Table of contents
- Key Takeaways for Roulette Odds
- Roulette Odds Explained: American vs European
- Roulette House Edge Comparison: Single‑Zero vs Double‑Zero
- How House Edge Impacts Your Roulette Bets
- Roulette Odds Chart: Payouts vs Probability (Common Bets)
- Short‑Term vs Long‑Term Roulette Results
- Best Roulette Bets: What the Odds Say
- Quick Reference: Best Roulette Bets by Probability
- Safe Roulette Strategies for Beginners
- Conclusion: Choosing the Best Roulette Odds
- Roulette Odds FAQs (House Edge, Best Bets, Single‑Number Odds)
This guide explains roulette odds, the house edge in American vs European roulette wheels, and how payouts compare with true probabilities. It also includes a roulette odds chart for common bets and a quick‑reference list of the best roulette bets by probability, helping you choose smarter wagers.
Key Takeaways for Roulette Odds
- European roulette (single‑zero) offers better odds: the house edge is 2.7% compared to 5.26% in American (double‑zero) roulette.
- Standard bets share the same house edge on a given wheel; “best roulette bets” usually means lower‑volatility wagers like even‑money and dozens.
- Avoid the American five‑number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3): it carries a higher house edge than all other roulette bets.
- French roulette rules (La Partage or En Prison), when available, reduce the house edge on even‑money bets to about 1.35%.
Roulette Odds Explained: American vs European
Roulette odds are defined by the number of green zero pockets on the wheel.
- American roulette (double‑zero wheel): 38 pockets (numbers 1–36 plus 0 and 00).
- European roulette (single‑zero wheel): 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 plus a single 0).
European roulette delivers a 2.7% house edge, while American roulette carries a 5.26% house edge—making European roulette the statistically better choice.
If this article interests you, also explore how to play roulette.
Roulette House Edge Comparison
- European roulette (single‑zero): 37 pockets with 1 zero. House edge is 2.7% (97.30% RTP).
- American roulette (double‑zero): 38 pockets with 2 zeros. House edge is 5.26% (94.74% RTP).
In plain terms, American roulette costs about 5.26 units per 100 wagered, while European costs 2.70.
How House Edge Impacts Your Bets
Roulette payouts are set slightly below true probability, creating the house edge. Example: A straight‑up bet covers one number. Probability is 1 in 38 (2.63%) on American wheels, but casinos pay 35 to 1 instead of true 37 to 1. That shortfall equals a 5.26% edge. On European wheels, the shortfall is 1 in 37, giving a 2.70% edge.
Bottom line: payouts never perfectly match probability, ensuring the house advantage.
Roulette Odds Chart: Common Bets
Use this roulette odds chart to compare payouts and probabilities for common bets:
Roulette Odds Chart
| Bets | Payout | Odds – American Roulette | Odds – European Roulette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Even | 1:1 | 47.37% | 48.6% |
| Odd | 1:1 | 46.37% | 48.6% |
| Red | 1:1 | 46.37% | 48.6% |
| Black | 1:1 | 46.37% | 48.6% |
| 1-18 | 1:1 | 46.37% | 48.6% |
| 19-36 | 1:1 | 46.37% | 48.6% |
| 1-12 | 2:1 | 31.58% | 32.4% |
| 13-24 | 2:1 | 31.58% | 32.4% |
| 25-36 | 2:1 | 31.58% | 32.4% |
| Single Number | 35:1 | 2.63% | 2.7% |
| Combination of 2 Numbers | 17:1 | 5.26% | 5.4% |
| Combination of 3 Numbers | 11:1 | 7.89% | 8.1% |
| Combination of 4 Numbers | 8:1 | 10.53% | 10.8% |
| Combination of 6 Numbers | 5:1 | 15.79% | 16.2% |
| Combination of 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 | 6:1 | 13.16% | NA |
Try European roulette for better odds!
Short‑Term vs Long‑Term Results
Roulette outcomes are volatile in the short term, but over many spins results align with mathematical odds. The house edge remains constant and never disappears.
Best Roulette Bets: What the Odds Say
Roulette payouts are structured so the house edge is always built in. On the same wheel, most bets carry the same expected los s —the difference lies in how often you win and how volatile your bankroll feels. Here are some roulette tips:
- Play European roulette (single‑zero) whenever possible.
- For steadier results, choose outside bets (red/black, odd/even, 1–18, 19–36) or dozens/columns.
- Avoid the American 5‑number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3).
- Look for French rules like La Partage or En Prison—these reduce the house edge on even‑money bets to about 1.35%.
Quick Reference: Best Roulette Bets by Probability
| Bet | Payout | Win probability: European | Win probability: American |
| Red/Black (or Odd/Even) | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Dozen or Column | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Six line (6 numbers) | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% |
Safe Roulette Strategies for Beginners
Many beginners ask: “What are safe roulette strategies for beginners?”
The safest approach is to focus on outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, or 1–18/19–36. These bets win nearly half the time, provide even‑money payouts, and reduce volatility compared to single‑number wagers.
Choosing a European single‑zero wheel further improves your odds, lowering the house edge to 2.7%.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Roulette Odds
For the best roulette odds, always choose a single‑zero European wheel over the American double‑zero. Avoid high‑edge bets such as the American five‑number wager, and use the charts above to select bets that match your risk level and playing style.
Roulette Odds FAQs
What is the house edge in American roulette?
American roulette has a 5.26% house edge due to two zero pockets on a 38‑pocket wheel.
What is the house edge in European roulette?
European roulette has a 2.7% house edge on a 37‑pocket wheel with a single zero.
Which roulette wheel offers better odds?
European roulette odds are better because the single‑zero wheel reduces the house edge to 2.70%.
Do any roulette bets have better odds than others?
Most bets carry the same house edge. The exception is the American 5‑number bet, which is worse.
What are the roulette odds of hitting a single number?
A straight‑up bet wins 1/37 (2.7%) on European roulette and 1/38 (2.63%) on American roulette.
Which roulette bets are safest for beginners?
Outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, or 1–18/19–36 are safest, winning nearly half the time.
Originally published in 2016 and updated in 2025 by Frederico Pereira and Stphen Tabone
