Roulette Low or High Bet

As a game of chance and strategic betting, roulette offers plenty of betting options to players, including the popular ‘Low or High’ bet. This is considered a classic outside bet, similar to Red/Black, Odd/Even, Dozens and Columns bets.

What is a Low or High Bet in Roulette?

In roulette, a Low or High bet is an outside bet in which the player predicts whether the ball will land on a low number (1-18) or a high number (19-36). It is considered a popular bet type due to its simplicity and broad coverage of the wheel’s numbers.

How many Low and High pockets in roulette?

In both European and American roulette wheels, there are:

• 18 Low pockets
• 18 High pockets

How to Play Roulette Using a Low or High Bet

Placing a Low or High wager is very straightforward. You place your chips in the designated box for either ‘1 to 18’ or 19 to 36’. If the ball lands within your chosen range, you will win your bet.

Example of a Low or High Bet: There are only two possibilities for this type of bet.

• Bet on High numbers : you cover the numbers 19-36.
• Bet on Low numbers : you cover the numbers 1-18.

Betting on both high and low in roulette is not allowed : The game rules prevent players from placing bets that cover all possible outcomes in such a way that they would guarantee a win. Since high bets cover numbers 19-36 and low bets cover numbers 1-18, betting on both would theoretically cover all numbered outcomes, excluding 0 (and 00 in American roulette). This would negate the purpose of the game, as it would eliminate the risk element that makes gambling possible. Hence, casinos do not permit placing bets on both high and low simultaneously.

When to Place a High or Low Bet?

• When Seeking a Simple Betting Option: High and low bets are straightforward and easy to understand, making them a good choice for beginners or players who prefer simplicity. The low bet covers numbers 1-18, and the high bet covers numbers 19-36.
• When Favoring Even Money Payouts: High and low bets pay 1 to 1, meaning you double your bet if you win. This offers a more consistent and less volatile way to play compared to other bets with higher payouts but lower odds.
• When Using a Betting System: High and low bets can be effectively integrated into various betting systems, such as the Martingale or D'Alembert systems, due to their even money payout.
• To Extend Playing Time: If you want to extend your playing time and enjoy the game longer, high and low bets can help manage your bankroll better. The higher probability of winning helps maintain your balance over more spins.
• When Combining with Other Bets: High and low bets can be combined with other bets, such as column, dozen, or color bets, to create a more diversified betting strategy. This can help spread risk and potentially increase your chances of winning on each spin.

Is Low or High Betting Profitable for Roulette?

The payout available for a Low or High bet is even money (1-1).

The win probabilities are as follows:

• European Roulette - 48.65%
• American Roulette - 47.37%

As you would expect with any roulette bet, there is a house edge attached to this type of bet. This is 2.7% for European Roulette and 5.26% for American Roulette.

When it comes to placing a Low or High bet, if you place a £10 bet on high (19-36) and the ball lands on 29, you will win. You will receive £10 winnings, as well as your original £10 bet.

Is there a strategy based on high or low bet at roulette?

There are several strategies that specifically use high or low bets in roulette. These strategies leverage the even money payout of high (19-36) and low (1-18) bets. Here are a few examples:

Martingale Strategy with High/Low Bets

The Martingale strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss to recover previous losses and gain a profit equal to the original bet once you win.

How to Apply:

1. Place an initial bet on either high or low (e.g., $10 on low).
2. If you lose, double your bet on the same high or low option (e.g., $20 on low).
3. Continue doubling your bet after each loss until you win.
4. After a win, return to your original bet amount.

Example:

1. Bet $10 on low (1-18). Lose. (-$10)
2. Bet $20 on low (1-18). Lose. (-$30)
3. Bet $40 on low (1-18). Win. (+$40)
4. Go back to betting $10 on low (1-18).

D'Alembert Strategy with High/Low Bets

The D'Alembert strategy is a more conservative approach than Martingale. It involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win.

How to Apply:

1. Place an initial bet on either high or low (e.g., $10 on high).
2. If you lose, increase your bet by one unit (e.g., $20 on high).
3. If you win, decrease your bet by one unit (e.g., $10 on high).

Example:

1. Bet $10 on high (19-36). Lose. (-$10)
2. Bet $20 on high (19-36). Lose. (-$30)
3. Bet $30 on high (19-36). Win. (+$60)
4. Bet $20 on high (19-36).

Reverse Martingale (Paroli) Strategy with High/Low Bets

The Reverse Martingale strategy, also known as the Paroli strategy, involves doubling your bet after each win to maximize winning streaks.

How to Apply:

1. Place an initial bet on either high or low (e.g., $10 on low).
2. If you win, double your bet (e.g., $20 on low).
3. If you lose, return to your original bet amount.

Example:

1. Bet $10 on low (1-18). Win. (+$20)
2. Bet $20 on low (1-18). Win. (+$40)
3. Bet $40 on low (1-18). Lose. (-$40)
4. Go back to betting $10 on low (1-18).

Fibonacci Strategy with High/Low Bets

The Fibonacci strategy involves betting according to the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. This strategy can be used with high/low bets to manage losses and seek recovery.

How to Apply:

1. Place an initial bet according to the Fibonacci sequence (e.g., $10 on high).
2. If you lose, move to the next number in the sequence (e.g., $10, $20, $30, $50, etc.).
3. If you win, move back two numbers in the sequence.

Example:

1. Bet $10 on high (19-36). Lose. (-$10)
2. Bet $10 on high (19-36). Lose. (-$20)
3. Bet $20 on high (19-36). Lose. (-$40)
4. Bet $30 on high (19-36). Win. (+$60)
5. Move back two numbers in the sequence, bet $10 on high (19-36).

Pros of Low or High Bet:

• It covers a large portion of the roulette wheel’s numbers
• The rules are simple and easy to understand for beginners

Cons of Low or High Bet:

• The payout is lower compared to other roulette bets
• The significant house advantage means you are at a slight disadvantage over the long run

Conclusion

The Low or High bet is a great choice for roulette players who crave simplicity, as well as a broad coverage of numbers. Placing a wager such as this one allows you to preserve your bankroll, with a near-50% chance of winning on every spin.

Check out our selection of the best casinos to play roulette.