Complete Guide to Roulette Bets
Summary:
Our comprehensive guide to roulette bets covers how to bet on roulette and the various types of bets available. It provides an introduction to playing roulette, explains the different types of bets (inside, outside, and call bets), and details the specific bets within each category. The guide includes information on the payout, odds, and house edge for each type of bet.
Table of Content:
How to Bet on Roulette
Welcome to the wonderful world of roulette betting. Getting started in this most beloved casino game is quite easy. Playing online or in a live casino can seem daunting at first, but trust us, the learning curve is an easy one to climb and well worth it for the entertainment to come!
Each spin of the wheel is an opportunity to bet. When you see PLACE YOUR BETS, the table is ready for you. It’s go time – position your chip(s) on your desired bet. Make your choices as there’s a limited time to do so. Once that ball begins to roll, listen and watch for BETS CLOSED as this indicates no more wagers can be placed on this spin. Don’t worry, as long as you get one chip in the game, you’ve got a chance.
When the roulette ball hits a pocket, the winning number is declared and other bets can begin to payout. Take note that if you’re in a bricks & mortar casino, the next round of betting won’t be allowed until all winning bets are cleared from the table. Playing an online casino is much more intuitive, so not to worry!
And just like that, you’ve got yourself in the groove of how to navigate through betting rounds in roulette. Now, it’s time to deep dive into your betting options, from inside straight bets to French call bets, let’s get into them.
Roulette Bet Types
From single number straight-up bets to a snake bet of zig zagging chips, roulette is full of betting opportunities and fun. To get started, it helps to know that all roulette bets fall into one of three categories; inside bets, outside bets and a more elusive series of call bets.
Inside and outside bets are determined by where they’re placed on the betting grid. Inside bets are placed within the inner section of the betting table itself, while outside bets are made on the outer perimeter. Inside bets have bigger payouts with the highest wins for single number bets as well as groupings and overlapping numbers, but remember, with greater reward comes greater risk.
If you’re new to the game and want a lower risk play, start with outside bets. These bets are placed on the perimeter of the betting grid and are perfect for beginners. Bets like red/black or odd/even fall into this category, offering lower odds and lower payouts, but your bankroll may thank you, benefiting from marginal wins and lighter swings!
Call bets, also known as announced bets, are an entirely different beast and cover sections of the roulette wheel. You’ll find call bets on European and French roulette tables, and they’ll become quite recognizable as many are named en français.
Inside bets
Straight Up
Let’s start with the basics – a single number bet. Simple and straightforward, a straight up bet covers one individual number by placing a chip in the centre of its square.
Roulette Payout : 35:1
Odds: 2.6% and 2.7%
House edge: 2.7% (European roulette) or 5.26% (American roulette)
Split
A split bet covers two numbers and essentially divides your wager into two. Note the two numbers of choice need to sit adjacently on the betting grid as to make this bet, a chip is placed on the line separating the two. If either number hits, cha ching, you’re a winner.
Roulette Payout: 17:1
Odds: 5.3% and 5.4%
Street
Now we’re getting into fun bets that cover a wee bit more of the wheel, increasing your coverage yet decreasing payout potential. Street bets take three horizontal numbers on opposite side of the betting grid and cover them using one chip. To make this bet, place the chip on the outer line at the lower value end of the row.
Roulette payout: 11:1
Odds: 7.9% and 8.1%
Corner (Square Bet)
A corner bet usually signifies four, and a roulette corner bet, or square, is no exception. It covers four numbers, with the only caveat that the four need to sit adjacent on the betting grid. To place this bet, cover the four off using one chip placed at their point of intersection.
Roulette payout: 8:1
Odds: 10.5% and 10.8%
Line (Six Line Bet)
If you’re familiar with the Street bet covering three numbers in a row, a Line bet is best described as two adjacent rows. Quick math tells you that’s a six number bet. Simply place a chip on the outer corner of the line dividing the two rows of numbers and hope for the best.
Roulette payout: 5:1
Odds: 15.8% and 16.2%
Five Number Bet (Basket)
You guessed it, this bet covers five numbers. Specifically, it's a Basket Bet that covers 0, 00 and 1, 2, 3. With a zero and double zero mentioned, it’s obviously only available on American roulette tables – which is OK, given it offers low odds and a higher house edge than you’d expect.
Roulette payout: 6:1
Odds: 13.2%, House edge 7.29%
Snake Bet
Zig zagging its way across the betting grid covering 12 numbers, it’s clear why this bet is named after a serpent. Nothing linear about it. To place this stretching snake bet, you’ll need to cover 12 numbers straight up: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32 and 34. It’s all over the place, but essentially covers one third of the wheel (just like a column or dozen bet). When it’s available, a table may even have a snake head right on the grid signifying you’re intending to cover this set of 12.
Roulette payout: 2:1
Odds: 5.4% and 2.7%
Outside Bets
Red/Black
One of the most popular bets in roulette, this is one on colour not numbers. Placing a chip on the red box covers you for the 18 red pocket numbers in play, while placing one within the black box covers you for the 18 black numbers. Remember, it’s not quite the 50/50 dream bet as there’s at least one green pocket in play.
Roulette payout: 1:1
Odds:47.4% and 48.6%
Odd/Even
The roulette wheel is one of numbers and this bet predicts the winner as an odd or even. Now, keep in mind that the 0, and 00 on the American or american roulette wheel, are also in play when players bet and register as neither odd or even, they are simply known as losers for this bet. Placing a bet is as simple as dropping your chip onto the even or odd labelled box on the betting grid.
Roulette payout: 1:1
Odds:47.4% and 48.6%
High/Low
Part of the even money bets in roulette, this is a prediction on true odds of the winning number being high or low. Drop a chip in the box labelled 1-18 to bet on low roulette odds or choose the 19-36 box for high.
Roulette payout: 1:1
Odds: 47.4% and 48.6%
Columns
Looking at the betting grid, you’ll see three long columns. A column bet covers all 12 in the one of your choice. Place a chip on the box labelled ‘2:1’ at the end of the column to wager.
Roulette payout: 2:1
Odds: 32.4% and 31.6%
Dozens
Take the 36 numbers on the roulette wheel, break it down into dozens and you’ve got three different bets of this kind. Each dozen covers 12 sequential numbers as follows; 1st 12 (1-12), 2nd 12 (13-24) and the 3rd 12 (25-36). Placing your initial bet here is as easy as moving a chip into the box that’s labelled quite self explanatorily, 1st 12, 2nd 12 and 3rd 12.
Roulette payout: 2:1
Odds: 32.4% and 31.6%
Call Bets
Voisins du Zéro
French bets can often seem complicated, but they become easier over time especially when gazing at the betting felt. Voisins du Zéro or Neighbours of Zero covers the largest section of all the call bets in this series using 17 numbers on the European/French wheel that neighbour zero. Start at 22, work through the zero, and end at 25 to cover this collection. To do so, you’ll need nine chips placed in a series of split, corner and basket bets as follows:
- Numbers 0,2,3 – Basker bet (11:1)
- Numbers 4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22, 32/35 – Split bets (17:1)
- Numbers 25,26,28,29 – Corner bet (8:1)
Jeu Zero
Got zero game? Try this bet. A mini version of the Voisins du Zéro, this bet covers numbers 12 through 15 surrounding zero. That’s 7 numbers using four chips placed as follows:
- Number 0/3, 12/15, 32/35 – Split bet (17:1)
- Number 26 – Straight up bet (35:1)
Tiers du Cylindre
We Canadians should know this french translation, but if you don’t, it’s ‘thirds of the wheel’ and breaks the wheel into three sections. You’ll need six chips for six split bets that cover the 12 numbers opposite Voisins:
- Number 5/ 8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30 and 33/36 – Split bet (17:1)
Orphelins
By looking at the wheel with french glasses, this bet covers the ‘orphaned’ or leftover numbers not included in Voisons or Tiers. This is an eight number bet requiring five chips in a mix of straight up and split bets on odd numbers 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 4, 31 and 9.
- Number 1 – Straight up bet (35:1)
- Number 6/ 9, 14/17, 17/20, 31/34 – Split bets (17:1)
Neighbours
As Canadians, we love good friendly neighbours and this bet is all about neighbouring numbers on the wheel. You start by choosing one number, then banking it with bets on its two neighbouring numbers on either side for a total of five bets. All bets are straight up, paying 35:1 so you’ll need five chips to make a go at this one.
Final Bet
Also known within the French betting circle as ‘Finales’, which can easily be translated to ‘final’. This bet is only available on the single zero wheel and is based on the final (or last) digit or exact number of your choosing. Let’s say that’s 6. Your numbers of choice would then be 6, 16, 26 and 36. These are placed as straight up bets, paying 35:1.
Roulette Bets FAQ
How does roulette betting work?
Each drop of the ball on the roulette wheel signifies one betting round. The betting opens and its your opportunity to predict where that little steel ball will roll. Maybe into a red or black pocket? Red? Or your favourite number 7. Place your bets using chips on the betting grid and position them as you desire - you’ve got all the time to do this until the wheel features the ball begins to slightly slow down and the betting closes. Then it’s a waiting game to see where it drops and what number wins!
What is the best bet to make on roulette?
Both odds and bankrolls come into play here. If you’re looking for the most common bet, it’s an outside bet to the likes of red/black, odd/even or high/low. These are even money bets paying 1:1 payouts and offering almost a even payout odds or 50/50 shot. Now, if you want to maximize your payday, the straight up bet on a single number is your ticket to a 35:1 cashout.
What is the smartest bet in roulette?
Applying a strategy or system to your bets in roulette is often a smart play. For starters, it keeps your emotions at bay, increases your ability to weather any swings and it keeps your bankroll in check with a plan to follow. The Martingale strategy is popular because of its simplicity. Just keep in mind your personal limits when giving any system a whirl.
What is the safest roulette bet?
Safe in gambling often refers to minimizing risk. If you look at it with that perspective, then outside bets like red/black or odd/even are a great starting point and safe bet. These offer around 48% odds but because of that, it’s even money when you win (1:1). A slow roll to big profits, but hey, you’ve got time right?
What is the best number to bet on in roulette?
Of the 36 numbers in roulette, no single number stands apart from the pack. Roulette is a game of chance and favours no number in the long run! A fun way to start is to use your newly learned roulette bets that cover chunks of the wheel, like dozen and column bets or even smaller bets with less risk, the outside bets to get safely started with roulette layout.
What's a good bet on roulette?
Many players who are looking for long enjoyable roulette sessions stick to outside bets. Why? They offer even money but odds hover at around 48%. The goal is to enjoy a slow incline of profits with minimal risk.
How many numbers should you bet in roulette?
With 36 numbers in play and at least one zero pocket, anything above 18 can seem excessive. At some point, realize you're really stretching your bankroll around and with each additional wager, better odds of your net profit decreases if you’re lucky enough to strike a win.
Can you bet on every number in roulette?
You can cover the table in a flurry of bets, but keep in mind that you’re risking quite the stash each spin in the hopes of small profit. If you covered all 36 numbers with losing bets of $1 and one hits, its a 35:1 payday so its a little non sensical to bet’em all!
How many bets can you place in roulette?
There’s table max limits, but there’s no limits on how you wish to attack the betting grid within them. But, use caution. Cover bets allow you to spread the risk around the table, but they carry a lot of bankroll weight.
What is the best bet in American roulette?
What you really need to know here, and hopefully we’ve hammered this home, is that the American wheel has an extra green pocket that houses the double zero. With two zeros in play, the house edge is slightly higher than European and French tables - so every single American roulette bet is a little worse for wearer than its Euro counterparts. But since best is often safe and less risky, any of the outside bets offering even money are good bets to get started with.
Can you bet on 00 in roulette?
Absolutely, so long as you’re playing an American roulette table, as that is the only roulette table layout, where you’ll find the green double zero pocket in play. It’ll give you a top payout rate of 35:1. Note, you can also cover all zeros (0 & 00) with a split bet and hope for a 17:1 payout.
What is the highest bet on roulette?
Roulette tables are interesting when it comes to min and max bets. Playing at a bricks & mortar, you’ll usually find a variety of table stakes, whereby the max is often x1,000 the minimum. So a $5 min table would likely see maximum single bet of bets capped at $5k. Playing online, there’s no standing room limitations so you may come across a roulette game where the stretch in between min and max is much greater.
What is the minimum bet for roulette?
Much like slot machines, poker and other casino table games, the minimum bet is dependent on the table limits you choose. When playing roulette, a minimum bet means the minimum wager per spin. Let’s say the minimum is $5. This means you’ll need to place $5 total on the same table side, per spin - this could be 5 x $1 bets, 1 $5 bet on red, etc.
How much do you win if you bet $100 on roulette?
This really depends on what type of bet you’re making - an outside bet? Inside bet? Let’s say you dropped $100 on your favourite number. That’s a straight up inside bet that pays 35:1, so you’d win $3500. Now, if you took that same $100 and dropped it on red, as a 2:1 outside bet you’d walk away with $200.
Can you bet on both colours in roulette?
Well, you could but the real question is why? Betting on both red and black is essentially betting against yourself.
What is the best colour to bet on in roulette?
Well, there’s 18 of each colour. So, if you assume that the ball acts independently every spin, then your chances are pretty even stevens here if you're choosing between colours. The only time one colour may trump another is if you’re pulling probability into play and see that one colour is dominating the roulette wheels or history board.
Can you keep doubling your bet on roulette?
Many players use a doubling strategy known as the Martingale. With this system, players double up their wager every time they lose in the hopes of instantly recouping losses when the tides turn to a win. Once they do win, however, the wager is returned to its original amount. This betting system is sustainable only if your bankroll can handle losing streaks.
Are dealers allowed to bet in roulette?
First up, let’s clarify some lingo. There’s no dealer at a roulette table, rather a ‘croupier’ is in charge of overseeing bets, issuing chips, and spinning the wheel. The Croupier handles the casino chips and is not allowed to wager.
What does “no more bets” mean in a roulette casino game?
When the ball starts to slow down its roll, the croupier will verbally announce ‘no more bets’, and if the player wins they have any flair they may swipe their hand across the table. If you’re playing online, Bets Closed may appear across your screen. No matter where you’re playing, this signifies that no more bets can be placed on this particular spin or ‘round’.
Can you bet on two columns in roulette?
The two column strategy. Yes, it’s bettable. It’s a hedging strategy that will cover ⅔ of the table. With paydays of 2:1 on column bets, it is considered low variance, meaning you’ll likely experience frequent wins but a lower pace of payouts and profit.
What is a line bet in roulette?
A line bet covers six numbers and that’s why it’s also referred to as the six-number bet or double street. It consists of six numbers connected vertically on the betting grid. To help you visualize this, the first three line options are 1-6, 4-9 and 7-12 as options. Line bets pay 5:1.
What is a split bet in roulette?
A split bet is a fun one. It’s a way to use one chip to cover two numbers and bonus, they don’t need to be sequential to each other, just adjacent on the betting grid. It pays 17:1.
What is the most popular bet on roulette?
There are several popular bets in roulette, but the most common one is the Red or Black bet. This is an even-money bet where players wager on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. This bet is popular among new players because it's easy to understand and has a 50/50 chance of winning.
What is the first five bet on roulette?
The first five bet, also known as the basket bet, is a bet on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It is only available on American roulette wheels and has a payout of 6 to 1.
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