Updated: September 1, 2026
Roulette odds and payouts depend on the number of pockets covered, the wheel type and any special zero rule. Standard European and American tables use the same payouts for most bets, but the additional double-zero pocket on an American wheel reduces the chance of winning without increasing the prize.
Quick answer: a single-zero European wheel has 37 pockets and a 2.70% standard house edge. A double-zero American wheel has 38 pockets and a 5.26% standard edge. French-style la partage can reduce the edge on qualifying even-money bets to about 1.35%. These are long-run averages, not forecasts for an individual spin.
18+ only. Roulette is a negative-expectation game under ordinary casino rules. No number, colour or staking system becomes “due.” Set fixed money and time limits, never chase losses and do not gamble with funds needed for essential expenses.
Roulette payout and probability chart
| Bet | Numbers covered | Profit payout | European win chance | American win chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 35:1 | 2.70% (1/37) | 2.63% (1/38) |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 5.41% (2/37) | 5.26% (2/38) |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 8.11% (3/37) | 7.89% (3/38) |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 10.81% (4/37) | 10.53% (4/38) |
| American five-number basket | 5 | 6:1 | Not offered | 13.16% (5/38) |
| Six line | 6 | 5:1 | 16.22% (6/37) | 15.79% (6/38) |
| Dozen or column | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% (12/37) | 31.58% (12/38) |
| Red/black, odd/even or high/low | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% (18/37) | 47.37% (18/38) |
Percentages are rounded. “Payout” means profit; the original stake is also returned on a winning bet. Standard American five-number basket: 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3.
The official Nevada roulette rules list the same standard payouts: 35:1 for one number, 17:1 for a split, 11:1 for three numbers, 8:1 for a corner, 6:1 for the American first five, 5:1 for six numbers, 2:1 for a dozen or column and 1:1 for the 18-number outside bets.
European versus American roulette
| Wheel | Pockets | Zero pockets | Standard edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| European | 37 | 0 | 2.70% |
| American | 38 | 0 and 00 | 5.26% |
| Triple zero | 39 | 0, 00 and 000 | 7.69% |
Both standard wheels contain the numbers 1–36, with 18 red and 18 black. European roulette adds one green zero. American roulette adds green 0 and 00. The payouts do not increase to compensate for the extra losing pocket, so the long-run cost is higher on the American wheel.
This relationship is explained in the broader casino house edge by game guide. The roulette figures are fixed by wheel and payout structure, while blackjack, video poker and slots require additional rule or version checks.
How the roulette house edge is calculated
Consider a one-unit straight-up bet on a European wheel. One of the 37 pockets wins 35 units of profit; the other 36 lose one unit. The expected result per unit is:
(1/37 × 35) − (36/37 × 1) = −1/37, or about −2.70%
On an American wheel, one pocket wins 35 units and 37 lose:
(1/38 × 35) − (37/38 × 1) = −2/38, or about −5.26%
The same standard edge applies to straight, split, street, corner, line, dozen, column and even-money bets on each wheel because the normal payouts scale with the number of pockets covered. The main standard exception is the American five-number basket: it covers five pockets but pays only 6:1, producing an edge of about 7.89%.
Inside and outside bets
Inside bets
Inside bets cover individual numbers or small groups: straight up, split, street, corner and six line. They win less frequently and pay more when they hit. A straight-up bet is more volatile than red or black, but on a standard European wheel both still carry the same 2.70% long-run edge.
Outside bets
Outside bets cover larger groups: dozens, columns, red or black, odd or even, and 1–18 or 19–36. They win more often and pay less. Zero and double zero are not red, black, odd, even, high or low, so they cause those apparently balanced bets to lose under standard rules.
Choosing a more frequent winner changes the distribution of results, not the standard house edge. “Safer” in the sense of lower short-term volatility does not mean profitable or risk-free.
La partage and en prison
Some single-zero French or European tables apply a special rule to even-money wagers when zero lands:
- La partage: half of the qualifying even-money stake is returned and half is lost.
- En prison: the qualifying wager is held for the next spin and resolved under the table’s stated rule.
La partage cuts the standard single-zero edge on the affected even-money bet from about 2.70% to about 1.35%. Confirm which bets qualify and how repeat zeros or an imprisoned wager are handled; implementations can differ.
Payout versus total return
A quoted payout describes profit. If a $10 straight-up bet wins at 35:1, the profit is $350 and the original $10 stake is returned, for $360 received in total. A winning $10 dozen bet at 2:1 produces $20 profit plus the $10 stake.
| $10 winning bet | Profit | Stake returned | Total received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up at 35:1 | $350 | $10 | $360 |
| Corner at 8:1 | $80 | $10 | $90 |
| Dozen at 2:1 | $20 | $10 | $30 |
| Red at 1:1 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
Special and multiplier roulette
Lightning, multiplier, jackpot and themed roulette variants can change straight-up payouts, add a fee, alter qualifying bets or redistribute return into rare prizes. Do not apply the standard 35:1 table automatically. Open the help screen and record the wheel pockets, normal payouts, special rules and published RTP for that exact version.
Use the casino RTP calculator when a variant publishes its own percentage. Keep RTP separate from volatility: a large multiplier can change how results are distributed without removing the long-run edge.
Why roulette systems do not change the odds
Martingale, Fibonacci, Labouchere and other staking patterns change the wager size after a win or loss. They do not change the number of pockets, the payout or the probability of the next independent spin. A progression can create many small wins followed by a large loss and can collide with table limits or a limited bankroll.
Recent spins do not make red, black or a particular number due. A history board records outcomes; it does not change the wheel’s next probability on a fair independent game.
Roulette and bonus wagering
Roulette often contributes less than slots toward a casino bonus requirement or is excluded. Some terms also restrict opposite-side betting, maximum bets or irregular-play patterns. The mathematical edge of the wheel does not override the promotion’s rules.
Review game contribution, maximum bet and excluded strategies in the casino bonus terms guide. Use the casino wagering calculator to compare the playthrough created by the stated contribution rate.
Five checks before playing roulette
- Count the zero pockets: single, double or triple zero.
- Check standard and special payouts: especially straight-up and multiplier bets.
- Look for zero rules: la partage, en prison or another table-specific treatment.
- Open the live help screen: confirm the RTP and exact market version.
- Set fixed limits: lower edge does not make roulette a way to earn money.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s published roulette rules provide an independent reference for wheel pockets and standard payouts. Rules and digital configurations can differ, so the current game screen remains the final source for the version being offered.
Methodology and limitations
Probabilities are the number of covered pockets divided by 37 for a standard European wheel or 38 for a standard American wheel. Percentages are rounded to two decimal places. House-edge calculations assume a fair wheel and the standard payouts listed on this page.
This guide does not predict a spin, recommend a staking progression or cover every proprietary roulette variant. Verify special payouts, jackpot deductions, zero treatment, bonus contribution and location eligibility before playing. Material claims are reviewed under our editorial policy and corrections policy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the odds of hitting one number in roulette?
The chance is 1 in 37, or about 2.70%, on a single-zero European wheel and 1 in 38, or about 2.63%, on a double-zero American wheel. A standard straight-up win pays 35:1 profit.
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
Under standard rules, European roulette has the lower long-run edge: 2.70% versus 5.26%. The payouts are normally the same, but the American wheel has an additional double-zero pocket.
Does red or black have a 50% chance?
No. There are 18 red and 18 black pockets, but zero is green and double zero is also green on an American wheel. The chance is 18/37, about 48.65%, in European roulette and 18/38, about 47.37%, in American roulette.
Do inside bets have a higher house edge?
Not on a standard European wheel. Standard inside and outside payouts produce the same 2.70% edge but different volatility. The American five-number basket is an exception with a higher edge of about 7.89%.
Can a roulette system beat the house edge?
No staking progression changes the wheel probability or payout. Systems change bet size and short-term volatility, not the underlying expected value.
What does a 35:1 payout return on a $10 bet?
It produces $350 profit and returns the original $10 stake, for $360 received in total.