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).
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Type
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Description
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Placement
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|---|---|---|
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Outside Bet
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A bet on 12 numbers in any of the vertical lines (columns)
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At the base of the column.
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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.
Some players use the strategy of covering two columns to improve their chances of winning. However, as with all roulette strategies, success is not guaranteed due to this game’s inherent randomness.
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.
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Roulette Version
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Number of Possible Columns Bets
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Odds of Winning
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Payout
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|---|---|---|---|
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European
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3
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1 in 3.08
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2 to 1
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American
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3
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1 in 3.16
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2 to 1
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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.
Check out our collection of the best casinos to play roulette.
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