Roulette Odds Explained: Payouts, Probabilities & the Best Bets to Place
There’s no doubt about it: roulette is a game of chance, where odds determine your chances of winning and your overall payout. Understanding how these odds work is crucial for balancing the risk vs reward of every bet you make. And, of course, knowing what you could win!
Roulette also has many different bet types - more than nearly every other game in our live casino selection, in fact. You’ll need to get familiar with each if you’re hoping to enjoy this fast-paced game.
So, ever found yourself wondering, ‘What are the odds on roulette?’ Keep reading for everything you need to know, from how roulette payouts work and variant differences to practical applications on the table.
What Do Roulette Odds Actually Mean?
Put simply, roulette odds are your probability of winning a given bet, and are shown as percentages (%) or ratios (2:1). Let’s look at American roulette as an example - we’ll get to the different roulette variants later on.
Place a straight-up bet in this version, and your odds of hitting a single number are 37:1, as there are 38 numbers in the game. These are the true odds.
But, in reality, you’ll only receive a payout equal to 35:1. Why? Because of the house edge roulette offers - the advantage the casino has. The house takes a percentage of every bet, which slightly reduces your actual payout odds.
Roulette Payout Chart: Every Bet Type at a Glance
Roulette payouts are calculated by the number of squares on the table that your bet covers. The formula is simple: (36 ÷ numbers covered by your bet) - 1. Payouts are based on 36 numbers rather than 37 to cover the house edge.
A corner bet covers four numbers, so the formula is (36 ÷ 4) - 1. This equals 8, giving a payout of 8:1 (eight times your bet amount).
Take a look at our roulette odds chart below for a full breakdown of every bet type and its odds. Familiarising yourself with these bets is essential for knowing where to place your chip on the casino table (or where to click, if you’re playing roulette online) and your chances of landing a payout.
| Bet Type | Example | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
| Column | Third column |
2:1 | 32.4% |
31.6% |
| Dozen Numbers |
13-24 |
2:1 |
32.4% |
31.6% |
| Red/ Black |
Red |
1:1 |
48.6% |
47.4% |
| Single Number |
7 | 35:1 |
2.7% |
2.6% |
| Split (Two Numbers) |
19 or 20 |
17:1 |
5.4% |
5.3% |
| Street (Three Numbers) |
28, 29, 30 |
11:1 |
8.1% |
7.9% |
| Corner (Four Numbers) |
5, 6, 8, 9 |
8:1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
| Basket (Five Numbers) |
0, 00, 1, 2, 3 |
6:1 |
N/A | 13.2% |
| Line (Six Numbers) | 4 to 9 |
5:1 |
16.2% |
15.8% |
Inside Bets vs Outside Bets: How Do the Probabilities Stack Up?
There are two categories of roulette bets, which correspond to the table’s main areas: inside and outside bets. Here’s what you need to know if you’re hoping to nail roulette odds and strategy:
Outside Bets: Higher Frequency, Lower Payout
Outside bets in roulette are placed on the outer section of the table.
These bets cover larger groups of numbers, which means your chances of winning are significantly higher than with other bet types. Close to 50%, in fact! However, lower risk ultimately means lower reward, so payouts are much lower.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how outside bets in roulette work:
| Bet Type |
Payout | European Odds |
American Odds |
| Red/Black |
1:1 |
48.65% |
47.37% |
| Odd/Even |
1:1 |
48.65% |
47.37% |
| High/Low |
1:1 |
48.65% |
47.37% |
| Column | 2:1 |
32.4% |
31.6% |
| Dozen |
2:1 |
32.4% |
31.6% |
Something we haven’t mentioned is what happens if the ball lands on that green pocket marked 0 (and if you’re playing the American version, the double 0, too). The true odds for this are 37:1, with actual payouts at 35:1 (the American roulette odds are 38:1 and 35:1 for 00).
Inside Bets: Lower Probability, Bigger Rewards
Inside bets in roulette are placed on specific numbers within the grid.
The house edge remains the same as with outside bets (we’ll explain later on how it changes between different variants). But as the roulette payout chart below shows, the odds are significantly lower here, while payouts are higher.
| Bet Type |
Payout |
European Odds |
American Odds |
| Straight |
35:1 |
2.7% |
2.6% |
| Split |
17:1 |
5.4% |
5.3% |
| Street |
11:1 |
8.1% |
7.9% |
| Corner |
8:1 |
10.8% |
10.5% |
| Basket |
6:1 |
N/A |
13.2% |
| Line | 5:1 |
16.2% |
15.8% |
European vs American Roulette: Does Your Game Choice Affect the Odds?
Food portion sizes aren’t the only difference between Europe and America. They also have different roulette variants that impact the wheel design and the roulette house edge. And, in turn, your odds of winning a bet.
As we’ve explained, the European wheel features 37 numbered pockets, 0-36. The American version has an extra green pocket, making 38 numbers (0, 00, 1-36). European roulette odds are therefore significantly better for players, with just a 2.7% house edge vs American roulette’s 5.26%.
American roulette odds may be lower, but it remains an incredibly popular game. Its faster pace adds an extra layer of excitement that players love, especially in lavish Las Vegas casinos.
Since there are so many different variants, it would be rude of us not to mention the original French roulette. The game has just one 0 pocket, but the ‘La Partage’ rule means that you won’t lose an even-money (1:1) bet, like red/black when the ball lands on 0. Instead, you’ll receive half your stake back.
Still confused? Don’t worry. Put simply, fewer green 0 pockets means a lower house edge, higher odds, and better potential roulette payouts for players.
Three Practical Tips to Make the Most of Roulette Odds
You can’t change the odds or house edge in roulette. But you can maximise your winnings by:
- Knowing your bets before sitting down: While it can be tempting to go straight for a corner, prepping your roulette odds knowledge is crucial for placing bankroll-boosting bets. Refer back to our roulette payout chart throughout the game to decide which move you’re going to make next!
- Picking your roulette variant deliberately: American and European roulette odds, and your chances of securing a payout, vary greatly. Understanding house odds before taking a seat can help you avoid those higher losses and make the best game choice for your budget.
- Using outside bets to extend your funds: Outside bets may pay less, but they also pay more frequently, allowing the fun to continue without you risking it all. Keep your gameplay going without large losses by placing these lower-risk wagers like red/black or odd/even.
Most importantly, remember roulette is a game of chance. Always play within your limits and check out our Safer Gambling tools to make sure your time spent at the wheel stays fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roulette Odds
What are the odds of hitting red or black in roulette?
The odds of hitting red or black in European roulette are 48.65%. American roulette odds are slightly lower, at 47.37%. Both pay at 1:1, or even-money. Placing a winning £5 bet on red or black, for example, returns £10.
What is the best bet to place in roulette?
The best roulette bets are those with the highest return-to-player (RTP) value. Even-money bets like red/black and high/low can double your stake. However, if you’re a beginner, stick to outside bets in roulette. They can help you win more frequently, but pay less.
What does the house edge mean in roulette?
The house edge in roulette means the advantage casinos have over players. It indicates the percentage of a bet the house expects to take. The house edge in European roulette, for example, is 2.7%, meaning players lose an average of £2.70 per £100 wagered.
Are European roulette odds better than American roulette odds?
European roulette odds are better than American roulette odds as the house edge is lower, at 2.7% versus 5.26%. This means casinos expect to take a smaller percentage of the bets players place, so your odds of winning are higher.
Can a strategy improve your roulette odds?
Using an effective strategy can significantly improve your odds of winning at roulette. Choose your roulette variant carefully - European wheels with a single zero have a lower house edge and therefore higher winning odds. Maximise your bankroll by playing only outside bets, like red or black, to enjoy even-money returns.
What is the highest payout you can get in roulette?
The highest payout in roulette is 35:1, which returns £36 from a £1 wager (your initial wager plus £35). This comes from a type of outside bet called a straight, placed on a single number.
What happens to outside bets when the ball lands on zero?
Any outside bet, including red/black, odd/even, or high/low, loses if the ball lands on zero. This means your chances of losing are higher in American roulette than in European roulette, since there’s an additional 00 pocket. The exception is French roulette, where the La Partage rule returns half your original stake.
Does roulette always favour the casino?
All casino games, including roulette, favour the house. This is called the house edge in roulette, where the casino has an advantage over players. While the house edge can’t be changed, it does vary between versions. American roulette has a 5.26% edge, for example, versus European roulette’s 2.7%.