Roulette Odds

Roulette odds aren’t complicated, but they do decide how often you win and how much you get paid when you hit. If you’re picking between European, American, or French roulette, understanding the odds and house edge helps you avoid the worst-value tables and play smarter from the start.
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Aria Williams
Published by:Aria Williams
Last update:09.02.2026

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Roulette Odds & Payouts

Roulette odds are simply the probability of your bet winning. Payouts are what the casino pays you if you win, shown as a payout ratio (like 35:1). The key thing to know is this: roulette payouts aren’t perfectly “fair” compared to the true odds, and that difference is what creates the casino’s house edge.

Inside bets cover fewer numbers, so they pay more—but hit less often. Outside bets cover bigger sections of the table, so they win more often but pay less.

Inside Bets: Odds & Payouts

Bet TypePayoutEuropean Odds (%)American Odds (%)
Straight Up35:12.70%2.63%
Split17:15.41%5.26%
Street11:18.11%7.89%
Corner8:110.81%10.53%
Line (Six Line)5:116.22%15.79%

Outside Bets: Odds & Payouts

Bet TypePayoutEuropean Odds (%)American Odds (%)
Red/Black1:148.65%47.37%
Odd/Even1:148.65%47.37%
High/Low1:148.65%47.37%
Dozens2:132.43%31.58%
Columns2:132.43%31.58%

Higher payouts always come with lower probability, and lower payouts come with higher odds of winning.

Roulette Wheel Odds & Ball Odds

Roulette odds are determined by the number of pockets on the wheel. European roulette and French roulette use a single zero wheel with 37 pockets (1–36 plus 0). American roulette uses a double zero wheel with 38 pockets (1–36 plus 0 and 00). That extra 00 is why American roulette has worse odds.

A big myth players believe is that roulette “runs hot” or “runs cold.” It doesn’t. The roulette ball has no memory—each spin is independent, and the wheel doesn’t care what happened five spins ago.

In terms of pure probability, wheel odds are always tied to the layout: single zero = better odds, double zero = worse odds.

French roulette can slightly improve your odds thanks to rules like La Partage and En Prison, which reduce losses on even-money bets when the ball lands on zero.

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House Edge in Roulette Games

The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage. It’s the reason roulette will always lean in the casino’s favor over the long run, no matter what bets you place.

Here are the standard roulette house edge numbers:

  • European Roulette: 2.70%
  • American Roulette: 5.26%
  • French Roulette (with La Partage): 1.35% on even-money bets

What does that mean in real money? If you wager around $100 total over time, your expected loss is roughly $2.70 in European roulette and $5.26 in American roulette (long-term average).

The takeaway is simple: if you care about odds, avoid American roulette and stick with European or French roulette whenever possible.

house-edge-in-roulette-games image

Roulette Strategies for High RTP & Odds

There’s no way to beat roulette long-term, but you can make smarter choices that improve your RTP and reduce the house advantage.

Here are the best practical tips:

  • Choose European or French roulette over American roulette. Single zero tables instantly give you better odds than double zero.
  • Use outside bets if you want higher odds of winning. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low hit almost 50% of the time (better for steady play).
  • Look for French roulette with La Partage or En Prison. These rules cut the house edge in half on even-money bets, which is one of the best deals in roulette.
  • Set a bankroll limit before you play. The odds never change, but smart money control keeps you playing longer and prevents chasing losses.
  • Avoid “guaranteed profit” betting systems. Martingale-style systems don’t change probability—they just increase risk and can wipe your bankroll fast.

If you want high odds of winning in roulette, your best move is picking the right wheel and the right bet type—not relying on myths.

FAQ's

Do roulette odds change depending on what bet I place?
Your chance of winning changes (straight-up hits less than red/black), but the house edge stays basically the same on most standard bets. The payout is adjusted so the casino keeps its advantage.
Why are European roulette odds better than American roulette odds?
European roulette has one zero (0), while American roulette has 0 and 00. That extra pocket lowers your odds and increases the house edge.
Do online roulette odds differ from live roulette odds?
Not if you’re playing the same roulette version (European vs American). RNG roulette and live dealer roulette use the same math—only the spin method changes.
What’s the best roulette bet for higher odds of winning?
Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low have the highest win rate. They pay less, but they hit more often.
Do straight-up bets have worse odds than outside bets?
Yes, straight-up bets only cover one number, so they hit rarely. The payout is higher, but the probability is much lower.
Can betting systems actually improve roulette odds?
No. Systems like Martingale don’t change the math or the house edge—they just change how fast you win or lose.
Does the roulette wheel have memory (like hot or cold numbers)?
No. Every spin is independent, so past results don’t affect future outcomes.
What’s the easiest way to get better odds in roulette?
Avoid American roulette and stick to European or French single-zero tables. That one choice gives you a noticeably better RTP right away.
Aria Williams
Aria Williams
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Aria Williams, New Zealand's prominent voice in online casino game localization, masterfully fuses the thrilling world of gaming with the rich Kiwi spirit. Their deft touch ensures every game not only entertains but resonates deeply with the locals.