Article
Roulette Bets: Payouts & True Probabilities
A compact reference for standard roulette bets on single-zero and double-zero wheels.
Quick answer
Roulette payout ratios stay the same across common European and American wheels, but win probabilities change because the American wheel has an extra 00 pocket.
Standard bet table
| Bet | Numbers covered | Payout | Win probability EU (37) | Win probability US (38) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 | 35:1 | 2.7027% | 2.6316% |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 5.4054% | 5.2632% |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 8.1081% | 7.8947% |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 10.8108% | 10.5263% |
| Six line | 6 | 5:1 | 16.2162% | 15.7895% |
| Dozen/column | 12 | 2:1 | 32.4324% | 31.5789% |
| Even money | 18 | 1:1 | 48.6486% | 47.3684% |
Same edge, different volatility
On a standard single-zero wheel, these standard wagers share the same 2.70% edge. The difference is how often they win and the size of the payout.
American basket exception
The five-number 0-00-1-2-3 basket on a double-zero wheel has a higher edge than ordinary American roulette bets and should be evaluated separately.
Probability is not prediction
A 1-in-37 straight-up probability does not imply that a number becomes “due” after 36 misses.
Sources
Related reading
Responsible gambling: Gambling involves financial risk. Never chase losses or gamble with money needed for essentials. Eligibility and legal age vary by jurisdiction.