Understanding Roulette Odds & Payouts

If you want to understand roulette odds, different bets and their corresponding payouts, you've come to the right place! This article walks you through each different type of roulette bet and explains the corresponding odds and typical payouts. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the popular casino game.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the odds in roulette and the house edge is crucial for making informed betting decisions.

• There are various bet types in roulette, including inside bets like straight-up and split bets and outside bets such as red/black and odd/even, each offering different odds and payouts.

• The ranking order for the best player odds and lowest house edge for roulette variants is as follows: French > European > American.

Mastering roulette begins with understanding its odds. The odds indicate the probabilities of various outcomes, expressed as a ratio of winning to losing outcomes.

For instance, in American Roulette, with a 38-pocket wheel, the probability of winning a straight-up bet on a single number is 1 in 38 or 2.63%.

The odds in roulette vary between different versions of the game. European Roulette, featuring a single zero pocket, offers better odds for players than American Roulette.

Types of Roulette Games

You'll find several different roulette variants at Canadian online casinos, each with different odds and rules. The most popular types are European, American, and French Roulette.

European Roulette

Many players prefer European Roulette because its single-zero pocket provides better odds than the American version, which includes both a single and a double zero.

• The European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets, numbers 1-36 and a single 0.

• The probability of winning a bet on a single number in European Roulette is 1 in 37 or 2.70%.

• The house edge of European Roulette is 2.70%.

American Roulette

Despite offering worse odds, American Roulette is still very popular in Canada and the United States.

• The American Roulette wheel features 38 pockets, numbers 1-36, and both 0 and 00.

• The probability of winning a straight-up bet on a single number is 1 in 38 or 2.63%.

• The house edge of American Roulette is 5.26%.

French Roulette

European and French Roulette use the same roulette wheels. However, the French version features unique rules that improve player odds. These are the "En Prison" and "La Partage" rules, which apply to even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low when the ball lands on zero.

• En Prison Rule: Instead of losing your entire bet, your bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, you get your original bet back without additional winnings.

• La Partage Rule: You immediately lose half of your even money bet, and the other half is returned to you.

French Roulette games typically offer one of these rules, which makes the odds more player-friendly than those of European or American Roulette.

• The French Roulette wheel features 37 pockets, numbers 1-36 and a single 0.

• The probability of winning a straight-up bet on a single number is 1 in 37 or 2.70%.

• The house edge of French Roulette with either the La Partage or En Prison rule is 1.35%.

Roulette House Edge Explained

The house edge in roulette represents the percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep over time. The game builds this edge by offering payouts slightly lower than the true odds of an outcome occurring.

For example, outside bets are paid at 1:1. However, their odds are actually less than 50% because each of these bets loses when 0 or double 00 lands. The difference between the payout and the actual probability of the outcome occurring creates the house edge.

Picture the following scenario:

• 100 people are playing at a roulette table

• 50 people bet on 'red' every single spin

• 50 people bet on 'black' every single spin

When red hits, the casino collects the bets from the 50 players who bet on black but also pays out the 50 players who bet on red, and vice versa when black hits!

So the house breaks even, right?

Of course not; the house always wins.

This is because any time a 0 or 00 hits, the house takes everything! All outside bets lose when a zero lands. You can only win on 0 and 00 by betting specifically on them.

As mentioned above, the house edge varies between different roulette games.

• American Roulette: 5.26%.

• European Roulette: 2.70%

• French Roulette: 1.35%.

Players looking to minimize losses should choose the French variant when possible. If unavailable, go for European before American!

Roulette Payouts Explained

Roulette payouts are usually presented as a ratio, indicating the potential return on a winning bet based on its type and risk level. For instance, a bet on a single number typically pays out at 35 to 1.

Calculating payouts is easy; simply multiply the original bet size by the payout odds.

If you bet $10 on the number 23 at 35:1 odds, you would be paid $350 if it hits!

Different bet types have different payouts, so let's discuss bet types next.

Roulette Bet Types

Roulette features a wide range of betting options, which can be divided into inside and outside bets. Let's take a look at each of these classifications.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are characterized by high risk and high reward. Here's a breakdown of the different types of inside roulette bets, along with the chance of winning for each. Roulette payouts can vary from casino to casino, but we've included the typical ratios.

Roulette Bet Type	Description	Typical Payout	European Roulette Odds	American Roulette Odds
Straight-Up Bet	Bet on a single number from 1 to 36 (or 0, 00).	35:1	2.70%	2.63%
Split Bet	Bet on 2 adjacent numbers, either vertically or horizontally.	17:1	5.40%	5.26%
Street Bet	Bet on a row of 3 numbers.	11:1	8.10%	7.89%
Corner Bet	Bet on a square of 4 numbers.	8:1	10.81%	10.52%
Basket Bet	Bet on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (only available in American Roulette).	6:1	N/A	13.15%
Double Street Bet	Bet on 2 adjacent rows of 3 numbers.	5:1	16.21%	15.79%

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger portions of the roulette wheel, offering better chances of winning but lower payouts than inside bets. Bets such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low are known as even money bets, with a payout of 1:1. These bets are popular for their simplicity and relatively high winning chances.

Dozen bets involve wagering on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24 or 25-36) and payout at 2:1. Similarly, column bets allow players to bet on one of three vertical columns of numbers on the roulette table, also offering a 2:1 payout.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of outside roulette bets, their payout odds and chance of winning.

Roulette Bet Type	Description	Typical Payout	European Roulette Odds	American Roulette Odds
Column	Bet on a column of 12 numbers.	2:1	32.43%	31.58%
Dozen	Bet on a set of 12 numbers in the first, second, or third section of the board.	2:1	32.43%	31.58%
Low / High	Bet whether the ball will land on a low number (1-18) or a high number (19-36).	1:1	48.65%	47.37%
Even / Odd	Bet whether the ball will land on an even or odd number.	1:1	48.65%	47.37%
Red / Black	Bet whether the ball will land on a red or black number.	1:1	48.65%	47.37%

Roulette Betting Systems and Strategies

Experimenting with different betting systems and strategies can help players find one that suits their style and bankroll.

Implementing a betting system can bring some order to your gameplay, but it's important to recognize that these systems don't alter the game's fundamental odds. No betting system can assure a win, as roulette is inherently a game of chance.

Here are some popular roulette betting systems:

1. Martingale System: This classic system involves doubling your bet after each loss, aiming to recover previous losses with a single win. While it can be effective in the short term, it requires a substantial bankroll and can quickly reach roulette table limits.

2. Paroli System: A positive progression system where you double your bet after each win. The goal is to capitalize on winning streaks while keeping losses manageable. You reset to the original bet after three consecutive wins.

3. D'Alembert System: This system aims to balance wins and losses over time. After a loss, you increase your bet by one unit, and after a win, you decrease it by one unit. It is considered less risky than the Martingale system.

4. Fibonacci System: Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, this system increases bets following a specific numerical pattern. After a loss, you move to the next number in the sequence. Upon winning, you move back two steps.

5. Labouchere System: Also known as the cancellation system, it involves setting a sequence of numbers representing your desired profit. Bets are placed by adding the first and last numbers of the sequence. Wins lead to removing those numbers, while losses add the bet amount to the end of the sequence.

6. James Bond Strategy: This flat betting system involves placing a combination of bets to cover a significant portion of the roulette table. Typically, it includes high numbers (19-36), a split bet on 13-18, and a bet on zero. It aims to provide frequent small wins.

7. Oscar's Grind: A conservative system focusing on achieving a small profit over several betting rounds. You increase your bet by one unit after a win and keep it the same after a loss. The goal is to grind out a profit gradually. You'll need patience for this one; try not to get grouchy!

Roulette Tips

To maximize your chances of winning at roulette, consider the following strategies:

1. Understand Roulette Odds: Understand the odds associated with each bet type before you hit the roulette table so that you can make informed decisions.

2. French > European > American: You should play French Roulette whenever possible and pick European over American. This order prioritizes lower house edges.

3. Focus on Outside Bets: While trying to hit your lucky number might be more exciting, focusing on outside bets, such as red/black, is a less risky playstyle that will likely make your bankroll last longer.

4. Never Chase Losses: Decide on an amount you're willing to lose beforehand and stick to it. Never chase losses.

5. Take the Win: If you find yourself ahead, consider cashing out and taking the W. Remember that statistically, the house always wins eventually, so there's nothing wrong with taking your money and running!

Best Online Roulette Casinos

Choosing the right online casino for playing roulette can greatly impact your experience. There are tons of options for Canadian players, which makes it tough to choose one. Don't worry; that's where we come in!

Here are some of the top Canadian online casinos for playing roulette.

bet365 Casino

 

At bet365 Casino, you'll discover a vast selection of roulette games, including European and American Roulette and some less common options like Penny Roulette, Quantum Roulette, and Mega Fire Blaze Roulette.

bet365 also offers a world-class sportsbook integrated into its casino offering. The reliable 24/7 customer support through live chat and email ensures that players’ inquiries are addressed promptly.

Casino Days

Casino Days is an excellent place to play roulette. It offers a diverse selection of live roulette games, including European, American, Speed, and Auto Mega Roulette, all featuring high-quality graphics.

Casino Days' user-friendly website design makes it easy for players to navigate to their favourite games. Beyond roulette, players will find plenty of slots, table games and live casino options. It also provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, ensuring assistance is always available.

Read our Casino Days review!

NorthStar Bets Casino

 

NorthStar Bets Casino is another top online casino for Canadian players to play roulette. It boasts an impressive selection of roulette games, including American, European, French, and Speed Roulette.

As a premier choice for Canadian players, NorthStar Bets Casino offers a customized experience tailored to their preferences. Its extensive library of games, including many online slots and live dealer options, provides an engaging and diverse gaming experience.

Parimatch Casino

At Parimatch Casino, players can access all of the popular roulette variants or choose to try out a unique roulette game like XXXtreme Lightning Roulette or Age of the Gods Roulette, which both have special multipliers and themed elements.

On top of its extensive roulette catalogue, Parimatch offers many other high-quality casino game options like blackjack, baccarat and numerous slots. It's easy to browse and find your favourite games with Parimatch's sleek and modern interface.

Casumo Casino

 

Casumo Casino is well-known for its extensive selection of roulette games, including European, American, French, and Mini Roulette.

Casumo Casino also features a wide array of slots and other table games, ensuring players have plenty of variety to enjoy. You can also play roulette games for free using Casumo's demo play mode!

Sports Interaction Casino

 

Sports Interaction Casino offers all of the most popular roulette variants, along with some unique options like European Football Roulette.

With its intuitive interface, players can effortlessly navigate between game categories to find their favourites. The casino's customer support team is available around the clock, assisting via live chat, email, and phone to promptly address any issues or inquiries.

888casino

888casino is renowned for its impressive catalogue of games. It offers both standard and unique roulette options, such as 3D Roulette.

The mobile app is available on Android and iOS devices and competes with the best. Finding your favourite game or trying something new couldn't be easier!

Common Misconceptions About Roulette Odds

Roulette odds are often misunderstood or surrounded by misconceptions that can mislead players.

One prevalent myth is that previous spins impact future outcomes, leading players to believe that a number is ‘due’ to win or 'hot' or 'cold'. This misunderstanding can result in flawed betting strategies and unnecessary losses.

In reality, a particular result is never 'due', and a number is never 'hot' or 'cold'. Each spin is independent. Even if the ball has landed on red 100 times in a row, red is not 'hot', and black is not 'due'. The next spin has the same probabilities as any other spin.

Another common misconception is that betting systems can guarantee a win at roulette. While systems can help structure your betting, they do not change the fundamental nature of roulette as a game of chance.

Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for developing realistic expectations and making informed decisions at the roulette table.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is essential for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable gaming experience. The following measures can be taken to game responsibly:

• Avoid gambling when feeling stressed or upset, as emotions can impair judgment.

• Set financial and time limits before gambling to help manage risk. Online casinos typically offer tools to help with this.

• Take breaks during gambling sessions to maintain a fresh perspective and prevent overindulgence.

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never borrow money for gambling, and never chase losses.

• Seek help if you feel you have a gambling problem. Online casinos typically provide resources to assist with this process.

Understanding roulette odds and payouts is the first step toward getting the most out of your gaming sessions. We covered the differences between European, American, and French Roulette, the impact of the house edge, and the various types of bets you can place.

Hopefully, you now feel informed about roulette odds and understand the game's inherent random nature and the limitations of betting systems.

If you feel ready to play roulette, check out one of the online casinos recommended above and take a seat at a roulette table. Enjoy the thrill of the spin, but always gamble responsibly. Best of luck!