Roulette Odds - Full Guide for All Player Skill Levels

What are the odds of winning at roulette? Find out on this page! Our roulette experts cover everything you need to know about roulette odds and how to use them. Learn how to play roulette and how exactly roulette statistics work. Discover what you should pay attention to while placing bets at the roulette table.

Roulette is one of the longest-running casino games, with a history stretching back to 18th century France. In all that time, no one has devised a proven method of winning this game of chance. Many gamblers employ betting strategies. They use these betting systems to help maximize potential wins and mitigate losses. But do these strategies actually work? I'll tell you all the secrets of these systems. You can then decide if they are worth a shot.

What's On This Page

Before we get into specifics, let's look at the two most popular roulette games. These are European Roulette and American Roulette. There are slight differences between the two. When it was first introduced in Paris, the roulette wheel sported 38 numbered sections or slots. These included two slots for the bank marked by a zero and a double zero. However, in the mid-19th century, another wheel was devised which removed the double zero. This improved a player’s odds of winning from 38/1 to 37/1.

Fast forward to the present day, and the wheel featuring the single zero is commonly known as European Roulette. American Roulette reintroduced the double zero to increase the house edge. However, the payouts on both games for winning bets are similar. European and American roulette games have a house edge of 2.7% and 5.26%, respectively. This means that the casino will keep a much more significant portion of wagers when offering the American version of the game. Therefore, roulette statistics show you should focus on playing European Roulette whenever available. So, before you have placed a bet, the best strategy is to choose European roulette or one of its variants.

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The difference between American and European Roulette is quite apparent. But I will also demonstrate it by showing you the impact it makes on each roulette bet. Before looking at odds, it is essential to understand the difference between the two main types of bets available in a roulette game. Inside bets are bets placed on specific numbers. Outside bets are placed on occurrences (red-black, high-low, odd-even, etc.).

Outside Bet Odds

Outside bets are the bets made on the outer skirts of the roulette betting table. Outside bets have higher outcome probabilities than individual-number bets. Outside bets also offer a lower payout. Outside bets include even/odd, red/black, and low/high, all of which are even money bets. Meaning you can expect to double your stake if you win while having a slightly under 50% chance of hitting. Column, row, and dozen bets offer a 2:1 payout and land just under 1 in 3 times. These bets are slightly more volatile than the even-money bets. They are placed by players looking to take more risk for a slightly higher roulette payout.

Inside Bet Odds

Named after their interior position on the roulette table, inside bets are wagers made on individual numbers. Roulette statistics differ for the various inside bets you can make. As you can see in the roulette odds guide table above, these include straight bets, split bets, corner bets, basket bets, and more. These bets are all made by placing chips on the actual numbers or the lines between the numbers. The roulette odds of each inside bet probability are relatively low. For example, a winning straight-number bet on European Roulette is an event that occurs only 2.7% of the time. But corresponding to the higher risk, a handsome payout of 35:1 is awarded in case of a win. Many roulette players bet on multiple straight numbers at once or use split or corner bets to reduce risk.

There are many different roulette games available. Each offers different odds and probabilities. When playing, you should try to maximize your chances of winning by reducing the house edge. To do this, play roulette games with the most favorable statistics. Here are some of the roulette games you will most commonly find in live casinos or online casino sites:

• European Roulette: A popular roulette version with a 2.7% house edge and favorable roulette odds.
• American Roulette: Common in casinos in North America, the game almost doubles the casino's advantage to 5.26% by featuring two zero pockets.
• French Roulette: A roulette wheel with special rules for even money bets. These bets are very favorable to players. Even-money bets carry a house edge as low as 1.35%.
• Multi-Wheel Roulette: A roulette game that lets you bet on multiple roulette wheels at once. This means you hedge your risk on outcomes of multiple bets and wheels.
• Multi-Ball Roulette: A roulette game with multiple balls spinning within the wheel. This type of roulette can feature special jackpots. With Multi-Ball Roulette there are more chances to win. This is because more balls land in different pockets with each spin. However, lower payouts compensate for the higher odds.

If you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your roulette sessions, you need to try and maximize your roulette odds every time. While no formula will guarantee that you win, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of winning at the roulette table:

• Choose the right game: Not every roulette variation offers the same odds. Make sure you choose the games with the best roulette odds if you want to win more often.
• Understand statistics: Knowing the roulette statistics may help you win. You should never think that a number is more likely to land at one point (gambler's fallacy). Knowing the statistics and your probability of landing a winning bet will help you bet with more consistency.
• Play responsibly: Never wager money you cannot afford to lose. Gambling with money that is meant for your living expenses can cause you problems and stress. It can put your mental and physical well-being at risk.
• Apply roulette strategies: No strategy can guarantee wins. However, popular roulette betting systems and strategies can help you maximise your winning potential. They can also help reduce the risk of losses. Check out the top roulette betting systems in the section below. These strategies can add a layer of extra fun to your roulette experience!
• Use bonuses or promotions: A roulette bonus can boost your funds. This helps to get you started at the tables and make your bankroll last longer. It is especially true when playing online roulette. Live casinos sometimes offer valuable promotions on live dealer roulette. However, not all casino bonuses include roulette games. Always check the casino's terms and conditions before playing.

Casinos.com TIP: Try online roulette for free. This way you can refine your game.

As with every form of gambling, luck plays a big part in winning at the roulette tables. Still, if you are looking to boost your odds, applying the best strategy for roulette might help. There are several popular roulette strategies out there that you can use. While these won't guarantee your bets come out right or decrease the house edge, they can help to increase your chances of winning. Also, they will make your gameplay a lot more immersive and exciting.

The Martingale Strategy

Although it might initially seem counter-intuitive, the Martingale method pushes you to double your bet after a loss. You don’t bet on a specific number but rather on one of the ranged bets that Roulette allows. This could be red or black, odd or even numbers, or the lower numbers (1-18) and upper numbers (19-36).

Play on a Roulette wheel with a low minimum bet limit and start making small bets. If you win, repeat the same wager for the same value. If you lose, double the same bet, so if you’re betting on black, keep doing so until you win again or reach the maximum bet limit. The larger bets should, in theory, allow you to recoup your losses, but there is also a chance you’ll run out of money.

The Reverse Martingale Strategy

The reverse strategy of the Martingale has you double your wager after a win and lower it after a loss. This betting strategy relies on the idea of hitting a mythical hot streak that remains red hot for a long time. This is often referred to as Gambler’s Fallacy, as the odds don’t change based on what has occurred in previous spins. This strategy also relies heavily on the player’s ability to walk away. If gamblers keep doubling their bet until they lose, they’ll end up losing everything.

The D’Alembert Strategy

Named after French theorist Jean le Rond d’Alembert, this strategy shares some similarities with the Martingale method. However, it is generally considered to carry a lower risk. The D’Alembert system suggests increasing the bet by one after a loss and decreasing it by one after a win. It is unlike the Martingale strategy in another aspect as well. This one recommends walking away from the Roulette wheel when the number of wins matches the number of overall losses.

Fibonacci Strategy

This strategy is based on the mathematical Fibonacci Sequence, a sequence known to occur often in math, science, and nature. Every number in the sequence is the sum of the previous two numbers, spiraling into larger numbers the further you go along the scale. The Fibonacci strategy takes that rule and applies it to the wager on the Roulette wheel. You arrive at the next number in the sequence by adding together the two previous numbers. The sequence looks like this: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55…

Like the Martingale and D’Alembert strategies, this method advises players to increase their bet after a loss. You do so by moving along the Fibonacci Sequence. If you manage a win, then you move back two places along the scale. The one advantage this has over D’Alembert is that it’s possible to lose more games than you have won and still walk away with a positive balance. However, the major disadvantage is that you could very quickly reach the maximum bet limit.

Labouchere Strategy

The Labouchere system is a somewhat more complex strategy that still involves trying to manipulate your roulette odds. You need to decide how much you want to win and create a list of numbers that add up to the required win. Add the biggest and the smallest number on the list together and make that your wager. Anytime you win, remove the two numbers from the list. Anytime you lose, add the entire amount lost to the bottom of the list, and keep wagering. Labouchere is highly volatile but will get you where you want to go very fast if you have a winning streak.

James Bond Strategy

Who doesn't want to play roulette like the legendary 007? The famous agent's betting system includes covering a good part of the roulette wheel. Betting 14 units on numbers 19 through 36, 5 units on numbers 13 through 18, and a single unit on 0, you give yourself many winning options. However, you will lose 20 units at once if the spin is a losing one. The system may work well for Mr Bond, but it won't really help you change your roulette odds in the long run.

Roulette is a game of chance. Beating the house edge is simply impossible. The best way to approach the game is by creating a plan and sticking to it. First, you need to understand how the game works in terms of odds. I've discussed roulette statistics, available bets, and what payouts you can expect.

Next, you need to set a budget. Decide how much money you want to spend, so that you know when to quit. You should also stipulate the length of your playing session. When all this is set, you can apply some exciting betting strategies.

Sign up for one of our recommended live dealer casinos. Claim a generous welcome bonus and start playing roulette yourself. The next time you think of playing American Roulette or hear someone talk about the gambler's fallacy, remember this guide. Go back to betting in the most profitable way possible. But always keep in mind that, like all forms of gambling, playing roulette should be seen purely as entertainment. Gambling is never a proven way to earn money. Always gamble responsibly, so you can come back to have fun at the roulette tables again.