Roulette is one of the most iconic and enduring games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its appeal lies in the blend of chance, anticipation, and the variety of bets available to players. However, to get the most out of your roulette experience, it’s essential to understand how payouts work and what to expect from different bet types. Whether you’re playing at a traditional casino or exploring options like non GamStop casinos, knowing the payout structure can make a significant difference in your approach and enjoyment of the game.
Roulette payouts are determined by the odds of each bet, the number of possible outcomes, and the specific version of roulette you’re playing. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of roulette payouts, including bet types, payout ratios, house edge, and practical tips for making informed decisions at the table.
How Roulette Works: A Quick Overview
Before delving into payouts, it’s helpful to recap the basics of how roulette is played. The game features a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets, a small ball, and a betting table that mirrors the numbers and colours on the wheel. Players place bets predicting where the ball will land once the wheel stops spinning.
There are several versions of roulette, with European and American being the most common. European roulette has a single zero (0), while American roulette includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This difference has a direct impact on the house edge and, by extension, the overall payouts.
Types of Roulette Bets and Their Payouts
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, each with its own odds and payout structure. These bets fall into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid of the betting table. These bets generally offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning.
- Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Pays 35 to 1.
- Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17 to 1.
- Street: Betting on a row of three numbers. Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (Square): Betting on a block of four numbers. Pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line (Double Street): Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1.
Each of these bets covers a different number of outcomes, which is reflected in the payout ratio. For example, A straight-up bet on a single number is harder to win, so the payout is much higher compared to a bet covering six numbers.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed on larger groups of numbers or characteristics such as colour or number range. These bets have lower payouts but offer much better odds of winning.
- Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even: Betting on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
- High or Low: Betting on whether the winning number will be in the range 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Betting on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Pays 2 to 1.
- Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
These bets are popular with beginners and players who prefer a steadier approach, as the chances of winning are significantly higher compared to inside bets.
Comparing European and American Roulette Payouts
While the payout ratios for each type of bet are the same in both European and American roulette, the house edge differs due to the extra double zero (00) pocket in American roulette. This small difference has a notable impact on your long-term chances.
- European Roulette: House edge is approximately 2.7% (single zero).
- American Roulette: House edge is approximately 5.26% (single zero and double zero).
The presence of the double zero means your chances of winning on any given bet are slightly lower in American roulette, even though the payouts remain unchanged. For example, A straight-up bet on a single number still pays 35 to 1, but with 38 possible outcomes instead of 37, your odds are diminished.
How Roulette Payouts Are Calculated
Roulette payouts are based on the ratio of winning outcomes to total outcomes, minus the casino’s house edge. For most bets, the payout is calculated as follows:
Payout = (Total Number of Outcomes / Number of Winning Outcomes) – 1
For example, In European roulette, a straight-up bet covers 1 out of 37 possible outcomes. The payout is (37 / 1) – 1 = 36, so the casino pays 35 to 1 (the “-1” accounts for your original bet, which is returned if you win).
This formula applies across the board, but the actual odds of winning are always slightly less favourable than the payout ratio, which is how the casino maintains its edge.
Special Roulette Rules Affecting Payouts
Some roulette tables, particularly in European casinos, offer rules that can affect payouts and the house edge. Two of the most notable are “La Partage” and “En Prison.”
- La Partage: If you place an even-money bet (e.g. red/black, odd/even) and the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your bet instead of the entire amount. This reduces the house edge on even-money bets.
- En Prison: If an even-money bet loses to a zero, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back; if not, you lose the bet. This rule also lowers the house edge on certain bets.
These rules do not change the fundamental payout ratios but do improve your chances of retaining some value from even-money bets.
Roulette Payouts at Online Casinos
Online roulette follows the same payout structures as land-based casinos, but there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind.
Game Variants
Online casinos often offer several roulette variants, including European, American, French, and even innovative live dealer versions. French roulette is particularly notable for its use of “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules, which can further improve odds for players.
Betting Limits
Most online casinos set minimum and maximum bet limits for roulette tables. These limits can vary widely, so it’s important to choose a table that fits your budget and playing style. High-limit tables may offer more flexibility for experienced players, while low-limit tables are ideal for those who want to play conservatively.
Bonuses and Promotions
Some online casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can be used on roulette, though these often come with specific terms and wagering requirements. Always check the rules to see if roulette bets contribute towards clearing a bonus, as some casinos exclude table games or apply a lower contribution percentage.
Comparing Roulette Payouts to Other Casino Games
Roulette is often compared to other popular casino games in terms of payout potential and house edge. While the game offers the allure of high payouts on single-number bets, the overall house edge is generally higher than games like blackjack or baccarat, especially in American roulette.
- Blackjack: House edge can be as low as 0.5% with optimal play.
- Baccarat: Banker bet house edge is around 1.06%.
- Roulette: European version has a 2.7% house edge; American version is 5.26%.
This doesn’t mean roulette isn’t worth playing, but it’s important to approach the game with realistic expectations and an understanding of the odds.
Practical Tips for Maximising Roulette Payouts
While roulette is fundamentally a game of chance, there are ways to play more strategically and potentially maximise your enjoyment and returns.
- Choose European or French Roulette: The single zero and special rules offer better odds than American roulette.
- Understand the Bet Types: Higher payouts come with lower odds. Balance your risk by mixing inside and outside bets if you prefer steadier gameplay.
- Set a Budget: Decide
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