Roulette is one of the most iconic games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its blend of simplicity, suspense, and the potential for sizeable wins has made it a favourite among players worldwide. But if you’re looking to maximise your chances at the wheel, understanding where to find the best odds in roulette is crucial. Whether you play at a traditional venue or explore options like casinos not on gamstop, knowing which versions and bets offer the most favourable returns can make a significant difference to your experience.
This guide explores the different types of roulette, explains how odds work, and helps you identify strategies and variants that give you the best possible chance of success. By the end, you’ll be equipped with practical knowledge to make more informed choices whenever you approach the roulette table.
How Roulette Odds Work
At its core, roulette is a game of chance. Players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets. The odds in roulette are determined by the number of possible outcomes and the specific bet you place.
Each type of bet-be it on a single number, a group of numbers, or colours-has its own probability and payout. However, the presence of one or more zero pockets (0 or 00) on the wheel gives the house its edge, slightly reducing your chances compared to the theoretical odds.
The Role of the House Edge
The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage and varies depending on the roulette variant:
- European Roulette: Features a single zero (0) and 36 numbers, resulting in a house edge of roughly 2.7%.
- French Roulette: Also uses a single zero but often includes special rules that further reduce the house edge to around 1.35% for even-money bets.
- American Roulette: Has both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), increasing the house edge to about 5.26%.
Understanding these differences is the first step toward finding the best odds in roulette.
Comparing Roulette Variants: Which Offers the Best Odds?
The type of roulette you choose has a direct impact on your potential returns. Here’s a closer look at the most popular versions and how they stack up for players seeking the best odds.
European Roulette
European Roulette is the most widely recommended version for players focused on favourable odds. With only one zero pocket, the probability of winning on any given spin is higher compared to American Roulette. For example, A straight-up bet (on a single number) pays 35:1, but your chance of winning is 1 in 37, which is better than the 1 in 38 odds on the American wheel.
French Roulette
French Roulette is similar to European, but with a few extra rules that tip the balance slightly further in your favour. The most notable are “La Partage” and “En Prison,” which apply to even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low):
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you get back half your even-money bet.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next spin, you recover your stake.
These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%, making French Roulette the best choice for players seeking the most favourable odds.
American Roulette
American Roulette is less advantageous for players due to the extra double zero (00) pocket. This small difference increases the house edge to 5.26%, which is nearly double that of European Roulette. Unless you specifically enjoy the American style or are playing in a venue where it’s the only option, it’s usually best to opt for European or French versions for better odds.
Types of Roulette Bets and Their Odds
Beyond choosing the right variant, the type of bet you place also affects your chances. Roulette offers a variety of bets, each with different probabilities and payouts.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid. They offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning.
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number. Pays 35:1. Odds of winning (European): 1 in 37.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1. Odds: 2 in 37.
- Street: Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11:1. Odds: 3 in 37.
- Corner: Bet on four numbers in a square. Pays 8:1. Odds: 4 in 37.
- Six Line: Bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1. Odds: 6 in 37.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel, offering lower payouts but higher chances of winning.
- Red or Black: Bet on the colour. Pays 1:1. Odds: 18 in 37 (European).
- Odd or Even: Bet on whether the number is odd or even. Pays 1:1. Odds: 18 in 37.
- High or Low: Bet on 1-18 or 19-36. Pays 1:1. Odds: 18 in 37.
- Dozen: Bet on a group of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1. Odds: 12 in 37.
- Column: Bet on one of three columns. Pays 2:1. Odds: 12 in 37.
For the best odds, even-money outside bets are generally the most favourable-especially when playing French Roulette with the La Partage or En Prison rules.
Strategies to Improve Your Roulette Odds
While roulette is ultimately a game of chance, there are ways to play smarter and make the most of the odds available.
Choose the Right Roulette Variant
As discussed earlier, always opt for European or French Roulette where possible. The lower house edge gives you a better long-term chance of keeping your bankroll intact.
Stick to Even-Money Bets
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) offer the highest probability of winning on each spin. They may not have the highest payouts, but they provide more consistent returns and are less volatile than inside bets.
Take Advantage of Special Rules
If you’re playing French Roulette, seek out tables that offer La Partage or En Prison. These rules can halve the house edge on even-money bets, significantly improving your expected value over time.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or increasing your bets after a losing streak-roulette outcomes are independent and cannot be predicted based on previous results.
Consider Where You Play
The choice of casino can also impact your experience. Some online platforms, including casinos not on gamstop, offer a wide selection of roulette variants and sometimes even unique house rules that can further improve your odds. Always check the game details before you start.
Online vs. Land-Based Roulette: Where Are the Best Odds?
With the rise of online casinos, players now have more options than ever. But does playing online or in a physical casino affect your chances?
Online Roulette
Online casinos often provide a greater variety of roulette games, including European and French versions with favourable rules. Many platforms also offer live dealer roulette, which replicates the experience of a real casino while allowing you to play from home.
Some online casinos feature unique variants or side bets, so it’s important to read the rules and check the house edge before playing. Reputable platforms will display the return-to-player (RTP) percentage, making it easier to see which games offer the best odds.
Land-Based Roulette
Traditional casinos may have a more limited selection, often focusing on American or European Roulette. In some regions, French Roulette is rare, making it harder to find tables with the best odds.
However, the social aspect and atmosphere of a land-based casino can be appealing, and the odds are still favourable if you stick to European wheels and even-money bets.
Mobile Roulette: Playing on the Go
Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular, allowing players to enjoy roulette from their smartphones or tablets. Most reputable online casinos have optimised their platforms for mobile devices, offering the same range of games and odds as their desktop counterparts.
When choosing a mobile roulette game,