Roulette Straight-Up Bet

Roulette Straight-Up Bet

Published Date · June 30, 2023 · Last Updated · Aug. 15, 2024 ·Read Time · 5 mins

When it comes to roulette betting, the ‘Straight-Up’ bet certainly holds a position of prominence. It is the simplest, yet riskiest bet you can place - offering the highest payout available in this game.

What is a Straight-Up Bet in Roulette?

A Straight Up bet is an inside bet that sees the player place a wager on a single number on the roulette wheel. By placing a Straight bet, you are essentially betting that the ball will land on that specific number.

Type
Description
Placement
Inside Bet
A bet on a single number
Directly on the number.

How to Play Roulette Using a Straight-Up Bet

Placing a Straight bet in roulette is very straightforward. You simply have to position your chips on the centre of the square of your chosen number on the roulette table. If the ball lands on your chosen number, you will win.

Example of a Straight-Up Bet : There is a slight difference between European roulette and American roulette:

  • European/French Roulette: You can place a straight-up bet on any number from 1 to 36 and 0.
  • American Roulette: You can place a straight-up bet on any number from 1 to 36, 0, and 00.

Is it allowed to bet on all numbers at the same time ? Betting on all numbers at the same time with straight-up bets in roulette is allowed but impractical and guarantees a loss. In European roulette, betting $1 on each of the 37 numbers results in a $1 net loss each spin. In American roulette, betting $1 on each of the 38 numbers results in a $2 net loss each spin. This strategy provides no advantage and ensures you lose money each time due to the house edge. Therefore, while technically permitted, it is highly unprofitable and not recommended.

When to Place a Straight-Up Bet ?

  • When Seeking High Payouts: Straight-up bets offer the highest payout in roulette at 35 to 1. If you are willing to take higher risks for the chance of a substantial win, this bet is appealing.
  • When Feeling Lucky: If you have a favorite number or feel particularly lucky about a specific number, a straight-up bet lets you capitalize on that intuition.
  • When Playing with a Small Stake: If you are playing with a small amount of money and want to maximize the potential return, placing a small straight-up bet can turn a modest stake into a significant win.
  • To Add Excitement: Straight-up bets add a high level of excitement and tension to the game, as the outcome hinges on a single number.
  • When Using a Specific Betting Strategy: Some players incorporate straight-up bets into broader strategies, such as the James Bond strategy, which involves covering various sections of the roulette table, including a straight-up bet.
  • To Complement Other Bets: You can place a straight-up bet alongside other bets to diversify your strategy. For example, you might place a straight-up bet on a single number while also betting on red/black or odd/even to cover more outcomes.

Is Straight Betting Profitable for Roulette?

While a Straight-Up bet offers the biggest win potential in roulette, it is important to remember that that comes with the highest level of risk.

This bet offers the highest payout in a game of roulette - 35-1.

The win probability for this sort of bet is as follows:

  • European Roulette - 2.7%
  • American Roulette - 2.63%

The house advantage also differs, with European Roulette retaining a 2.7% house advantage and American Roulette 5.26%.

When it comes to placing these bets, if you bet £1 on 14 and the ball lands on that number, you will win £35, as well as having your initial £1 stake returned.

Roulette Type
Total Numbers
Probability of Winning a Straight Bet
Payout
American
38
1/38 or 2.63%
35 to 1
European
37
1/37 or 2.70%
35 to 1

Is there a strategy based on Straight-up bet at roulette?

There are strategies that involve straight-up bets in roulette, although they typically carry high risk due to the low probability of winning (1 in 37 for European roulette and 1 in 38 for American roulette). Here are a few strategies that incorporate straight-up bets:

James Bond Strategy

The James Bond strategy involves a combination of different bets, including a straight-up bet, to cover a larger portion of the roulette table. This strategy reduces the risk compared to betting solely on a single number.

How to Apply:

  1. Bet $140 on the high numbers (19-36).
  2. Bet $50 on the numbers 13-18.
  3. Bet $10 on a single number, usually 0.

Example:

  • Bet $140 on 19-36.
  • Bet $50 on 13-18.
  • Bet $10 on 0.
  • If the ball lands on 19-36, you win $80.
  • If the ball lands on 13-18, you win $100.
  • If the ball lands on 0, you win $160.
  • If the ball lands on 1-12, you lose $200.

Straight-Up Progression Strategy

This strategy involves increasing the bet on a single number after each loss to recoup previous losses and aim for a profit.

How to Apply:

  1. Choose a single number to bet on.
  2. Place an initial bet on that number (e.g., $1 on 17).
  3. If you lose, increase your next bet according to a progression system (e.g., doubling or using the Fibonacci sequence).
  4. Continue until you win, then restart the sequence.

Example:

  1. Bet $1 on 17. Lose. (-$1)
  2. Bet $2 on 17. Lose. (-$3)
  3. Bet $4 on 17. Lose. (-$7)
  4. Bet $8 on 17. Win. (+$280)
  5. Return to the initial bet of $1.

Targeting Hot Numbers

This strategy is based on the belief that certain numbers appear more frequently over a short period, known as "hot" numbers. Players place straight-up bets on these numbers.

How to Apply:

  1. Track the outcomes of several spins to identify hot numbers.
  2. Place straight-up bets on the identified hot numbers.
  3. Adjust bets based on continuing outcomes and tracking.

Example:

  • After observing several spins, you notice that the number 7 has appeared more frequently.
  • Place a straight-up bet on 7 for subsequent spins.
  • If the number continues to hit, you continue betting on it.

Pros of a Straight-Up Bet:

  • Highest potential payout in roulette
  • Simple to understand and place

Cons of a Straight-Up Bet:

  • Highest level of risk
  • The house advantage is relatively high, especially in American Roulette

Conclusion

A Straight-Up bet is the most exciting betting option available in the game of roulette, offering players the exciting payout of 35-1. As you might expect with a bet covering just a single number of the wheel, it comes with a fair degree of risk, with only a 2.7% win percentage in European Roulette. This sort of bet is widely used in broader roulette strategies that will cover a larger portion of the wheel.

You can test out this bet at the best casinos to play roulette.

Author

Tim Williams

Gambling Consultant