Roulette Payouts Explained

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Roulette payouts determine how much you win and how often you lose. While roulette is a game of chance, understanding payouts, odds, and house edge helps players choose smarter bets and manage risk.

Every roulette bet follows the same rule: bets that cover fewer numbers pay more, while bets that cover more numbers pay less. The most important factor affecting your odds is the type of roulette wheel you are playing on.

European roulette uses a single zero (0), while American roulette uses both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). That extra zero nearly doubles the casino’s advantage.

Players looking to compare roulette odds to other casino games can explore our Blackjack Strategy Guides to see how decision-based games differ from pure chance games.


Roulette Payout Chart

This chart shows standard roulette bets, their payouts, and the probability of winning on both European and American wheels.

Inside Bets

Bet TypeNumbers CoveredPayoutEuropean Win %American Win %
Straight Up135 to 12.70%2.63%
Split217 to 15.41%5.26%
Street311 to 18.11%7.89%
Corner48 to 110.81%10.53%
Double Street65 to 116.22%15.79%
Basket (American only)56 to 1N/A13.16%

Payout Chart

Number of ChipsStraight UpSplitStreetCornerBasketDouble Street
1351711865
2703422161210
31055133241815
41406844322420
51758555403025
621010266483630
724511977564235
828013688644840
931515399725445
10350170110806050
11385187121886655
12420204132967260
134552211431047865
144902381541128470
155252551651209075
165602721761289680
1759528918713610285
1863030619814410890
1966532320915211495
20700340220160120100

Outside Bets

Bet TypeNumbers CoveredPayoutEuropean Win %American Win %
Red / Black181 to 148.65%47.37%
Odd / Even181 to 148.65%47.37%
High / Low181 to 148.65%47.37%
Dozen or Column122 to 132.43%31.58%

Roulette House Edge Explained

The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino holds over players. It exists because roulette payouts are slightly lower than the true odds of winning.


European Roulette House Edge

European roulette has 37 numbers (1–36 plus a single zero).

  • True odds of hitting one number: 1 in 37
  • Casino payout: 35 to 1
  • House edge: 2.70%

This house edge is consistent across nearly all bets on a European wheel.


American Roulette House Edge

American roulette has 38 numbers (1–36 plus 0 and 00).

  • True odds of hitting one number: 1 in 38
  • Casino payout: 35 to 1
  • House edge: 5.26%

The extra zero increases losing outcomes without improving payouts, nearly doubling the house edge.

Key takeaway: When given a choice, always play European roulette.


Inside vs Outside Roulette Bets

Roulette bets fall into two main categories based on where chips are placed on the table.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are placed directly on the numbered grid. These bets offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning.

Common inside bets include straight up, split, street, corner, and double street bets. These bets create higher volatility and are best suited for short sessions or entertainment.


Outside Bets

Outside bets are placed on the larger groupings around the table layout. These bets cover more numbers and win more often but pay less.

Even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low offer close to 50/50 odds. Dozen and column bets pay 2 to 1 and win roughly one-third of the time.


Best Roulette Bets Ranked (From Best to Worst)

While every roulette bet shares the same house edge on a given wheel, some bets are easier on your bankroll than others.

Best Roulette Bets (Lower Volatility)

1. Red / Black, Odd / Even, High / Low

  • Covers 18 numbers
  • Nearly 50% chance of winning
  • Best option for beginners and longer sessions

2. Dozens and Columns

  • Covers 12 numbers
  • Pays 2 to 1
  • Balanced risk and reward

Higher-Risk Roulette Bets

3. Double Street Bets

  • Covers 6 numbers
  • Pays 5 to 1
  • Moderate volatility

4. Corner and Street Bets

  • Covers 3–4 numbers
  • Pays 8 to 1 or 11 to 1
  • Increased bankroll swings

Worst Roulette Bets (Highest Risk)

5. Straight Up Bets

  • Covers 1 number
  • Pays 35 to 1
  • Extremely low win frequency

6. American Roulette Basket Bet

  • Covers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3
  • Worse odds than most inside bets
  • One of the least player-friendly bets in the casino

Beginner Roulette Tips

  • European roulette always offers better odds than American roulette
  • Outside bets provide steadier results over time
  • Inside bets increase volatility without improving odds
  • No betting system can change the house edge

Roulette does not have a strategy like blackjack, but understanding payouts helps you choose bets that match your risk tolerance.


Learn More About Casino Odds

If you enjoy learning how casino math works, explore these guides:

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