Learn the true odds on roulette for every bet type, how house edge varies by wheel, and which versions offer the best chances for players.
What Are the Odds on Roulette? A Complete Breakdown
Understanding the odds on roulette is essential for making informed betting decisions and managing your bankroll effectively. The game offers a variety of wagers, each with different probabilities and payouts. Knowing how these odds are calculated helps players choose bets that align with their risk tolerance and playing style.
Roulette odds depend on the type of wheel—European (37 pockets) or American (38 pockets). The presence of zero and double zero affects the house edge and the likelihood of winning. This guide breaks down the most common bets and their associated odds in clear terms.
Odds for Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer higher winning chances with lower payouts. These include red/black, odd/even, and high/low (1-18 or 19-36), all paying 1:1. On a European wheel, the probability is 48.6%, while American drops to 47.4% due to the extra zero.
Dozen and column bets cover 12 numbers each and pay 2:1. The odds of winning are 32.4% in European and 31.6% in American roulette. These are popular for players seeking balanced risk and reward.
- Red/Black – 48.6% (European), 47.4% (American)
- Odd/Even – Same odds as color bets
- High/Low – 1:1 payout, near 50% chance
- Dozens – 2:1 payout, ~32.4% win probability
- Columns – Identical odds to dozens
Odds for Inside Bets
Inside bets target specific numbers or small groups, offering higher payouts but lower odds. A straight-up bet on one number pays 35:1, with a 2.7% chance in European and 2.6% in American roulette. Split bets (two numbers) pay 17:1 and have slightly better odds.
Street bets cover three numbers (11.4% and 10.5%), corner bets cover four (10.8% and 10.5%), and line bets cover six (16.2% and 15.8%). These allow players to customize coverage while balancing risk.
- Straight Up – 35:1, 2.7% chance (European)
- Split – 17:1, 5.4% probability
- Street – 11.1%, pays 11:1
- Corner – 10.8%, pays 8:1
- Line – 16.2%, pays 5:1
House Edge by Roulette Type
The house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, meaning the casino expects to keep $2.70 for every $100 wagered over time. American roulette, with its double zero, doubles the edge to 5.26%, making it less favorable for players.
French roulette sometimes offers 'la partage' or 'en prison' rules, which return half the bet or allow it to carry over on even-money wagers if zero hits. This reduces the house edge to 1.35%, offering the best odds for outside bettors.
- European – 2.7% house edge
- American – 5.26% house edge
- French (with rules) – 1.35% on even-money bets
- Triple Zero – Up to 7.69% edge (avoid if possible)
- No Zero – Rare, offers true 50/50 odds
Frequently Asked Questions
What bet has the highest odds of winning in roulette?
Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low have the highest winning probability—nearly 50% on European wheels.
Which roulette version has the best odds?
French roulette with 'la partage' or 'en prison' rules offers the lowest house edge at 1.35% for even-money bets.
Do inside bets have worse odds than outside bets?
Yes. Inside bets offer higher payouts but much lower chances of winning compared to outside bets.
Play responsibly. Gambling can be addictive. Set a limit and stop if it stops being entertainment. 18+.