The odds in roulette indicate the likelihood of winning a certain bet; each type of bet has its own set of odds and payouts. The odds also differ from one variation of roulette to the next. European roulette, for example, with its single zero, differs from American roulette, which has a double zero. Understanding these odds allows roulette players to modify their betting strategy and improve their bankroll.

Calculating roulette odds involves understanding the probability of the ball landing on a chosen number or set of numbers. The formula is simple—you divide the number of ways to win by the total number of outcomes. We’ll take a look at how to calculate odds for different types of roulette bets next. All the bets in a roulette game can be broadly categorized as inside, outside, and special bets.?

Inside bets?

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. The odds of winning are lower, but the payouts are higher.

1. Straight-up bets cover a single number and the odds are 1/37 or 1/38, depending if you are playing on a European or American roulette table.
2. The split bet covers two numbers so the odds are going to be 2/37 or 2/38.
3. A street bet has three possible winning outcomes, therefore the odds are going to be 3/37 or 3/38.
4. Corner bets cover four grouped numbers, with four ways to win and the odds would be calculated as 4/37 and 4/38.
5. Six-line bets offer six ways to win and their odds would be calculated as 6/37 and 6/38.

Outside bets

Outside bets cover a larger group of numbers, which means the chances of winning are higher but the payouts are significantly lower than with inside bets.

1. The three bets Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low all have the same odds of 18/37 or 18/38.
2. Dozens offer 12 ways to win and the odds are 12/37 or 12/38. The Columns have the same odds, and although they are different wagers, there are still 12 ways to win.

Special bets

Special bets are found in European and French roulette and often involve special sections of the roulette wheel. These bets are more popular with experienced players as they involve a more detailed understanding of the game. However, calculating the odds is simple enough.

1. Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero) offers the player 17 ways to win, and the odds are 17/37.
2. Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel) covers twelve numbers with this wager, therefore we calculate the odds as 12/37.
3. The Orphelins (Orphans) bet has a total of 13 winning numbers, and the odds for winning are 13/37.

Each type of bet you make, a simple straight-up on a single number or a more complex arrangement like a corner or street bet, comes with its own set of roulette table odds based on the roulette table layout and the rules of the game.

Understanding these odds associated with different betting patterns in roulette is critical for any player seeking an effective strategy for real money roulette.

Odds on Outside Bets – Greater Probability With Smaller Payouts

Anyone learning how to play roulette should begin with outside bets. You have a better chance of landing a win with these bets because they cover more of the wheel, but don’t expect a large payout.

Column Bet

With the column bet you can wager on one of the three columns, each containing 12 numbers (minus the 0 and/or 00 at the end). The chances to win are 32.4%, and you’ll receive a 2:1 payout if the ball lands on any of the 12 numbers in the column.

Dozens Bet

Place your roulette table bets on the first, second, or third 12 numbers on the table. Each set consists of six red and six black numbers, and you will be paid out at 2:1 odds if any of the numbers in your selected set come up.

Odd/Even Bet

Keep it easy and wager on whether or not the winning number will be odd or even (excluding 0 and/or 00). You’ll be paid even money if you’re correct, with a roughly even probability of succeeding.

Red/Black Bet

Feeling fortunate with a certain color? Wait for the ball to land on your color of choice after placing a bet on red or black. You’ll be compensated at even money odds if the ball lands on your selected color.

High/Low

Place a wager on either the high end (19–36) or the low end (1–18). You’ll receive an even money payout if the ball lands on a number that falls within the range you specified.

Odds on Inside Bets – Lower Probability with Bigger Wins

Inside bets on the roulette wheel provide a new kind of pleasure; even though they carry higher risk and may not have the best odds in roulette, they can result in significant victories if you are lucky enough to win.?

Straight Up Bet

Using this wager, you can place a bet on a single numbered spot on the table. Despite the low odds of success, the payout for selecting the correct number could be as high as 35:1. It’s a bold move, but the payoff could be massive.

Corner Bet

This bet, which covers four numbers in a square shape, can be made by placing your chips on the corner where the four numbers meet. Your chances of winning are slightly higher than with a straight-up bet, but the payout is also lower at 8:1.

Split Bet

For those who want to spread their bets, the split bet allows you to choose two numbers to wager on. You win if either of the two numbers comes up. Place your chips on the line between the two numbers you have selected. Because of the 17:1 payout, your chances of winning are slightly higher than with a straight-up wager.

5-Number Bet

This bet, which is only available in American roulette, covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Although the roulette winning odds are higher than with some other inside bets, the payout is only 6:1. It’s a risky bet, but if the odds are in your favor, it could pay off.

Street Bet

You can wager on three consecutive numbers in a row with the street bet. Put your chips on the row’s edge and cross your fingers that one of the numbers will come up. A successful street bet pays out 11:1.

Six Line Bet

This wager combines two street bets to cover six numbers in a row. While the odds of hitting a six-number bet are higher than those of other inside bets, the payout is still only 5:1.

Prepare for a wild ride regardless of the inside wager you choose. Even if the odds aren’t in your favor, picking the correct number can result in a large payoff that will make your night.

Roulette Payout and Odds on Called Bets

In addition to standard inside and outside bets, some casinos offer unique wagers known as racetrack bets, or called bets. These are placed on a separate section of the table called the roulette racetrack, which corresponds to specific sequences of numbers on the wheel. Here is an overview of these bets, as well as an explanation of their odds and payouts.?

Voisins du Zéro

It means “neighbors of zero” in French. This wager includes 17 numbers closest to zero on the wheel, covering the portion of the wheel between numbers 22 and 25, with zero in the middle. The odds of winning are 45.9%. However, it requires that multiple bets be wagered simultaneously. These involve basket, corner, and split bets. The highest payout possible is 17:1 for a successful split bet. The corner bet pays out 8:1 and the basket bet 11:1.?

Tiers du Cylindre

Another French term, this one means “thirds of the wheel.” This wager covers all 12 numbers between 27 and 33 that are located on the opposite side of the zero on the wheel. The odds of winning are 32.4%, and the payout for a successful wager is 17:1. Six split bets need to be wagered simultaneously.?

Orphelins

The eight remaining numbers that are not covered by either of the other two called bets are covered by this wager, whose name translates to “orphans” in French. This includes 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34.

For a straight-up wager on 1, there’s a 35 to 1 payout, and for a split wager on the other numbers, it’s 17:1. The odds of placing a winning bet with Orphelins is 21.6%.

Note that not all roulette tables accept called bets, and not all online casinos provide this option.?

Roulette Payout Chart

In roulette, the relationship between risk and reward is clearly defined: higher probabilities of winning yield lower payouts, but long-shot bets have the potential for huge profits. If you want to improve your chances of winning, understanding the balance between probability and payout is crucial for strategizing effectively.

Despite the variety of betting options, any roulette bet is designed to favor the house. Yet, the thrill of the game lies in this very unpredictability, where a single spin can turn the tables. Have a look at the roulette payout chart below and find bets that give you the best odds.

By simulating thousands or even millions of roulette spins, we can measure the probabilities and expected outcomes associated with different bets. It goes beyond the static probabilities calculated by simple mathematical formulas, and this is why simulation and modeling are useful tools for analyzing roulette odds and outcomes.

Each spin of the roulette wheel is an independent event. However, a simulation can reveal how a betting strategy performs in the long run.?

The Martingale betting strategy, for example, which consists of doubling bets after losses, works well in the short run and is popular among roulette players. Nevertheless, simulations demonstrate its long-term unsustainable nature due to table limitations and the bankroll required to carry out the strategy.

Also, a player might simulate betting on a single number for 10,000 spins to observe the frequency and distribution of wins and losses, providing a clear picture of the high-risk, high-reward nature of such a bet.

Ultimately, being aware of these models protects players from potentially damaging biases, such as the gambler’s fallacy, a common belief among gamblers that previous rounds have a direct influence on the present spin. Instead, having a deeper understanding of how different strategies work in the long run, players can develop effective strategies that align with their risk tolerance and gambling goals.