pure chance. Strategies like Martingale can help manage play, but always involve risk.
What is the difference between American and European roulette bets?
European roulette has one zero, giving it a lower house edge (2.70%). American roulette includes an extra double zero, raising the edge to 5.26%. This makes European roulette a better choice for players.