🎡 Roulette Bet Analyzer
Select your roulette variant and bet type to see the exact mathematical analysis. Understand the odds, payouts, and expected losses before you play.
1. Select Roulette Variant
2. Select Bet Type
Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Payout)
Straight Up
Single number
Split
Two numbers
Street
Three numbers
Corner
Four numbers
Six Line
Six numbers
Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Payout)
Dozen
12 numbers
Column
12 numbers
Red/Black
18 numbers
Odd/Even
18 numbers
High/Low
18 numbers
3. Enter Your Bet Amount
Wheel Coverage
📊 European vs American: Impact on This Bet
| Metric | European (Single Zero) | American (Double Zero) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win Probability | 2.70% | 2.63% | -0.07% |
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% | +2.56% |
| Expected Value ($100 bet) | -$2.70 | -$5.26 | -$2.56 worse |
| Loss per 100 Spins | -$270 | -$526 | -$256 worse |
Key Takeaway: American roulette's extra zero (00) nearly doubles the house edge. Over 100 spins at $100 per spin, you'd expect to lose $256 more playing American versus European roulette. Always choose European when available.
📋 Complete Roulette Bet Reference
| Bet Type | Numbers | Payout | European Prob. | American Prob. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% |
| Five Number | 5 | 6:1 | N/A | 13.16% (7.89% edge!) |
| Six Line | 6 | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% |
| Dozen/Column | 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Red/Black/Odd/Even/High/Low | 18 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
Avoid the Five Number Bet: The 0-00-1-2-3 bet in American roulette is the only bet with a higher house edge (7.89%). This bet pays 6:1 but covers only 5 numbers, creating a worse mathematical situation than any other roulette bet. Never make this wager.
Understanding Roulette Mathematics
Roulette is one of the oldest and most iconic casino games, with its mathematics being transparent and well-documented. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the modern roulette wheel was developed in France in the late 18th century, and its mathematical properties have been analyzed by gamblers and mathematicians ever since.
The key to understanding roulette is recognizing that every bet has the same house edge within each variant—except for one infamous exception. In European roulette, the single zero creates a 2.70% house edge on all bets. In American roulette, the additional double zero (00) increases this to 5.26%, as documented by the UNLV Center for Gaming Research.
Why the House Always Wins
The mathematics of roulette make the casino's advantage inevitable over time. Here's why:
- Payout Structure: All payouts are calculated as if the wheel had only 36 numbers (the actual numbers 1-36). But the wheel has 37 numbers in European (including 0) or 38 in American (including 0 and 00). This discrepancy creates the house edge.
- Zero Pockets: When the ball lands on 0 or 00, all outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) lose. These green pockets are the source of the casino's mathematical advantage.
- Fair vs. Actual Odds: A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1, but the true odds are 36:1 (European) or 37:1 (American). This gap is exactly the house edge.
As explained by the UK Gambling Commission, all licensed roulette games must display these odds and house edges clearly, ensuring players can make informed decisions about their gambling.
Inside vs. Outside Bets Explained
Roulette bets fall into two categories based on their position on the betting layout:
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner section of the layout. They offer higher payouts but lower probabilities:
- Straight Up (35:1): A bet on a single number. The highest payout but lowest probability.
- Split (17:1): A bet on two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them.
- Street (11:1): A bet on three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row.
- Corner (8:1): A bet on four numbers that meet at one corner.
- Six Line (5:1): A bet on two adjacent streets (six numbers).
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower payouts with higher probabilities:
- Dozen/Column (2:1): Bets covering 12 numbers (about 1/3 of the wheel excluding zeros).
- Even Money Bets (1:1): Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low—each covers 18 numbers.
For a complete mathematical analysis of roulette strategy claims, see our detailed roulette strategies and odds guide.
Common Roulette Misconceptions
Many players fall victim to the gambler's fallacy—the mistaken belief that past results influence future outcomes:
- "Red is due": After 10 consecutive black results, red is NOT more likely. Each spin is independent with the same probability.
- "Betting systems work": No betting pattern can overcome the house edge. Systems like Martingale may work short-term but fail mathematically long-term. See our betting systems truth guide.
- "Wheel bias": Modern wheels are precision-engineered. Historical wheel bias exploitation is no longer viable.
- "Dealer signature": The idea that dealers create patterns is a myth—too many variables affect ball landing.
For more debunked myths, visit our comprehensive casino myths and gambling fallacies article.
Bankroll Management for Roulette
Given the house edge, proper bankroll management is essential for entertainment value:
- Set a Loss Limit: Decide how much you're willing to lose before playing and stick to it.
- Bet Sizing: Smaller bets extend playtime. At 2.70% house edge, you'll lose about 2.7% of all money wagered over time.
- Understand Variance: Short-term results can vary wildly from expected value. Use our variance and expected value guide to understand this.
- Choose European: Always play European roulette when available—the 2.56% difference in house edge adds up significantly.
For complete bankroll strategies, see our bankroll management guide or use our house edge calculator to estimate session costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the house edge in European roulette?
European roulette has a house edge of 2.70% due to the single zero (0). This means for every $100 wagered, the casino expects to keep $2.70 on average over time. The wheel has 37 pockets (1-36 plus 0), but payouts are calculated as if there were only 36 numbers—this discrepancy creates the casino's advantage.
What is the house edge in American roulette?
American roulette has a house edge of 5.26% due to both the single zero (0) and double zero (00). The wheel has 38 pockets (1-36 plus 0 and 00), making it nearly twice as costly for players as European roulette. For every $100 wagered, you expect to lose $5.26 on average.
What is the best bet in roulette?
In terms of house edge, all bets in European roulette have the same 2.70% house edge, and all standard bets in American roulette have the same 5.26% house edge. There is no mathematically "best" bet—they all favor the house equally. The only exception is the Five-Number bet (0-00-1-2-3) in American roulette, which has an even higher 7.89% house edge and should always be avoided.
Can you beat roulette with a betting system?
No. No betting system—Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alembert, or any other—can overcome the house edge. These systems may produce short-term wins, but over time, the mathematics guarantee the casino will profit. The only way to avoid losing at roulette long-term is not to play. Betting systems change the distribution of wins and losses but not the expected value.
Why should I avoid the Five Number bet?
The Five Number bet (0-00-1-2-3) is exclusive to American roulette and has a house edge of 7.89%—significantly higher than the 5.26% on all other American roulette bets. It pays 6:1 for covering 5 numbers, but mathematically should pay 6.6:1 to match other bets. This makes it objectively the worst bet on any roulette table.
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