Roulette Odds and Payouts
The roulette chart below compares standard bets by payout, probability and casino advantage. European roulette uses 37 pockets, while American roulette uses 38 because it adds 00; that extra pocket changes the house edge significantly.
House Edge Explained
The house edge is the mathematical advantage built into a roulette game over a large number of bets. It is not a prediction of what will happen in one spin, but it shows how the rules affect expected results over time.
| Roulette variant | Numbered pockets | Standard house edge |
|---|---|---|
| European roulette | 37: 0–36 | 2.70% |
| American roulette | 38: 0, 00, 1–36 | 5.26% |
| French roulette with la partage | 37: 0–36 | 1.35% on qualifying even-money bets |
The standard European roulette house edge is calculated from the single zero. American roulette has a higher edge because both 0 and 00 lose on most bets. French roulette can offer a lower edge on even-money bets when the table applies the la partage rule, which returns half of a losing even-money wager when the ball lands on zero.
Always check the rules displayed at the table or in the online game. Terms such as la partage, en prison, minimum bet and maximum bet can vary between operators and game versions. For a visual explanation of the wheel and pocket layout, see this roulette wheel guide.
Probability basics
A roulette probability is the number of winning pockets divided by the total number of pockets. For example, a straight-up bet on one number wins in 1 of 37 pockets on a European wheel, or 1 of 38 pockets on an American wheel.
A payout does not include the return of the original stake. Therefore, a 35-to-1 straight-up payout normally returns the 35-unit win plus the original 1-unit wager when successful. The probability of winning and the size of the payout are connected: bets covering more numbers win more often but pay less.
The roulette odds do not change because a number has appeared recently or has not appeared for a long time. Each spin is a separate event. A chart can describe probability, but it cannot identify a guaranteed winning number or remove the house edge.
Odds for Each Bet
The following table covers standard inside and outside bets. Probabilities are shown for one spin, and the house-edge figures assume ordinary roulette rules without a special zero rule.
| Bet | Numbers covered | Payout | European probability | American probability | House edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 35:1 | 1/37 (2.70%) | 1/38 (2.63%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 2/37 (5.41%) | 2/38 (5.26%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 3/37 (8.11%) | 3/38 (7.89%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 4/37 (10.81%) | 4/38 (10.53%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
| Six line | 6 | 5:1 | 6/37 (16.22%) | 6/38 (15.79%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
| Dozen or column | 12 | 2:1 | 12/37 (32.43%) | 12/38 (31.58%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
| Red/black, odd/even, 1–18/19–36 | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 (48.65%) | 18/38 (47.37%) | 2.70% / 5.26% |
The table shows why a higher hit probability does not automatically mean a better mathematical return. On a standard wheel, most conventional bets carry the same house edge for that variant. The difference is mainly volatility: straight-up bets win less often but produce larger payouts, while outside bets win more frequently but pay less.
Online roulette odds are the same as the rules of the virtual or live-dealer wheel being used. Before playing, identify whether the game is European, American or a French-style variant, and read the displayed payout table. A live-dealer game may also have different table limits from an automated game, but limits do not change the underlying probability.
Payout Table
| Bet type | Typical payout | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 35:1 | One number |
| Split | 17:1 | Two adjacent numbers |
| Street | 11:1 | Three numbers in a row |
| Corner | 8:1 | Four numbers meeting at a corner |
| Six line | 5:1 | Two adjacent streets, six numbers |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36 |
| Column | 2:1 | One of the three number columns |
| Even-money bet | 1:1 | Red/black, odd/even or low/high |
The 0 and 00 are not red or black, odd or even, or part of the low and high ranges. They are the reason even-money bets do not win exactly half the time on a normal wheel.
For example, a 1-unit red bet on European roulette wins on 18 pockets and loses on 19, including zero. On American roulette, it wins on 18 pockets and loses on 20, including 0 and 00. This difference is small on one spin but important across repeated play.
If you are comparing games online, check the wheel type, the displayed payout table, the treatment of zero, and the minimum and maximum stakes. Do not assume that every game labelled “roulette” uses the same rules. You can also play roulette online after checking the operator’s current terms and the rules for your location.
Best and Worst Bets
For standard roulette, the best bet depends on what “best” means:
- Best chance of winning a single spin: even-money bets cover 18 of 37 pockets on European roulette and 18 of 38 on American roulette.
- Highest payout: a straight-up bet pays 35:1, but it has the lowest probability of winning.
- Lowest standard house edge: European roulette is generally preferable to American roulette; French la partage can reduce the edge on qualifying even-money bets.
- Lowest volatility: outside bets usually produce smaller wins and more frequent results than inside bets, but they do not remove the house advantage.
- Worst standard game option: American roulette has a higher house edge than European roulette because of the extra 00 pocket.
Betting systems such as doubling after a loss, following “hot” numbers or selecting overdue numbers do not alter roulette game odds. They can change stake size and risk, but they cannot change the wheel’s probability or guarantee a profit. Treat roulette as entertainment, set a budget before playing, and use free play only if you understand that practice results do not predict real-money outcomes.
FAQ
What is the house edge in roulette?
On a standard European wheel, the house edge is 2.70%. On a standard American wheel with 0 and 00, it is 5.26%. A French roulette game using la partage may reduce the edge on eligible even-money bets to 1.35%. Check the specific game rules because the result depends on the wheel and zero conditions.
Which roulette bet has the best odds?
Even-money bets have the highest probability of winning on a single standard spin because they cover 18 pockets. However, they still lose when zero appears, and American roulette gives the casino a larger edge than European roulette. No standard bet guarantees a profit or beats the house edge.
Does a roulette chart predict the next number?
No. A roulette chart can show payouts, probabilities and the effect of different wheel variants, but it cannot predict the next spin. To compare rules and available game types, see the roulette games overview.
Responsible Gambling
Roulette is for adults aged 18+; the minimum age is 21+ where local law requires it. Set deposit, spending and time limits before playing, never chase losses, and stop if gambling no longer feels recreational. In the US, call 1-800-GAMBLER; in New Zealand, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655; in Canada, contact your provincial problem gambling service. Check your state or provincial regulator for local rules and approved support options.
Information last reviewed: October 2026