Roulette: Bets, Odds
& Payouts Explained
Roulette is one of the easiest casino games to learn. A ball spins around a wheel and lands on a numbered pocket — your job is to predict where. This guide covers every bet, every payout, and which version of the game gives you the best shot.
European vs American Roulette
This is the single most important thing to know before you play. American roulette has an extra 00 pocket that nearly doubles the house edge. Always play European when you can.
European Roulette
37 pockets: 0 + 1–36
American Roulette
38 pockets: 0 + 00 + 1–36
En Prison: Some European tables offer this rule — if the ball lands on 0 and you made an even-money bet, your bet is "imprisoned" and plays the next spin for free. This cuts the house edge to 1.35%.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover large groups of numbers. Lower payouts but much higher win frequency — the best starting point for new players.
| Bet | Covers | Payout | EU Edge | US Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Odd / Even | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| High / Low | 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Dozen | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Column | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups within the number grid. Higher payouts but lower win probability.
| Bet | Covers | Payout | EU Edge | US Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Six Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Five Number | 0,00,1,2,3 | 6:1 | N/A | 7.89% |
Five Number bet warning: This bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) exists only in American roulette and carries the worst house edge of any bet on the table at 7.89%. Never make this bet.
How a Round Works
Place your bets
Chips go on the table layout. You can bet on multiple areas at once. Minimum and maximum bets vary by casino.
Dealer spins the wheel
The croupier (or RNG in online games) spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
No more bets
As the ball slows, the dealer announces 'no more bets.' No new bets or changes are allowed after this point.
Ball lands — bets settle
The ball drops into a pocket. Winning bets are paid out, losing bets are collected. A new round begins.
Roulette Tips & Common Myths
✅ Always play European roulette
Half the house edge of American. If only American is offered, it is still worth seeking out a different casino.
✅ Stick to even-money outside bets to stretch your bankroll
Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low win nearly half the time. Good for learning the game without burning through coins quickly.
❌ Myth: Past spins predict future results
Every spin is completely independent. If red has come up 10 times in a row, black is not "due." This belief (the Gambler's Fallacy) has cost players billions.
❌ Myth: Betting systems like Martingale beat the house
Doubling your bet after a loss does not change the house edge. Table limits and finite bankrolls ensure the casino always wins in the long run. No system can overcome math.
❌ Myth: Watching the wheel finds "biased" numbers
Physical wheel bias was a real exploit in the 1800s. Modern casino wheels — and especially online RNG roulette — are precision-engineered and algorithmically verified. You will not find bias.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet in roulette?
Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) on European roulette give you the best odds — a house edge of just 2.70%. If the table offers the En Prison rule, that drops to 1.35%.
Can I play roulette at sweepstakes casinos?
Yes — most sweepstakes casinos offer both European and American roulette. You can play for free using Gold Coins or use Sweep Coins for a chance to win real prizes. Check the games lobby for availability.
What is the house edge in roulette?
European roulette: 2.70%. American roulette: 5.26%. The Five Number bet in American roulette has the worst edge at 7.89%. Always choose European when the option exists.
Practice Roulette for Free
Sweepstakes casinos let you spin roulette using Gold Coins with zero financial risk. Perfect for getting comfortable before playing competitively.
Find a Casino to Play Roulette →