The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is one of the most recognisable casino games in the world. A wheel containing numbered pockets (0–36 in European roulette, or 00–36 in American roulette) is spun, a ball is released, and players bet on where it will land. The betting layout on the table corresponds directly to the numbers and groupings on the wheel.
What makes roulette engaging is the wide variety of bets available — from simple 50/50 propositions to highly specific single-number bets with larger payouts. Understanding the difference between these bet types is key to navigating the table.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main numbered grid on the table layout. They pay more but win less frequently.
Straight Up
A bet on a single number. Pays 35:1. The least likely to win on any given spin, but the highest-paying standard bet.
Split
A bet placed on the line between two adjacent numbers, covering both. Pays 17:1.
Street
Covers a row of three consecutive numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Pays 11:1.
Corner (Square)
Placed at the intersection of four numbers, covering all four. Pays 8:1.
Six Line (Double Street)
Covers two adjacent rows of three numbers — six numbers total. Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed in the boxes surrounding the main number grid. They cover larger groups of numbers and win more frequently, but with lower payouts. Note that outside bets typically lose when the ball lands on 0 (or 00).
| Bet Type | What It Covers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | All red or all black numbers | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | All odd or all even numbers | 1:1 |
| Low / High | 1–18 (Low) or 19–36 (High) | 1:1 |
| Dozen | 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 | 2:1 |
| Column | One of three vertical columns of 12 numbers | 2:1 |
European vs. American Roulette: Why It Matters
The wheel layout significantly affects the house edge:
- European Roulette has a single zero (0), giving it a house edge of approximately 2.7%.
- American Roulette adds a double zero (00), raising the house edge to approximately 5.26%.
From a purely mathematical standpoint, European roulette is more favourable to players on every bet. If you have a choice, European roulette is generally the better option.
The "En Prison" and "La Partage" Rules
Some European roulette tables offer special rules that apply when the ball lands on zero and you've placed an even-money bet:
- La Partage: You receive half your even-money bet back when zero hits.
- En Prison: Your even-money bet is "imprisoned" for one more spin. If it wins on the next spin, your original stake is returned.
Both rules effectively halve the house edge on even-money bets at European tables where they apply, bringing it down to around 1.35%.
Choosing How to Bet
There's no universal "best" way to bet in roulette — different bet types suit different playing styles:
- If you want longer, more sustained play with smaller swings, outside bets provide more frequent wins.
- If you're looking for higher-variance excitement with large potential payouts, inside bets deliver that experience.
- Combining a few inside bets with a covering outside bet is a popular way to balance risk and reward.
Understanding the payout ratios and how they connect to probability is the foundation of every informed roulette decision.