Roulette is one of the most hypnotic casino games that is seemingly effortless yet endlessly suspenseful. You may bet on red or black, odd or even, or maybe lucky 8, hoping for an easy win. But the roulette wheel never leaves everything to chance. It’s carefully engineered around probabilities and the ever-present house edge.
Beginners often misjudge the difference between European and American roulette, unaware that the extra zero alone increases the house edge significantly.
Many players fall for the “safe” dozen/column payouts without realizing the expected value (EV) is lower than they imagine. Even seasoned players occasionally misread the roulette bet types, which quickly drain their bankroll.
The Overview of the Roulette Game
Roulette is a banking game that consists of a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a green felt table covered in numbers and betting options.
Players place bets on a layout that mirrors the wheel, with options ranging from single numbers to groups, colors, odd or even, or high and low numbers. Each bet type carries its own payout, which determines the potential return.
This casino game is played in rounds, with players making bets before the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. Once the ball settles in a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number and the corresponding bets.
Afterwards, they make the payout, and the next round begins. The pace is deliberately brisk, keeping players engaged while maintaining the tension of chance and strategy.
Variants and Rule Twists That Matter
Roulette isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. There are various game variants at roulette sites with distinct rules that significantly impact roulette payouts, odds, and the house edge. The main distinctions appear in European, American, and French wheels.
European vs American roulette
The most significant difference between European and American roulette is the wheel itself. European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 through 36 and a single zero (0). American roulette features a second zero (00), resulting in a total of 38 pockets.
That seemingly small addition drastically increases the roulette house edge from roughly 2.7% on European wheels to 5.26% on American wheels.
For example, you bet $10 on red.
- On a European wheel, 18 of the 37 numbers are red. That gives you a 48.65% chance of winning.
- On an American wheel, 18 of 38 numbers are red. Now your chance drops to 47.37%.
It’s just a 1–2% difference per spin. Over many spins, that small edge works in the casino’s favor. In other words, the American wheel will drain your bankroll and cost you more in losses in the long run.
Tip for Beginners: If you have the choice, always opt for a European wheel. Even if the casino payouts are identical, your odds are slightly better, and your bankroll will last longer.
French Exceptions: La Partage and En Prison Rules Explained
Some French tables can significantly improve returns on even-money bets. Two key rules, La Partage and En Prison, reduce the casino’s edge in specific situations.
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, players lose only half of their even-money bets rather than the entire stake. This rule effectively cuts the house edge on these bets in half, making wagers like red/black or odd/even far more attractive for cautious players.
- En Prison: This rule goes a step further. When a zero appears, the player’s even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the subsequent spin, the original stake is returned in full. However, if it loses, the bet is forfeited. En Prison doesn’t guarantee a win, but it provides a safety net that slightly tips the scales in favor of the player compared to standard European or American rules.
Different Types of Roulette Bets
Once you understand the wheel, the real decision begins at the betting grid. Every choice you make determines your risk, your potential payout, and how fast your bankroll can rise or fall.
Roulette bets are generally divided into two main categories: Inside Bets and Outside Bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small clusters, providing higher payouts but lower chances of winning. The straight-up bet is the most straightforward and the riskiest.
You place your chip directly on a single number. If that number hits, you win 35 to 1, meaning a $10 bet pays $350. But the odds are steep. There is only a 1 in 37 chance on a European wheel (1 in 38 on an American wheel).
Split, Street, and Corner Payouts: Small Bets, Big Promises?
Higher payouts usually tempt beginners, but this is the “jackpot or nothing” option. If you want to spread risk slightly, you can place split bets across two numbers. The payout is 17:1, so a $10 bet returns $170 plus your $10 stake, giving you $180 total if either number wins. However, the house edge remains the same. Then, there are street bets that cover three numbers in a row and pay 11:1, so $10 becomes $110 in winnings.
Corner or block bets, which cover four numbers in a square. With these bets, the payout is 8:1. For instance, a $10 wager on 17–18–20–21 pays $80 if the ball lands on any of those numbers.
Alternatively, you can place a six-line bet that spans two adjacent rows, covering six numbers with a payout of 5:1. This means a $10 bet on 16–21 returns $50 plus the stake if any number hits. These bets may lower the payout but increase your chances of winning on any given spin.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are easier to understand and more predictable, though the prizes are smaller. These include betting on colors (red or black), number type (odd or even), or range (high or low). Each of these options almost covers half the board, so you win more often. If you bet $20 on black and the ball lands in a black pocket, you double your money.
Online casinos call them even-money bets, but the name is slightly misleading because of the zero(s). When zero appears, you lose your money unless you’re playing under special French rules. Under those rules, if the ball lands on zero, you don’t lose everything.
Either half your bet is returned (La Partage) or your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin (En Prison). In both cases, the house edge on these bets drops to about 1.35%, which makes them the most favorable wagers on the table.
The Dozen/Column Payout Dilemma
If odd bets feel too volatile, consider columns or dozens. A column bet covers 12 numbers vertically on the grid, while a dozen bet covers the first (1–12), second (13–24), or third (25–36) set of numbers. Each pays 2:1, offering a balance between risk and reward. These mid-risk bets appeal to players who want consistent action without staking everything on one spin.
How do True Odds vs. Paid Odds Create the House Edge?
At first glance, the roulette payout chart looks generous. A straight-up bet promises 35 to 1. Columns and dozens pay 2 to 1. Even-money bets, such as red or black, seem to offer a nearly 50/50 chance. On paper, it feels like the game is giving players plenty of opportunity.
But it all comes down to the difference between true odds and paid odds. True odds reflect the real mathematical chance of winning, while paid odds are the reduced payouts casinos offer. That gap is the house edge.
To understand it, suppose you place a straight-up bet. On a European wheel with 37 pockets, the true odds of hitting a single number are 1 in 37. If the straight-up payout was perfectly fair, the casino would pay 36 to 1. Instead, it pays 35 to 1, keeping the missing unit as profit.
Featuring an extra double-zero pocket, American roulette further increases that gap. Since you’re playing with 38 pockets instead of 37, the true odds shrink again, while the payout table remains unchanged. Over time, that invisible margin ensures the house always comes out ahead, no matter how the ball bounces in the short term.
Why the American Five-Number Bet Is the Worst Value on the Felt
Among all the options at a roulette table, one standout trap for beginners is the American five-number bet. This wager covers the sequence 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, which appears to be a smart move. After all, you’re covering five numbers with a single bet, and it pays 6 to 1 if any of them hit.
The truth is, the payout doesn’t match the actual odds of winning. On an American wheel, you’re competing against 38 total pockets. Since you’re only covering five, the probability of hitting is about 13%, but the payout is structured as if you had a better chance. That gap between paid and true odds creates the steepest house edge of 7.89%.
To put that into perspective, most other bets on the American wheel carry the standard house edge of 5.26%. Whether you’re betting a straight-up number, a split, a dozen, or even red/black, the casino’s advantage is always the same. But the five-number bet breaks that pattern, stacking the odds even more heavily against the player.
Over time, this single wager drains money faster than any other, which is why seasoned gamblers check the roulette odds table before placing a bet at gambling sites.
Tips to Maximize Your Winning Edge in Roulette
Most live dealer casinos rarely hide the math, but they don’t go out of their way to spotlight it either. Beginners should take the following steps to maximize the chances of winning:
Verify Payouts and Edges
Casinos often post payout boards directly on or near the table, listing returns for common wagers such as straight-up numbers, dozens, and colors. These boards look reassuring, but the fine print matters.
For example, an American table will list the same payouts as a European one, even though the extra double zero makes those bets significantly worse for the player. Always check the table signage or ask for a printed roulette payout chart. If it’s not available, walk away.
Spot Misprints or Misdirections on the Layout
Most roulette layouts are standard, but occasional misprints or unusual designs can create confusion. For example, a column bet box might look like it covers more numbers than it really does, while exotic layouts can disguise worse odds than traditional bets.
Always remember that the house doesn’t make mistakes in your favor. If the felt looks confusing, ask the dealer to spell it out before placing your chips.
Cross-Check with a Roulette Calculator
A roulette calculator is the fastest way to confirm if the payouts match the math. Enter the wheel type (European or American) along with the bet placed, you’ll see both the true odds and the casino’s paid odds. When unsure about a split/street/corner payout or dozen/column payout, a quick check prevents you from overestimating your returns.
Ready to Take the Roulette Wheel for a Spin?
When playing roulette, the payouts might look generous, but the house always has the edge. European wheels give you a fairer fight, French rules tilt the odds a little further in your favor, and American tables quietly drain your wallet, even in the short run.
Beginners should check the payout chart, set limits before playing, stick to small bets while learning, and never chase losses.
Published: Oct 9, 2025 12:17 pm