Roulette Payouts and Odds Explained

When you look at a roulette table, it might seem impossible to calculate which bets pay out most and which have the best chance of winning. However, by looking at the way these games work, you can see exactly how roulette odds and payouts are calculated.

The aim in roulette is to predict which numbered pocket the ball will drop into when the wheel stops spinning. While the idea is simple, the fact that you can place wagers on single numbers or groups of numbers makes it more difficult to see which bet has the best odds.

It helps when you understand that bets with higher roulette payouts are typically those that have a lower chance of producing a win.

Imagine one player who places their chips on a single number while another player bets on any red number winning. It’s clear that the single number has less chance of being correct, so the prize has to be bigger to make it worth considering.  

Understanding the link between roulette odds and payouts is a solid starting point for making informed betting decisions. This allows you to create a strategy based on your budget and risk tolerance. There’s no need to guess your chances and what you would collect if you get it right.        

Roulette Payouts Explained

Most versions use the same approach to the roulette odds and payout chart. Reading the details in our Roulette Table and Layout guide will help you to understand the difference between inside and outside bets:

• Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or small groups of numbers. Since the probability of correctly predicting is relatively low, these wagers have the highest payouts.
• Outside bets are on larger groups of numbers that cover almost half the wheel in some cases. The higher possibility of getting this right means that the payouts are smaller.     

A straight-up bet on a single number is an example of an inside bet. With 37 pockets on a European wheel, the odds of choosing correctly are 1 in 37.

If you’ve looked into the roulette wheel structure, you’ll know that American wheels have an extra double zero, so it’s 1 in 38 in that case. The payout is at a rate of 35 to 1, giving a small house edge while paying at a rate that reflects the probability.

At the opposite end of the scale, an even money bet can be placed on a wider range of numbers. With the like odds, even, red or black, the wager covers 18 of the 37or 38 pockets. These bets pay at 1 to 1.

This means that you can play any version of roulette and you’ll understand your odds of winning on any wager. A look at the roulette payout paytable will confirm whether the prizes are as expected.

Classic roulette games like Penny Roulette, Roulette Deluxe, Classic Roulette and Cash Collect Roulette give you the opportunity to choose different themes and features while knowing what payouts and odds you’ll get.

Check out the guide to how to play roulette online, and you can play any version of this classic game.

Roulette Odds: Why Some Bets Win More Often Than Others 

The odds on roulette games are calculated by working out the probability of the bet winning. You can do this by dividing the number of pockets covered by the total number of pockets on the wheel, which reveals the house edge.

One of the most interesting aspects of the roulette payout calculator is that the house edge varies according to the variant played, but is the same on virtually every wager in those versions. 

• If you choose a European wheel, you can expect a house edge of 2.7% on any bet.
• The double zero on American games increases the standard house edge to 5.26%.
• The basket bet on American wheels is the main exception, as it has a 7.89% house edge.
• French Roulette uses the same wheel as European games, with the same house edge. However, the La Partage and En Prison rules lower it to 1.35% on even money bets.

The next step is to compare the odds to the payout offered, to see the expected value of the bet.

As we’ve seen, a higher payout doesn’t automatically mean better value. When the roulette wheel odds show the same house edge on every bet, it means that, theoretically, the long-term return on each bet should be the same.    

Comparing Roulette Variants and Their Odds

The best odds in roulette are found on European and French versions of the game. Yet, the payouts are generally the same as in American games. This means that the key difference between variants is the chance of winning.

It all comes down to that extra zero on American wheels. While one additional pocket might seem relatively insignificant, it’s enough to almost double the house edge. Over a series of games, it makes the house edge higher. 

Quantum Roulette, Age of the Gods Mega Fire Blaze Roulette and MGM Grand Roulette are among the live versions of the game you can try at Buzz Bingo to sample unique themes and bonuses. The addition of random multipliers and other features creates different ways of playing. Don’t forget to check the paytable to see how it works before playing.

Roulette Odds and Payouts FAQs

Why Are Roulette Payouts Different on Each Bet?

The payout listed for each bet is based on the possibility of the ball landing in the number(s) covered. The higher this possibility, the lower the payout.

What Roulette Bet Has the Best Chance of Winning?

The even-money bets such as odd, even, and high or low have an almost 50% chance of winning. This is why they have the lowest payout of 1 to 1.

What Bet Has the Best Roulette Odds?

Every bet on European games has a house edge of 2.70%. However, if you play a French-style game with La Partage or En Prison rules, the roulette odds drop to 1.35% on all of the even money bets.