How To Understand Odds In Online Roulette

Understanding online roulette odds and payouts is crucial if you want to be a successful player. Roulette odds are determined by the potential results and the numbers covered in the bet. Learning how to calculate this can give you an edge on the table while also helping you find the versions with the best roulette payouts.

In this guide, our roulette experts prepare all the important information you need to know about the odds, roulette bets, how to calculate odds, and which casinos are ideal for your roulette gameplay. So, keep reading to master your online roulette knowledge.

How Does Online Roulette Work

To start your journey with online roulette odds, it’s crucial first to understand the game’s primary goal. Roulette is a game of chance where you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel.

The goal is to predict the outcome correctly, whether on a specific number, color, or group of numbers. By mastering the foundational aspects of how to play roulette online, you set yourself up for a more enjoyable and strategic gaming experience.

Once you have familiarized yourself with the fundamentals, you can shift your focus to the complex world of bets and odds.

Knowing how to place bets and calculate odds strategically is key to improving your chances of success in online roulette.

From straightforward bets on red or black to more complex combinations and number selections, you can use diverse strategies to tailor your approach.

This more profound understanding of bets and odds adds excitement to the gameplay and empowers you to make more informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a more rewarding online roulette experience.

What Are The Odds In Online Roulette?

In online roulette, the term “odds” represents the probability of a particular outcome happening and the likelihood of it not happening. In other words, online roulette odds give you the information you need to know how likely you are to win any bet. Many different bets are available on a roulette table, and each with its own odds.

Expressing odds involves using two numbers in a specific ratio (x:x). The first number represents the expected frequency of a particular outcome, while the second number indicates the count of the remaining possible outcomes, excluding the initially selected outcome.

What Is Roulette Payout?

Next to the odds, you need to be familiar with roulette payouts. They also play crucial role in roulette online games. All roulette payouts naturally include a built-in house advantage determined by the number of green pockets on the wheel. This means that the roulette house edge remains constant regardless of your chosen bet, highlighting the significance of selecting the right game variant.

Whether choosing the European or American version, the payout for a straight bet is consistently 35:1, and for an outside bet covering 18 numbers, it stands at 1:1.

To calculate the payout accurately, use the formula: Payout=36/Bet-1. The roulette payout calculation is based on the 36 numbers on the wheel. Divide 36 by the number of pockets the bet covers, then remove one.

For instance, a bet on four numbers results in a payout of 8:1 (36/4–1= 9–1= 8)

For a complete overview of payouts and roulette odds in the popular game versions, you can check out our table below. This table outlines the payouts for accurately predicting the winning number across various bets, offering insights into the roulette probability for both European and American variants.

Roulette Bet	Roulette Payout	European Roulette Odds	American Roulette Odds
One Number (Straight Bet)	35:1	2.70%	2.63%
Two Numbers	17:1	5.40%	5.26%
Three Numbers	11:1	8.10%	7.89%
Four Numbers	8:1	10.81%	10.51%
Five Numbers	6:1	13.51%	13.15%
Six Numbers	5:1	16.21%	15.79%
12 Numbers (Dozen/Column)	2:1	32.43%	31.58%
18 Numbers (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low)	1:1	48.65%	47.37%

Understand The Online Roulette House Edge

Payouts are tied to the house edge in online roulette. To excel in this game, it’s crucial not only to understand payouts but also to grasp the concept of the house edge – knowing what it means and how it influences your gameplay.

The house edge in online roulette refers to the statistical advantage that the casino has over you in terms of odds. It represents the percentage of each wager that the casino expects to retain in the long run. In other words, the built-in advantage ensures the casino makes a profit over time.

In roulette, the house edge is primarily influenced by the presence of green pockets on the wheel, typically marked with the numbers 0 and 00 in American roulette and just 0 in European roulette. These green pockets are additional spaces that do not correspond to red or black, odd or even, and create an imbalance in the potential outcomes.

For example, in European roulette with a single zero, the house edge is approximately 2.70%, while in American roulette with both 0 and 00, the house edge increases to around 5.26%. The house edge affects the overall odds and payouts in the game, and you should be aware of it to make informed decisions and strategies while playing online roulette.

To better learn roulette payouts and the house edge, imagine placing a $1 bet on every number, including the zero(s). In European roulette, where there’s a single zero, you’re betting $37 in total for one spin. Since only one number can win, the prize for that winning number is $35, plus your initial $1 bet, totaling $36. The $1 difference in the payout compared to the $37 bet results in a 2.70% house edge.

If you switch to even-money bets, like betting $100 on black with a 48.65% chance of winning according to the roulette payouts chart, and you decide to split it with $50 on black and $50 on red, you’ll still lose 2.70% of the time due to the single green pocket.

In American roulette, the house edge is higher due to adding another green pocket (00), even though the payout remains the same. In this case, betting $1 on every number costs $38 per spin, but the prize is only $36, according to the roulette payouts calculator.

This results in a $2 loss each round, representing a 5.26% casino advantage. This percentage reflects the chance that the ball lands in either of the two green pockets.

Types Of Roulette Bets

While there is a wide array of online roulette bet types to choose from, we can divide them into two main types: inside bets and outside bets. These types get their names based on where these bets appear on the roulette table layout. Inside bets are placed on the numbers at the center of the table, while outside bets are on the outer part of the board.

An outside bet has all the options located on the outer edge of the betting board, covering half of the potential outcomes in a game of roulette. While these bets offer a higher chance of winning, the payouts are less substantial than other wagering options.

The outside bets include:

Red or Black: This bet pays out at even odds (1:1) if the ball lands on your chosen color.
Odd or Even: Another even odds (1:1) bet, where you win if the ball lands on an odd or even number.
Low or High: This bet predicts whether the winning number will fall within 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high), both offering even money payouts.
Column: Betting on a number within one of the three columns of 12 numbers along the longest side of the roulette table.Here, payout is 2:1.
Dozens: It covers a dozen numbers each; the three selections are in numerical order. The 1st 12 includes numbers 1-12, the 2nd 12 covers 13-24, and the 3rd 12 contains 25-36. Each dozen pays out at 2:1, doubling your bet.

Regarding inside bets, they involve specific numbers and sets of numbers located on the interior of the roulette betting table. Although these bets are less likely to win, they boast the highest roulette payouts.

Therefore, they serve as an ideal starting point for you as a newcomer, providing an opportunity to secure significant winnings on any spin without risking substantial amounts on each bet.

The inside bets include:

Straight Up: This involves betting on any single number on the board. Winning happens if the ball lands on the selected number, resulting in a payout of 35:1.
Split: Instead of wagering on one number, a bet is placed on the line that separates two numbers. Winning occurs if the ball lands on either number, leading to a payout of 17:1.
Corner: Similar to a split bet, this entails betting on a square formed by four touching numbers. The payout is 8:1 if the ball lands on any number within the quartet.
Street: Betting on a row of three numbers, like 1, 2, 3 or 4, 5, 6 on the board’s interior, with an 11:1 payout for a successful outcome.
Double Street or Line: Comparable to street bets, you select two rows of three numbers instead of one here. Examples include 1-6 and 4-9, resulting in a payoff of 5:1.
Basket: You place a bet covering the zero, double zero, and the top line of numbers (1, 2, 3). This five-number bet carries a 6:1 payout.

What Are Roulette Odds For Outside Bets

The outside bets, as we mentioned, are located on the outer side of the roulette table. They cover more numbers and, therefore, provide better roulette payout odds. However, the rates are lower, and you can expect to win even money or 2:1 for this category.

With a Red/Black, High/Low, or Odd/Even bet, the odds of winning are 47.37% in American roulette and 48.65% in European. All of these pay 1:1, so you will receive the stake back and a payout matching it if successful.

For columns and dozens, the bet covers 12 numbers, which means the odds are 31.58% and 32.43% for the two versions. These pay 2:1, so a successful bet of $50 on a column will result in a $100 profit plus the $50 bet back.

What Are Roulette Odds For Inside Bets

The roulette odds for inside bets are long, meaning you have a slight chance of predicting the winning number. In American roulette, the probability of guessing the number outright is 2.63%, or 1-in-38.

The odds improve with every additional number added to the bet, but the potential payout decreases. So, if you cover three numbers with a bet, you have a 7.89% chance of guessing the winning number.

The advantage of inside bets is that they offer higher payouts than outside bets. In order to cover that probability, you will need a bankroll that allows you to bet for multiple rounds without winning anything.

For example, if you are betting on a single number on the American roulette wheel 30 times in a row, your odds of winning at least once are around 55%.

Notice The Difference Between Inside And Outside Bets

To better understand the difference between inside and outside bets, our roulette experts have created tables where you can compare these two types of bets and notice the crucial differences that can impact your gameplay.

Outside roulette bet odds

Roulette Bet	Potential Payout	American Roulette Odds	European Roulette Odds
Red or Black	1:1	47.37%	48.65%
Odd or Even	1:1	47.37%	48.65%
High or Low	1:1	47.37%	48.65%
Column	2:1	31.6%	32.4%
Dozen	2:1	31.6%	32.4%

Inside roulette bet odds

Roulette Bet	Potential Payout	American Roulette Odds	European Roulette Odds
Straight Bet	35:1	2.6%	2.7%
Split Bet	17:1	5.3%	5.4%
Street Bet	11:1	7.9%	8.1%
Corner Bet	8:1	10.5%	10.8%
Basket Bet	6:1	13.2%	N/A
Double Street Bet	5:1	15.8%	16.2%

More Advanced Bets: Called And Announced Bets

In addition to the inside and outside bets, which are general roulette wagers, to advance beyond the beginner stage and distinguish yourself as a skilled player, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with what are known as called and announced bets.

These bets are roulette bet types that are more frequently seen in European casinos, and they allow you to make bets by announcing them to the croupier.

Called bets can be made on credit, while announced bets require you to actually have the money on the table in order to make them. Typically, these bets are only offered to known players, usually high rollers.

In modern roulette, announced bets are far more common than called bets, as most online casinos cannot or will not allow you to wager on credit.

While any bet can be an announced bet, this option is generally only used for complicated wagers, most of which are known as French bets. These bets cover specific parts of the roulette wheel, which takes several chips to accomplish and can be unmanageable to manage on the standard roulette betting layout.

Instead, the croupier can manage those bets for you, sometimes by using the “racetrack” layout seen on some European roulette tables.

These are common announced bets:

Voisins du Zero

This bet covers 17 numbers using nine chips. Your payout will be determined by the type of bet covering the winning number: 16 chips on the corner bet, 22 on the trio, or 17 if one of the splits wins.

Jeu Zero

The “zero game” covers seven numbers using four chips. If a split wins, the bet will pay out 17 chips. If the number 26 hits, you win 35 chips.

Tiers du Cylindre

This bet covers 12 numbers far from zero. It takes six split bets to cover these numbers, and you get 17 chips if any of them wins.

Orphelins

Made with five chips, this bet has varying payouts. The straight bet on 1 pays 35-1, while the split bets pay 17-1.

Finals

A final bet covers every number that ends in a specific digit. These are all straight bets paying out at 35-1 odds.

Full Completes

A full complete is a maximum bet on a single number. These bets have heavy risks to you, with the exact payouts depending on what number is hit, various table maximums, and which number is being maxed out.

What Are Maximum And Minimum Bets in Online Roulette

Now that you have learned what types of bets exist in online roulette and what their odds are, we have to mention two extra bets types that play a key role in this casino game.

The names of those bets are minimum and maximum bets, which influence the scope of your wagers and the potential returns on your investment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the roulette table, understanding these betting limits is essential for a well-informed and rewarding gaming experience.

Minimum Bet

Most online casinos implement a minimum bet requirement on their widely favored roulette tables, a figure that typically sees an uptick during peak playing hours. Consider exploring alternative roulette variants or choosing off-peak hours, such as weekdays or non-holiday periods, to meet lower minimum bets and optimize your gaming experience potentially.

Maximum Bet

A maximum bet limit may be set on a roulette game, especially when high stakes are in play. This limitation is essential for maintaining a regular cash flow for casino operations. With such limits, casinos can avoid significant financial losses if they achieve significant wins quickly. Understanding these maximum bet constraints is crucial for both you and the casinos to ensure a balanced and sustainable gaming environment.

Learn How to Calculate Online Roulette Odds

Calculating odds can be tricky sometimes because there are so many bets and odds. But, in reality, the whole process is not hard at all. So, in order for you to learn how to calculate online roulette odds, we will give you an example of European roulette.

Imagine you are playing European roulette and still considering placing a straight-up bet on the number 15. You are wondering what the odds are of this particular number showing up when the ball loses momentum and comes to a stop.

With straight-up bets, there is only one way to win and 36 ways to lose. The odds of your number coming up can be defined as 1 to 36 or 1:36. It is worth mentioning the odds can be shown in reverse, for example, 36:1, which can be confusing to some players.

However, the ratio still means there are 36 ways to lose with a straight bet and only one way to win. Similarly, the odds of winning with an even-money bet are shown by the ratio 18:19, while the odds of losing are shown as 19:18.

It is important to mention that these are the actual odds representing the possibility of winning and losing with your bets in roulette. However, the online casino will not pay off your winnings based on the true odds.

Winning straight up bets are paid off at odds of 1:35, while even-money wagers are paid out at odds of 1:1 (or 18:18) even though your chances of winning and losing are not 100% equal because of the single-zero pocket on the European roulette wheel.

To calculate the house edge, you can divide the number of ways to win by the overall number of possible outcomes. In this scenario, the result will be 1 / 37 = 0.0270 x 100 = 2.70%.

In European roulette, the house has one unit of profit, while in American roulette, where there are 38 pockets, the casino contains two units of profit per each winning straight-up bet.

Differences Between Single And Double-zero Roulette Odds and Payouts

Our experts have observed that, initially, it may pose a challenge for our players to understand odds and payouts due to the wide variety of betting options they can choose from. As you might be aware, certain wager types allow you to bet on specific numbers and sets of numbers, as well as on red, black, even, and odd numbers, among others.

That is why, in this section, we will explain the wager types you can choose when betting on European and American roulette and elaborate on the odds and payouts.

Straight Bets

Whether the roulette variant you have picked is a single-zero one or if it has an additional zero pocket, you will be allowed to choose a Straight bet in both cases. This bet can be made on just about any number, and as you might expect, the odds will vary across the different roulette variants. In European roulette, the odds are 2.70%, while in American roulette, they are 2.63%. Another vital thing you need to know is that the true odds for such bets are 36:1 and 37:1, respectively, but winning Straight bets award payoffs of 35:1, no matter the chosen variation.

Split Bets

Split bets are wagers that you make on two numbers at the same time. The payoffs for winning the Split bets award are 17:1. In American roulette, the odds are 5.26%, while in European is 5.40%. In the first case, the true casino odds are 18:1, while in the second, they are 17.5:1.

Street Bets

Street bets, you lay on three numbers simultaneously. Winning Street bets have payoffs of 11:1. In American roulette, the odds are 7.89%, while in the single-zero variants, the odds are 8.1%. Yet, the actual online casino odds in the first case are 11.67:1, while with the single-zero roulette variants, they stand at 11.33:1.

Corner Bets

Corner bets, you place four numbers simultaneously, and if they are settled as winning ones, the provided payoffs will be 8:1. The odds in European roulette are 10.80%. In contrast, in American roulette, they are 10.53%. When actual casino odds are involved, in the single-zero variant, they are 8.25:1, and in American roulette, they are 8.5:1.

Basket Bets

Available only in American roulette, winning Basket bets offer a payoff of 6:1. Here, the odds are 13.16%, while the actual odds are 6.6:1.

Line Bets

Line bets are wagers that you place on a combination of six numbers. Line bets give payoffs of 5:1 if determined as winning ones. In American roulette, the odds are 15.79%, while the European are 16.2%. Yet, the true odds are 5.33:1 and 5.167:1.

Column Bets

If you go for Column bets, you bet that the winning number will belong to one out of the three vertical columns, and a correct pick makes for a payout of 2:1. With Column bets, American odds are 31.60%, while European odds are 32.40%. Still, the actual casino odds are 2.167:1 on American roulette and 2.083:1 on European and French roulette.

Dozen Bets

You can wager on the numbers 1 through 12, 13 through 24, and 25 through 36. If you have made a correct pick, the payoff will be 2:1. With Dozen bets, the American odds are 31.58%, while the European odds are 32.40%. The actual casino odds, however, are 2.083:1 for single-zero roulette variants and 2.167:1 for double-zero ones.

Red or Black Bets

Here, you guess if the following winning number will be black or red. Winning Red or Black bets pay even money, and the odds on American roulette are 46.37%, while the odds on European roulette are 48.60%. In single-zero roulette versions, the actual casino odds are 1.056:1, while in American roulette, they are 1.11:1.

High or Low

Here, you bet if the winning number will belong to the category of low numbers, those between 1 and 18, or the high numbers, or those between 18 and 36. These bets pay even money; the odds are 46.37% and 48.60%. And, in single-zero roulette versions, the actual casino odds are 1.056:1, while in American roulette, they are 1.11:1.

Odd or Even Bets

With Odd or Even bets, you try to guess if the winning number will be odd or even. In American roulette, the odds are 46.37%, while in European, are 48.60%. Odd or Even bets pay 1:1. Yet, the chances of winning an Odd or Even bet are 1.056:1 for single-zero roulette variations and 1.11:1 for double-zero roulette variants.

Is It Possible To Improve Your Odds At Online Roulette?

Improving odds in online roulette is always on the minds of players, no matter if they are beginners or advanced ones. Since this is pretty common, our experts wanted to give you the answer to this question.

The reality is that you can’t change the odds at the roulette table. However, understanding how these odds operate and what they mean can give you a strategic edge during gameplay.

Primarily, it’s evident from the roulette payouts chart that the European version of the game offers a more favorable outcome for you compared to the American one.

In addition, knowing the diverse odds empowers you to make informed decisions about your bets and bankroll. Inside bets, with lower chances of winning, involve a larger bankroll, requiring more rounds before securing a payout. Contrarily, outside bets enable you to wager more of your bankroll at once.

Furthermore, using a roulette strategy can enhance your overall results. That is why we recommend you explore our guide to winning roulette strategies for more insights.

Be Careful Of These Odds In Online Roulette

Just like there are odds that you need to consider when playing online roulette, there are also some odds that our experts always avoid and are not worth their time.

And since our experts want only the best for you, they decided to share with you this tip that will really help you in your gameplay, improve your roulette odds, and have more fun playing knowing you aren’t getting ripped off.

A notable example is the Top Line or First Five bet on American roulette tables. While roulette odds are typically consistent across most bets, this particular wager stands out as an exception.

The reason lies in the standard design of payouts in roulette, which are created to be fair for a wheel with 36 pockets, with the house edge coming from the fact that there are actually 37 (European roulette) or 38 (American roulette) pockets for the ball to fall into.

On an American table, whether you choose a straight bet with a 35-1 payout or bet on black at even money, the house edge is 2/38, equating to 5.26%.

Yet, the Top Line bet covers just five numbers (0-00-1-2-3), and 36 can’t be evenly divided by this number. Online casinos offer a 6-1 payout on this bet, which would be fair only if there were 35 pockets. Therefore, this results in a higher house edge of 7.89%, exceeding any other bet.

The Top Line isn’t the only bet to be careful of on the table. In general, we advise you to avoid uncommon side bets that might be introduced, particularly in online roulette. Similar to other casino games, these side bets are typically included to increase profits and often carry exceptionally high house edges.

Consider Our Experts' Tips Before You Start Playing Online Roulette

Since you stayed with us until the end of this guide, we’re confident you’ll be well-prepared to play an online roulette game. However, before you head to your favorite online casino, be sure to check out our expert tips that have proven valuable to others when playing online roulette.

Inside Bets have More Volatility

Inside bets are more volatile and offer a higher payoff. However, statistically, placing outside bets provides a higher frequency of winning.

Align Your Bets Strategically

Avoid conflicting bets to improve your chances of success. For instance, if you go for an inside bet on number 12, it’s illogical to bet on an odd number simultaneously. Switch the outside bet to an even number to optimize your potential payout.

Prioritize Bankroll Management

Stay mindful of minimum bets and assess your direction on each roll. Diversify your bets and avoid risking your entire bankroll on a single spin, especially if you intend to enjoy an extended gaming session. Establishing a daily betting limit is also a recommended practice.

Consider Previous Rolls

Leverage available information on past rolls while playing roulette. Identify hot numbers or patterns, such as outside options like odd/even or red/black. While not the only basis for placing bets, having this data at your disposal can be advantageous.

Go For Single-zero Roulette Variants

The reason is very simple – the odds of winning will be slightly better than the ones offered on American roulette.

The Best Online Casinos For Online Roulette: Created By Our Experts

Before you start playing roulette online, our experts wanted to suggest two types of casinos that are the best choice for practicing your roulette skills.

They carefully created a list of the best online casinos with diverse roulette variants to entice bonuses and a secure gaming environment.

Online Casinos with Roulette: Top Pick

Our experts have handpicked these platforms to ensure a seamless and enjoyable roulette experience. From classic variants to innovative twists, these online casinos offer a diverse range of roulette games to cater to every preference. Dive into the excitement and explore our top online roulette internet casinos.

Live Casinos with Roulette: Unleashing the Real-Time Excitement

If you seek the ultimate immersive roulette experience, live casinos bring the action directly to your screen in real-time. Our experts have identified the best casinos that offer live roulette games, providing an authentic and interactive atmosphere. Engage with professional dealers, enjoy the social aspect of live play, and boost your online roulette adventures with our recommended best online casinos with live roulette games.

FAQ

What are online roulette odds?

The chance of winning in roulette is determined by the number of outcomes the bet covers. If you bet on just one number, you face odds of 1-in-37 in European roulette and 1-in-38 in the American version. However, the payout for straight bets remains consistent at 35:1 in both cases.

What is the house edge in roulette?

The house edge in roulette refers to the casino’s advantage over yours and is expressed as a percentage of your wager.

It is 2.70% for the European wheel and 5.26% for the American version.

The French roulette variant, including the “le partage” rule, reduces the house edge to 1.35% for straight bets, as only half of the wager is lost when the winning number lands in the green zero pocket.

Do all online roulette games have the same odds?

Online roulette games and the odds of their bets differ. A single-zero wheel is more advantageous for you, as the house factors odds as if the zero isn’t present. Additionally, European roulette features exclusive bets, distinguishing its odds from other variations.

What are the odds of hitting a number in roulette?

The probability of accurately predicting the winning number in European roulette is 1-in-37, approximately 2.70%. Over 30 rounds, there’s a 55% chance of correctly guessing the number at least once. With a 35:1 payout, these odds can be profitable for you if you are a long-term player.

What are the odds of hitting the green in roulette online?

The odds of hitting a green pocket in roulette depend on the game version. In the American wheel with two green pockets, the chances are 2-in-38, or 5.26%. In the European format, where only one green pocket exists, the odds drop to 2.70%. It’s essential to note that the payout is 17:1 for the total bet in the American version and 35:1 for the European one.

What is the highest roulette odds probability?

The highest odds on a roulette table, at 48.60%, are associated with various outside bets. Whether you choose Even/Odd, Red/Black, or Low/High, these bets offer favorable odds in both European (48.60%) and American (47.40%) layouts, creating nearly a 50:50 chance of securing a win.

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Azyadi Niyas

Hello our dear players, my name is Azyadi Niyas. I am coming from Doha, and at the beginning of 2012, I joined the casino industry. Enjoying casino games is very hard for Arab people, so I am here to help you. Is some Arab casino safe, how do you deposit money, and how do the bonuses work were all questions to which we were eager to know the answers. We all need a little help sometimes, or just a different point of view, so feel free to ask me anything that you want to know.