What are the payout odds and probabilities in roulette ?

What are the payout odds and probabilities in roulette ?

Published Date · June 13, 2019 · Last Updated · July 26, 2024 ·Read Time · 13 mins

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What are your chances of winning at roulette?

Roulette payout odds are an indication of how frequent you expect the roulette probabilities to be in your favour. When you use bet systems that use specific parameters to tell the winning number, the roulette table odds can be altered. Roulette systems can offer different outcomes. An original bet can have different offers and outcomes. A professional gambler can work out what odds are good and use them to their favour when they visit a casino with their funds.

As a bet player who wants to stake real money bets on an online casino game, it is paramount that you consolidate with your probability of winning at the game. This is correct for a game where each type of bet has a definite mathematical rule guiding it.

Differences Between American and French Roulette

Roulette is a classic casino game with a long history, and it comes in different variations. The two most popular versions are American and French (or European) roulette. Understanding the differences between these two versions is crucial for grasping the payout odds and probabilities associated with the game.

American Roulette:

  • The American roulette wheel features 38 pockets: numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero increases the number of possible outcomes, which affects the odds and house edge.
  • The table layout in American roulette includes a section for betting on 0 and 00, along with the standard numbers 1-36.

French/European Roulette:

  • The French or European roulette wheel features 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0). The absence of the double zero means there are fewer possible outcomes, which in turn improves the odds slightly in favor of the player.
  • The table layout in French roulette is similar to the American version but lacks the double zero betting space. Additionally, French roulette tables often feature French terminology and may use a different color scheme.

Payout Odds in Roulette

Regardless of whether you're playing American or French roulette, the payout odds for various bets remain the same. The differences lie in the wheel and the house edge, not in the payouts offered for winning bets. Here’s a detailed look at the payout odds for different types of bets in roulette:

  • Explanation of Payout Odds : Payout odds represent the amount of money a player can win relative to their bet amount. For example, if a bet has payout odds of 35 to 1, it means that for every unit wagered, the player wins 35 units if the bet is successful. Understanding these odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions.

Payout Odds for Different Bets

This table provides a clear and concise overview of the payout odds and examples for various types of bets in roulette.

Bet Type
Payout Odds

Payout

35 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £35 + £1

17 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £17 + £1

11 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £11 + £1

8 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £8 + £1

5 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £5 + £1

2 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £2 + £1

2 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £2 + £1

1 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £1 + £1

1 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £1 + £1

1 to 1

For a bet of £1 you receive £1 + £1

Probabilities in Roulette

Understanding the probabilities in roulette is essential for players who want to make informed betting decisions. While the payout odds for various bets remain the same between American and French roulette, the probabilities of winning differ due to the additional double zero (00) in American roulette. Here’s a detailed look at the probabilities for different types of bets in both versions of the game.

  • Understanding Probability in Roulette : Probability in roulette refers to the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring. It is expressed as a fraction or percentage. For example, the probability of the ball landing on a single specific number in European roulette is 1/37 or approximately 2.70%.

Probabilities for Different Bets

This table provides a clear and concise comparison of the probabilities for different types of bets in both European and American roulette.

Bet Type
Description
Probability (European Roulette)
Percentage (European Roulette)
Probability (American Roulette)
Percentage (American Roulette)
Bet on one specific number
1/37
2.70%
1/38
2.63%
Bet on two adjacent numbers
2/37
5.41%
2/38
5.26%
Bet on three numbers in a row
3/37

8.11%

3/38
7.89%
Bet on four numbers that form a square
4/37
10.81%
4/38
10.53%
Bet on six numbers in two rows
6/37
16.22%
6/38
15.79%
Bet on one of the three columns
12/37
32.43%
12/38
31.58%
Bet on one of the three dozens
12/37
32.43%
12/38
31.58%
Bet on all red numbers or all black numbers
18/37
48.65%
18/38
47.37%
Bet on all odd numbers or all even numbers
18/37
48.65%
18/38
47.37%
Bet on low (1-18) or high (19-36) numbers
18/37
48.65%
18/38
47.37%

House Edge and Its Impact

The house edge is a critical concept in understanding roulette and its impact on players. It represents the mathematical advantage that the casino holds over the players, ensuring that the casino makes a profit in the long run. The house edge varies between American and European roulette due to differences in the wheel design.

Definition of House Edge

The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to retain over the long term. It is calculated based on the difference between the true odds of winning and the payout odds offered by the casino.

House Edge in European vs. American Roulette

European Roulette:

  • The European roulette wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0).
  • The house edge for European roulette is 2.70%. This means that, on average, the casino expects to keep £2.70 for every £100 wagered by players.
  • Example Calculation: If a player makes 37 straight-up bets of £1 each on different numbers, they are expected to win once and lose 36 times. The payout for the win is £35 plus the return of the £1 bet, totaling £36. The total amount wagered is £37, resulting in a net loss of £1. The house edge is calculated as (1/37) * 100 = 2.70%.

American Roulette:

  • The American roulette wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
  • The house edge for American roulette is 5.26%. This higher house edge is due to the additional double zero pocket.
  • Example Calculation: If a player makes 38 straight-up bets of £1 each on different numbers, they are expected to win once and lose 37 times. The payout for the win is £35 plus the return of the £1 bet, totaling £36. The total amount wagered is £38, resulting in a net loss of £2. The house edge is calculated as (2/38) * 100 = 5.26%.

This table provides a clear and concise comparison of the house edge for European and American roulette :

Roulette Type
Number of Pockets
House Edge
European Roulette
37 (1-36 and a single zero)
2.70%
American Roulette
38 (1-36, a single zero, and a double zero)
5.26%

Impact on Players

The house edge significantly impacts players’ long-term outcomes and overall experience. Here’s how it affects different aspects of playing roulette:

  • Expected Losses: Over time, the house edge translates into expected losses for players. The higher the house edge, the more players can expect to lose relative to their total bets. In American roulette, players can expect to lose more money over time compared to European roulette.
  • Bet Selection: Understanding the house edge can influence players' bet selections. While the house edge remains consistent across different types of bets within each version of roulette, players might prefer European roulette over American roulette due to the lower house edge.
  • Game Preference: Many seasoned players prefer European roulette because of its lower house edge. The difference of 2.56% between the two versions might seem small, but it can have a significant impact on a player’s bankroll over extended play sessions.
  • Special Rules: In French roulette, which is a variant of European roulette, the inclusion of special rules like "La Partage" and "En Prison" can further reduce the house edge on even-money bets. For instance, "La Partage" reduces the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%, making it even more favorable for players.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between American and European roulette, particularly in terms of their payout odds, probabilities, and house edge, is crucial for players who wish to make informed decisions.

While both versions of roulette provide the same payout odds for winning bets, European roulette presents better probabilities due to the absence of the double zero, resulting in a lower house edge of 2.70% compared to 5.26% for American roulette. This difference can significantly impact players' long-term outcomes and overall gaming experience.

By grasping these key aspects, players can better manage their expectations, make strategic betting choices, and ultimately enhance their enjoyment of the game. Whether choosing the more favorable European roulette or understanding the implications of the American version, players are now better equipped to approach the roulette table with confidence and knowledge.

Now you know the odds ans probabilities, you can put them to the test with our selection of top casinos for roulette.

Author

Phoebe Greenwood

Content Writer