Roulette has long been a staple of casino gaming, captivating players with its blend of luck, strategy, and anticipation. Whether you’re spinning the wheel at a traditional casino or exploring online platforms, understanding roulette payouts is essential for making informed bets and managing your bankroll. This guide from theblacksun.co.uk breaks down how roulette payouts work, the odds behind each bet, and what you should consider before placing your chips on the table.
If you’re interested in exploring different platforms, including gambling sites non GamStop, it’s crucial to understand how roulette payouts may vary and what to look for when comparing sites.
How Roulette Payouts Work
Roulette payouts are determined by the type of bet you place and the likelihood of that bet winning. The more unlikely the outcome, the higher the payout if you win. At its core, roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with its own odds and potential returns.
There are two main categories of bets in roulette:
- Inside Bets: Placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
- Outside Bets: Placed on larger groups, such as red or black, odd or even, or dozens.
Each bet type comes with a standard payout, which is typically the same in both European and American roulette, though the odds of winning can differ due to the presence of the double zero in American roulette.
Understanding the Roulette Table Layout
The roulette table is divided into the main betting grid (the numbers 0-36, and in American roulette, 00) and the outside betting areas. Inside bets are made by placing chips directly on the numbers or lines between them, while outside bets are placed on designated sections for broader outcomes.
Before you start playing, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the table layout. This not only helps you place the right bets but also ensures you understand where your potential payouts will come from.
Inside Bets: Types and Payouts
Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small combinations, offering higher payouts due to their lower probability of winning. Here’s a breakdown of the main inside bets and their standard payouts:
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number. Pays 35 to 1.
- Split Bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17 to 1.
- Street Bet: Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (Square) Bet: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner. Pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line (Double Street): Bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1.
- Basket Bet: Available only in American roulette; covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Pays 6 to 1.
These bets are favored by players looking for larger wins, but it’s important to remember that the chances of hitting a single number are relatively low.
Calculating Inside Bet Payouts
The payout for each inside bet is calculated based on the number of numbers covered. For example, A straight-up bet covers one number out of 37 (European) or 38 (American), so the payout is higher. A split bet covers two numbers, so the payout decreases accordingly.
For most inside bets, the formula is:
Payout = (36 / number of numbers covered) – 1
This formula helps you understand why the payouts decrease as your bet covers more numbers.
Outside Bets: Types and Payouts
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, making them less risky but with smaller payouts. These bets are popular among beginners and those seeking more frequent, albeit smaller, wins.
- Red or Black: Bet on the color of the winning number. Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even: Bet on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
- High or Low: Bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Pays 2 to 1.
- Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
These bets don’t cover the zero (or double zero in American roulette), so if the ball lands there, all outside bets lose.
Why Outside Bets Are Popular
The main appeal of outside bets lies in their higher probability of winning. For example, Betting on red or black gives you nearly a 50/50 chance (slightly less due to the zero), making it a safer option for those who prefer steady gameplay over chasing big wins.
European vs. American Roulette: Impact on Payouts
While the payout ratios for each type of bet remain largely the same between European and American roulette, the odds of winning differ due to the number of pockets on the wheel.
- European Roulette: 37 pockets (0-36)
- American Roulette: 38 pockets (0, 00, 1-36)
The extra double zero in American roulette increases the house edge, slightly reducing your chances of winning on every bet. For example, The probability of hitting a straight-up bet in European roulette is 1 in 37, while in American roulette, it’s 1 in 38.
This difference might seem minor, but over time, it can significantly impact your overall returns.
House Edge Explained
The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino holds over the player. In European roulette, the house edge is about 2.7%, while in American roulette, it rises to 5.26% due to the double zero. This means that, on average, players lose more money per bet in American roulette over the long run.
Special Roulette Rules Affecting Payouts
Some roulette variants introduce rules that can affect payouts, especially for even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). Two common rules are:
- En Prison: If you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back; if not, you lose it.
- La Partage: Similar to En Prison, but if the ball lands on zero, you immediately lose only half your bet, and the other half is returned.
These rules are typically found in French or European roulette and can lower the house edge on even-money bets, making them more favorable for players.
Roulette Payout Table Overview
For quick reference, here’s a summary of standard roulette payouts:
- Straight Up: 35 to 1
- Split: 17 to 1
- Street: 11 to 1
- Corner: 8 to 1
- Six Line: 5 to 1
- Basket (American only): 6 to 1
- Dozens/Columns: 2 to 1
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 1 to 1
Remember, these payouts represent your winnings relative to your original bet, and do not include your stake (e.g. a 35 to 1 payout means you get 35 units plus your original unit back).
How to Calculate Your Potential Roulette Winnings
To work out how much you could win from a roulette bet, multiply your stake by the payout odds. For example, If you place a £5 straight-up bet (35 to 1 payout) and win, your return would be:
£5 x 35 = £175 (plus your original £5 stake, for a total of £180)
For outside bets, such as red or black, a £10 bet would yield £10 in winnings (plus your original £10 stake) if successful.
Understanding these calculations helps you manage your bankroll and set realistic expectations for your roulette sessions.
Factors Influencing Roulette Payouts Online
When playing roulette online, it’s important to check the specific rules and payout tables at each casino. While most reputable sites adhere to standard payouts, some may offer variations or special side bets with different odds.
Key factors to consider