Roulette Odds: Payouts and Probabilities Explained
Roulette odds show you two things: your chances of winning and what you'll get paid if you do. A straight-up bet on a single number wins 1 in 37 spins on European roulette and 1 in 38 on American, with both paying 35 to 1.
We're covering odds and payouts for every bet, comparing house edges, and showing you which wagers actually give you a shot.
What are the roulette odds?
Roulette odds are just your chances of winning on each spin. Bet on a single number? You've got a 1 in 37 shot on European roulette, 1 in 38 on American. Both pay 35 to 1 when they hit.
Every bet has different odds. Some bets cover almost half the wheel, so they hit pretty often. Single-number bets? Those barely connect. Here's how it works: cover more numbers, get paid less. Cover fewer numbers, and the payout jumps up.
Roulette odds also create the house edge (that's the casino's cut, baked into the math). The math doesn't change just because you know it, but at least you'll understand what you're up against.
American vs European roulette odds explained
The difference between American and European roulette comes down to zeros. European wheels have 37 pockets (1 through 36, plus a single zero). American wheels add one more: a double zero, bringing it to 38 total.
That extra pocket on American wheels changes every probability on the table. Payouts stay the same, but your chances of winning drop slightly on every bet.
American roulette probabilities
That extra zero gives the casino a bigger edge on every single bet. When you bet red on an American wheel, you're covering 18 numbers out of 38 total pockets instead of 18 out of 37. That gap might seem small, but it compounds over a session.
American roulette is the standard format in Las Vegas and most US casinos. If you're playing at a physical casino in North America, this is likely what you'll find on the floor.
European roulette odds and payouts
European roulette gives players better odds on every bet type. Payouts stay the same, but you'll win more often since there's one less pocket working against you.
Smart players hunt down European tables whenever they can. On any single spin, the difference feels minor. Over dozens or hundreds of spins, it adds up.
French roulette and La Partage
French roulette runs on the same single-zero wheel, but it throws in a rule called La Partage. If the ball hits zero and you're on an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low), you get half your money back.
La Partage bumps your odds even higher on those even-money bets. French tables aren't always easy to find, but they're worth looking for if you favor outside bets.
Roulette house edge comparison
House edge is just the casino's built-in advantage over time. It's the percentage of your bets the casino expects to pocket after thousands of spins.
The five-number bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 on American wheels. It's the only bet where the house edge shoots way higher than everything else. Most players skip it entirely.
Inside bet odds and payouts
Inside bets hit specific numbers or small groups on the main betting grid. They don't connect often, but the payouts are bigger.
Straight bet
A straight bet covers a single number. It pays 35 to 1, the highest payout available. The trade-off is clear: you're betting on one pocket out of 37 or 38.
Split bet
Split bets cover two numbers sitting next to each other. The payout drops to 17 to 1, but your coverage doubles compared to a straight bet.
Street bet
A street bet covers a row of three numbers. Place your chip on the outer edge of the row, and you collect 11 to 1 if any of those three numbers hit.
Corner bet
Corner bets cover four numbers meeting at one corner. The payout is 8 to 1.
Five-number bet
This bet exists only on American roulette and covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6 to 1. The math on this wager is genuinely worse than every other bet on the table. Skip it.
Six line bet
A six line bet covers two adjacent rows, totaling six numbers. It pays 5 to 1.
Outside bet odds and payouts
Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel. They win more frequently but pay less. Want to stretch your bankroll? Outside bets are your friend.
Red or black
Bet on the ball landing on either color. You're covering 18 numbers, just under half the wheel. Zeros don't count as either color. Pays 1 to 1.
Odd or even
Same coverage as red/black, just organized differently. Eighteen numbers, 1 to 1 payout.
High or low
Bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Same odds and payout as the other even-money bets.
Dozens
The layout splits numbers into three groups: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36. Each covers 12 numbers and pays 2 to 1.
Columns
Three vertical columns run down the betting layout. Each column contains 12 numbers. Same 2 to 1 payout as dozens, just laid out differently.
Roulette odds chart
Here's a quick reference for every standard bet:
Which roulette bets have the best odds of winning
Outside bets give you the best shot of winning each spin. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low cover almost half the wheel. They hit the most.
The catch? You win more often but get paid less. Here's how bet categories rank by win frequency:
- Best odds: Even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low)
- Moderate odds: Dozens and columns
- Lower odds, higher reward: Inside bets
What counts as "best" depends on what you're after. If you want to stay in the game longer, outside bets make sense. If you're chasing a bigger payout and accept the lower hit rate, inside bets deliver that.
Roulette bets to avoid
The five-number bet on American roulette? Worst bet you can make. Every other bet has the same house edge for that version of the game. This one doesn't.
Hammering single numbers with no plan will burn through your cash fast. Straight bets work fine, but betting only those without knowing the odds? You'll be done quick.
Vegas roulette odds vs online roulette
Vegas casino floors typically feature American double-zero wheels. European tables exist but are less common and sometimes carry higher minimums.
Online and crypto roulette sites usually give you more game options. European and French tables are easy to find, so you get better odds without searching. Live dealer roulette online follows the same rules as physical tables, so the odds match the variant you select.
Tip: When playing crypto roulette, check which variant the table uses before placing bets. The wheel type determines your odds, not the platform.
Tips for better chances of winning in roulette
1. Choose European or French roulette when available
That single-zero wheel boosts your odds on every bet. If you have the option, take it.
2. Stick to outside bets for consistent play
Even-money bets stretch your bankroll. They won't deliver massive payouts, but they won't drain your bankroll quickly either.
3. Avoid the five-number bet entirely
There's no strategic reason to make this bet. The math is worse than every alternative.
4. Set session limits before you spin
Decide on a bankroll limit before you start. Roulette moves fast, and having a number in mind helps you walk away at the right time.
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