Roulette Columns Bet

A popular outside bet in roulette, the ‘Columns’ bet offers a strategic alternative to inside bets that presents a unique blend of risk and reward.

What is a Columns Bet in Roulette?

A Columns bet is a wager on one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the roulette table layout. Each column contains 12 numbers, making up a third of the total numbers on the table - excluding zero or double zero in European and American Roulette, respectively).

How to Play Using Columns Bet

Placing this bet is very simple. At the end of each column on the table layout, you will find a box that says ‘2 to 1’ - putting chips in one of these boxes will place a Columns bet.

Example of a Columns Bet: There are only three possibilities for this type of bet.

• Column 1: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34
• Column 2: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35
• Column 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36

Betting on all three columns in roulette is not allowed : because it eliminates any risk of loss. This would guarantee a win on every spin, except when the ball lands on zero (or double zero in American roulette), creating an unfair advantage. To maintain game integrity and the house edge, casinos prohibit bets that ensure guaranteed wins. Thus, betting on all three columns simultaneously is forbidden.

When to Place a Columns Bet?

• Looking for Moderate Risk and Reward: Column bets offer a payout of 2 to 1, meaning if you win, you receive twice your bet amount. This provides a good balance between risk and reward, making it a suitable option for players who prefer moderate risk.
• To Cover More Numbers: Each column covers 12 numbers out of the 36 non-zero numbers on the roulette table. This gives you a 1 in 3 chance (roughly 32.4%) of winning with each spin, which is higher than betting on a single number.
• Using a Betting System: Column bets can be integrated into various betting systems, such as the Martingale or D'Alembert systems, to manage your bankroll and potential losses.
• To Diversify Your Bets: Combining column bets with other types of bets, such as red/black or odd/even, can diversify your betting strategy. This approach can help spread risk and potentially increase your chances of winning on a single spin.

Is Columns Betting Profitable for Roulette?

Columns betting can potentially be a profitable strategy, with the payout on offer 2-1. The win probabilities are as follows:

• European Roulette - 32.43%
• American Roulette - 31.58%

Both versions have a house advantage, with European Roulette having 2.7% and American Roulette having 5.26%.

The way this wager pays out is as follows. If you place a £10 bet on the first column and the ball lands on 10, which is in the first column, you will win the round and your payout will be 2-1 - which means you will receive £20, as well as your original £10 wager.

Is there a strategy based on columns bet at roulette?

There are strategies that involve column bets in roulette. While no strategy can guarantee a win due to the inherent house edge, these methods can help manage your bankroll and potentially increase your chances of making a profit over time. Here are a few strategies that incorporate column bets:

Martingale Strategy with Column Bets

The Martingale strategy involves doubling your bet after a loss to recover all previous losses and gain a profit equal to the original bet. Here’s how you can apply it to column bets:

• Initial Bet: Place a bet on any of the three columns (e.g., $10 on Column 1).
• After a Loss: If you lose, double your bet on the same column ($20 on Column 1).
• After a Win: If you win, go back to your original bet amount ($10 on Column 1).

Example:

1. Bet $10 on Column 1. Lose. (-$10)
2. Bet $20 on Column 1. Lose. (-$30)
3. Bet $40 on Column 1. Win. (+$50)
4. Go back to betting $10 on Column 1.

D'Alembert Strategy with Column Bets

The D'Alembert strategy involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. This strategy is less aggressive than Martingale.

• Initial Bet: Place a bet on any column (e.g., $10 on Column 1).
• After a Loss: Increase your bet by one unit (e.g., $20 on Column 1).
• After a Win: Decrease your bet by one unit (e.g., $10 on Column 1).

Example:

1. Bet $10 on Column 1. Lose. (-$10)
2. Bet $20 on Column 1. Lose. (-$30)
3. Bet $30 on Column 1. Win. (+$60)
4. Bet $20 on Column 1.

Column and Dozen Combination

This strategy involves placing bets on both columns and dozens to cover more numbers. This way, you have a higher chance of hitting a winning number, though the payout will be lower.

• Bet on a Column: Place a bet on any column (e.g., $10 on Column 1).
• Bet on a Dozen: Place a bet on a dozen that overlaps with your column bet (e.g., $10 on the first dozen).

Example:

1. Bet $10 on Column 1 and $10 on the first dozen (covering 1-12).
2. If a number between 1 and 12 in Column 1 hits, you win both bets.
3. If a number in the first dozen but not in Column 1 hits, you win one bet and lose the other, breaking even.
4. If a number outside the first dozen but in Column 1 hits, you win one bet and lose the other, breaking even.

Two Columns Strategy

This strategy involves betting on two out of the three columns to increase your chances of winning each spin. Since each column bet covers 12 numbers, betting on two columns covers 24 numbers.

• Place Bets on Two Columns: Bet equal amounts on two columns (e.g., $10 on Column 1 and $10 on Column 2).

Example:

1. Bet $10 on Column 1 and $10 on Column 2.
2. If a number in Column 1 or Column 2 hits, you win $20 but lose the other $10, resulting in a net gain of $10.
3. If a number in Column 3 hits, you lose both bets.

Pros of Columns Bet:

• Covers a third of the numbers on the table (excluding zero)
• Has a higher winning probability than many other roulette bets

Cons of Columns Bet:

• The payout is lower than the inside bets
• Despite covering plenty of numbers, you can still lose if the ball lands on zero, as well as one of the other two columns

Conclusion

The Columns bet is a popular option that offers a decent risk-reward balance when compared to other roulette bets. While the potential payouts may not be as high as the inside bets, the higher winning probability makes it an attractive option.

Test this unique betting style at the best casinos to play roulette.