Understanding Roulette Odds and Payouts in this Guide

Understanding Roulette Odds and Payouts in this Guide

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world, known for its spinning wheel, anticipation-filled gameplay, and exciting payouts. Whether you’re placing your first bet or sharpening your strategies, understanding Roulette odds and payouts is key to making informed decisions and maximizing your experience.

This guide from Casino Savvy breaks down how odds work in Roulette, the different bet types, and what payouts you can expect. If you’re new to the game, we also recommend checking out our What is Roulette? guide to grasp the basics before diving into the numbers.

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🎡 How Roulette Odds Work

Understanding how Roulette odds function is essential to making confident wagers. Odds determine your potential winnings, while the house edge ensures the casino maintains a slight advantage.

🧮 House Edge by Game Type

  • European Roulette (Single Zero)
    • House edge: 2.70%
  • American Roulette (Double Zero)
    • House edge: 5.26%
  • French Roulette (Single Zero + La Partage rule)
    • House edge: as low as 1.35% on even-money bets

👉 The fewer zeros on the wheel, the better your odds. That’s why European and French Roulette are more player-friendly.

🎲 Probability vs. Payout

While the payout for each bet type is fixed, the probability of winning varies:

Bet TypePayoutProbability (European)
Straight-Up (1 number)35:12.7%
Split (2 numbers)17:15.4%
Red/Black (18 numbers)1:148.6%

This discrepancy between actual odds and payouts creates the house edge.

🔐 Inside Bets: High Risk, High Reward

Inside bets refer to wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They offer higher payouts but come with lower chances of winning.

🎯 Straight-Up and Split Bets

  • Straight-Up Bet (35:1)
    Pick a single number (e.g., 17). This is the riskiest bet but yields the highest standard payout.
  • Split Bet (17:1)
    Wager on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them.

🧱 Street, Corner, and Line Bets

  • Street Bet (11:1)
    Bet on three numbers in a horizontal row.
  • Corner Bet (8:1)
    Place your chip at the intersection of four numbers.
  • Line Bet (5:1)
    Covers six numbers over two adjacent rows.

These bets are often used by players trying to diversify within a small bankroll.

💼 Outside Bets: Safer Wagers with Better Odds

Outside bets are less risky and ideal for beginners. They cover larger sets of numbers, offering lower payouts but better winning probabilities.

⚫ Even Money Bets

These bets cover half the wheel (minus the zero):

  • Red or Black
  • Odd or Even
  • High or Low (1–18 / 19–36)

Each pays 1:1 with a win probability of 48.6% in European Roulette.

📊 Dozens and Columns

  • Dozens Bet (2:1)
    Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.
  • Columns Bet (2:1)
    Bet on vertical columns of 12 numbers on the layout.

These are middle-ground bets between inside and even money options.

🌍 Understanding American vs. European Roulette Odds

Choosing the right Roulette version dramatically impacts your odds and payouts.

🧮 Double Zero’s Impact on Payouts

  • American Roulette has both a 0 and 00, giving the house an extra edge.
  • European Roulette has only one zero, which means higher probabilities for every bet.

Example:
Betting on Red has a 47.4% win chance in American vs. 48.6% in European.

✅ Choosing the Best Table

Whenever possible, choose European or French Roulette. You’ll face better odds and enjoy more favorable rules like “La Partage,” which refunds half your bet if the ball lands on zero during an even-money bet.

📈 Tips to Maximize Your Payouts

Winning at Roulette is partly luck—but smart play helps you stretch your bankroll and enjoy the game longer.

💳 Bankroll Management

  • Set a session budget and stick to it.
  • Divide your bankroll into smaller units for each bet.
  • Avoid chasing losses—take breaks when needed.

♻️ Bet Combinations and Payout Planning

  • Mix outside and inside bets to balance risk and reward.
  • Use Column + Red/Black combos for double payout opportunities.
  • Track your bets and outcomes over time.

✅ Conclusion: Play Smarter with Casino Savvy

Roulette

Spin the Wheel, Feel the Thrill

Understanding Roulette odds and payouts is the foundation for becoming a smarter, more strategic player. Whether you prefer high-risk inside bets or safe, steady outside wagers, knowing your numbers helps you enjoy the game responsibly.

For more beginner-friendly guides, strategies, and honest reviews, visit Casino Savvy—your trusted resource for online casino gaming in Japan. From slots and baccarat to poker and roulette, we’ve got your journey covered.

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Author of this article

Akira Matsuda (松田 明) is a Japanese-American writer known for his work in casino literature. Raised in both Japan and the United States, he developed a deep appreciation for diverse entertainment cultures. After studying journalism and literature, Akira merged his storytelling skills with his passion for casinos. His writing covers everything from casino culture to insider tips on various games, with a talent for simplifying complex strategies. Akira has become a respected voice in the casino community.

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