Wagering real money on roulette games requires no more than a basic casino experience. As a result, more and more newcomers opt to spin the wheel, involving zero to no skill. However, before placing your first bet, getting familiar with the math behind the roulette wheel is vital. In other words, understanding roulette odds will help you increase your mathematical chances of winning more games in the long term.
However, roulette comes in different types and forms. Consequently, your winning probabilities change between games. Therefore, we present you with the odds you can expect in various kinds of roulette and how to use them to your advantage.
Payouts & Probabilities
There are two common groups of bets in the game of roulette – inside bets and outside bets. These types of wagers differ from the bet positions on the layout of the table. That said, outside bets give you a higher chance of winning. However, it comes with a specific price. Namely, outside bets have significantly smaller payouts.
On the other hand, inside bets bear higher payouts. However, they also bring fewer probabilities to win. Thus, they’re much riskier.
As we mentioned previously, bet odds differ between roulette types. The most popular forms of roulette wheels are the European and American versions. We’ll show you how betting probabilities vary between these two roulette types in the following lines.
European Roulette:
Single Number: 2.70% odds,
2 Number Combination: 5.4%,
Column: 32.40% odds,
Dozen: 32.40% odds,
Even/Odd: 48.60% odds,
Red/Black: 48.60% odds,
Low/High: 48.60% odds.
American Roulette:
Single Number: 2.60% odds,
2 Number Combination: 5.3%,
Column: 31.6% odds,
Dozen: 31.6% odds,
Even/Odd: 47.4% odds,
Red/Black: 47.4% odds,
Low/High: 47.4% odds.
If you take a closer look at the roulette odds from the above, it is evident that the European version of the wheel comes with a slighter players’ advantage over the American form of this table game. The main difference between these two popular types is the double zero on the American roulette wheel. That said, with this added number, the probabilities of you winning the game also change.
Focusing On the Outside Bets
Compared to the inside bets, outside wagers go in the players’ favor. That said, opting for this type of bet will provide you with more chances of winning. The logic behind this idea is simple – more negligible risk comes with smaller reward and vice versa. Consequently, beginners will typically focus on the outside bets as a means to reduce the risk. Sportsbook fans are familiar with the no risk matched betting, a strategy that reduces the risks, while increasing chances of success. The outside wagers work on a similar principle.
“Even Money” is one of the most popular outside bets. Roulette players love this type of bet as it covers almost half of the possible outcomes. Even bets in roulette are: 1-18 or 19-36, red or black, and even or odd.
If you decide to go with one of the mentioned bets, your chances of winning will stand around 50%. To be exact, if you’re playing European roulette, your chances of winning will be 48.65%. On the flip side, if you decide for an even money bet while playing the American version, the roulette odds will be 47.37%.
Besides even money, other popular outside bets are Column and Dozen. Hence, you can bet on the first, second, or third dozens of numbers. The same applies to the Column. The payout for these two betting types is 1:2. The winning bets for the Column and Dozen are 32.43% in European, and 31.58% in the American roulette.
Outside Bets Payout Charts
As a newcomer, you would want to play it safe. That said, if you’re playing roulette for the first time, you should consider outside bets. These wager types come with the best odds in roulette, as they bring the best probability of success. Below is the outside bets chart, representing your chances to win between different betting types.
European Roulette:
Dozen: 32.4% odds,
Column: 32.4% odds,
High or Low: 48.65% odds,
Odd or Even: 48.65% odds,
Red or Black: 48.65% odds.
Having in mind that the American version of roulette comes with an extra field on the wheel compared to the European, players winning probabilities also differ, as follows:
American Roulette:
Dozen: 32.6% odds,
Column: 31.6% odds,
High or Low: 47.37% odds,
Odd or Even: 47.37% odds,
Red or Black: 47.37%% odds.
Furthermore, the payout roulette odds for the Red or Black, Column and High or Low are 1:1. On the other hand, the payout probabilities for Dozen and Column are 2:1.
Inside Bets Probabilities
It is scarce to encounter players who prefer betting on a single number, commonly known as a straight-up bet. Inside bets include wagering on a single number or a group of numbers. These types of wagers bring players fewer chances of winning. Thus, they’re less popular strategies with gambling novices. Although some experienced bettors like to try their luck occasionally, pursuing the “real deal.” The most popular inside roulette bets are:
- Basket,
- Double Street,
- Corner,
- Street,
- Split,
The odds for these types of bets are as follows:
European Roulette:
Straight Bet: 2.7%,
Split Bet: 5.4%,
Street Bet: 8.1%,
Corner Bet: 10.8%,
Basket Bet: N/A,
Double Street Bet: 16.2%.
Now, here are the probabilities in the American version:
Straight Bet: 2.6%,
Split Bet: 5.3%,
Street Bet: 7.9%,
Corner Bet: 10.5%,
Basket Bet: 13.2%,
Double Street Bet: 15.8%.
How To Master Roulette Odds
If you want to become successful at spinning the wheel, it is crucial to understand better the odds in roulette. If you’re a new casino player, these charts may seem difficult to comprehend at first. However, the fact is you don’t have to be a match guru to master the game of roulette. In fact, everything you need is already right in front of your eyes. What you do need is a lot of practice, which is one of the main aspects in the learning process.
Contrary to many opinions, you don’t need too much money to become a roulette guru. On the contrary, thanks to the numerous casino promotions, you can acquire knowledge and play regularly without any money involved. Finding a no deposit casino will help you practice roulette charts and test probabilities cash-free. Such venues allow first time players place their bets for free. What’s more, if Lady Luck pays you a visit while practicing your roulette skills, you can even take out your winnings if all wagering requirements are met.
Final Thoughts
As roulette requires little to no skill, this table game is typically a newbie’s favorite pick. However, if you want to enjoy everything this game has to offer fully, it’s good to familiarize yourself with different roulette probabilities. In the lines above, you can find different roulette odds depending on the game type you choose. Think wisely, what kind of player you are. If you like to risk more, opt for the inside bets. On the other hand, if you want to play it safe, choose the best no deposit casino and practice outside wagers.