Roulette Odds Table – Grab Payouts Chart and Master The Basics
9 minutes
Last Updated: March 1, 2024
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, second maybe only to slots and on par with blackjack in terms of popularity. The game is easy to play and very exciting, but most players don’t know much about roulette odds and payouts.
Like any other casino games, roulette comes with an inherent casino edge that can’t be overcome. However, understanding roulette odds for different bet types and why they matter is essential to picking the right roulette strategy for your bankroll.
It is true that you can start playing the game without knowing the first thing about roulette table payouts, as the croupier will always make sure you get paid the correct amount. However, this knowledge makes roulette more fun and helps you make better decisions.
Roulette Odds Fundamentals
Like every other casino game, roulette has a certain casino edge, which determines how much the house wins over the long run and, conversely, how much you can expect to lose.
The exact number varies depending on the roulette variation you play, and in this day and age, there are quite a few options, especially at online casinos. However, we’re bringing you a breakdown for the three most popular types:
- European (single zero roulette): 2.70% house edge
- French (single zero roulette with special rules): as low as 1.35% for some bets
- American (double-zero roulette): 5.26% house edge
These numbers only tell you how big your overall expected loss is. For example, for every $100 wagered on European Roulette, you stand to lose $2.70. This will not happen for every $100 you play through, but over millions of spins, the math will work out.
However, as you probably know, roulette has many different types of bets. Every bet type comes with its own odds, and the house edge is the average value when all these bets and odds are added together.
Roulette Odds Table: Know Your Bets
With the basics out of the way, it’s time to look into specific roulette odds and payouts for individual bet types. Below, you’ll find detailed roulette odds tables for the three main roulette types:
European Roulette Odds Table
| Bet | Payout | Odds |
| Outside Bets | – | – |
| Red / Black | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Odd / Even | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| High / Low | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Column Bets | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Dozen Bets | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Inside Bets | – | – |
| Straight Bet | 35:1 | 2.7% |
| Split Bet | 17:1 | 5.4% |
| Street Bet | 11:1 | 8.1% |
| Corner Bet | 8:1 | 10.8% |
French Roulette Odds Table
French roulette has the same rules and payouts as European roulette. However, due to En Prison and La Patrage rules, it offers better odds on even money bets.
| Bet | Payout | Odds |
| Outside Bets | – | – |
| Red / Black | 1:1 | 49.32% |
| Odd / Even | 1:1 | 49.32% |
| High / Low | 1:1 | 49.32% |
| Column Bets | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Dozen Bets | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Inside Bets | – | – |
| Straight Bet | 35:1 | 32.4% |
| Split Bet | 17:1 | 5.4% |
| Street Bet | 11:1 | 8.1% |
| Corner Bet | 8:1 | 10.8% |
American Roulette Odds Table
American roulette features the exactly same payouts as European Roulette. However, instead of 37, it has 38 numbers on the wheel, as the double zero (00) is added. This changes winning odds and reduces players’ chances.
| Bet | Payout | Odds |
| Outside Bets | – | – |
| Red / Black | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Odd / Even | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| High / Low | 1:1 | 47.37% |
| Column Bets | 2:1 | 31.6% |
| Dozen Bets | 2:1 | 31.6% |
| Inside Bets | – | – |
| Straight Bet | 35:1 | 2.6% |
| Split Bet | 17:1 | 5.3% |
| Street Bet | 11:1 | 7.9% |
| Corner Bet | 8:1 | 10.5% |
| Basket Bet | N/A | 13.2% |
Understanding the Math Behind Roulette Odds
One thing all casino games have in common is that they have been devised and perfected over the years to ensure the long-term profit for the person or the establishment hosting the game.
This has come to be known as the house edge, and, if you take a close look at the roulette payouts charts above, you’ll quickly notice things don’t quite add up. For example, even money bets pay 2:1, but your odds aren’t 50% – they are lower.
This is because roulette payouts have been devised using a 36-number model – 18 red/black number and 18 odd/even numbers. So, if you only look at those two groups, your odds of hitting are exactly 2:1.
However, the zero was then introduced, but roulette payouts haven’t changed. So, you’re still getting paid on the basis of 36 numbers, but there are now actually 37 numbers on the wheel.
With American Roulette, the discrepancy becomes even more obvious, as your odds are still based on 36 numbers, but there are actually 38 pockets on the wheel. Zero and Double Zero aren’t included in the payout calculation.
The same math applies to all other roulette payouts. There is always one number extra that’s not accounted for, and that’s where the house edge comes from.
Can You Beat Roulette Odds?
Over the centuries, people have tried and tried again to work out the magic and somehow beat roulette. However, the math behind this game is crystal clear and, unless you’re cheating, there is no way to overcome the odds.
You can think about it this way. Say your friend suggested to flip a coin with you for $100 a flip. You get to pick head or tail, and every time you lose, you give them $100. Every time you win, they give you $103.
If you’re certain there is no cheating going on, you’d take that offer in a heartbeat and played for as long as possible.
Roulette odds work on the same exact principle, even though the math is a bit more complicated. But for the simplest, even money bets, this is pretty much what you’re looking at.
Of course, with so many people trying to beat the game over the years, there have been countless roulette strategies devised. Many of them have some merits, helping you have more fun, avoid variance a little bit, and get your money to last longer.
But, when all is said and done, roulette odds remain unchanged, and they always favor the casino. This is not a skill game where you can somehow get ahead. In blackjack, card counting can help you turn the tables without breaking any laws, but there is no such strategy for roulette.
Understanding Roulette Payouts: What Are the Best Bets?
Looking at all the numbers in roulette payout tables may not be all that helpful to you, especially if you’re new to gambling. You may be looking for an answer to a very simple question: what are the best roulette bets to play?
The answer is that it really doesn’t matter in the long run.
If you’re playing French Roulette specifically, then you’re best off placing even money bets, because of the two special rules that reduce the house edge by half. In all other situations, what bets you choose to place is purely a matter of preference.
Roulette payouts have been devised in such a way that the house edge always remains unchanged. The only thing that changes is the variance, i.e. how quickly you will win or lose with certain bets.
Outside bets are much easier to hit, but their payouts are much smaller. Inside bets don’t come in as often, but when they do, they come with bigger rewards as well.
Over an infinite number of roulette spins, the odds will even out, and no matter what bets you placed, you’ll always come away with the exact same loss.
In the short term, however, you can make a decision based on what your goal for the session is.
If you are looking to have some fun and want to play longer, outside bets are the way to go. Their payouts are small but frequent, so you’ll be able to play many spins without risking too much money.
If, on the other hand, you’re after a big win, go with inside bets. Pick a few numbers and try to get lucky. On a good day, you can quickly run up your initial bankroll and walk away with a substantial win. Conversely, if you don’t have a big bankroll, you could be out of the game in a space of a few spins.
How Do Roulette Odds Compare to Other Casino Games?
Roulette is just one of many options you can go for at live or online casinos. There are many other games available to you, and if you’re looking for the ones with the best chances of winning, roulette may not be the best pick.
As mentioned earlier, the house edge in European Roulette is 2.70% and 5.26% in American Roulette. Below is the breakdown of the house edge percentage for other popular casino games:
- Blackjack – 0.5% provided you follow the basic blackjack strategy
- Baccarat – 1.06%
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em – 2.2%
- Three Card Poker – 1.5%
- Caribbean Stud – 5.22%
- Video Poker – around 0.5% (can be higher or lower, depending on the variation)
- Slots – anywhere from 20% to 1%
As you can see, roulette odds are certainly not among the best ones you’ll find in a casino. In fact, there are very few games with worse odds, as even modern online slots often feature a house edge of under 3% (RTP of over 97%).
And if we’re talking about American Roulette odds and payouts, the game really falls into the bottom section of casino games in terms of returns. If you like the excitement it offers, that’s fine, but you’ll be better off playing almost any other game.
Roulette Odds & Payouts Summary
Roulette is a very simple and rather exciting game, which is why there are so many players flocking to it. There isn’t much you need to learn before you can join the action and start placing those wagers.
However, learning how payouts work and what you can expect from certain bets is quite important. This is why we provided you with detailed roulette odds tables for the most popular game variations.
There is nothing you can do to change roulette odds or improve your winning chances. But, as always, knowing exactly what you’re getting into will help you better plan and proper for your sessions, and that alone can be quite valuable.
