At Fruity King NZ, we recognise that many enjoy the iconic game roulette, so we have created this informative guide to roulette odds to provide all pertinent information you may need whilst taking a chance at the wheel.
We shall cover all possible odds, explain the different types of roulette bets you can make and cover the different versions of Roulette. Hence, you are in no doubt which game you would prefer to play when it’s time to place your bets.
Table of Contents
American Roulette v European Roulette
Although we have mentioned only two versions of roulette above, three major versions of the game, American, European and French, are available. The differences between all three are smaller but big enough to classify each as a different roulette version.
Today we will look at the differences between American and European Roulette, as these two versions have the biggest differences. The French Roulette game has a couple of extra bets you can make. Still, everything else is the same as its European counterpart, as the layout is the same as European Roulette. You will enjoy the same payouts on all inside bets.
Two additional rules in French Roulette allow you to win some of your bet back if the ball lands at zero (whilst you are betting on even-money bets). The additional rules in French Roulette reduce the house edge in half to around 1.35%.
But today, we are going to take a look at the differences between American and European Roulette.
American Roulette
The American version of roulette features a single zero and a double zero, which tips the odds in favour of the house (giving the house a bigger “house edge”). There is a bet where you can take out a Five Number Bet and choose the single or double zero as part of the bet (or both). Still, the double zero is generally considered bad news for players.
European Roulette
The numbers on a European roulette wheel are placed differently, as there is no double zero pocket. Instead, there is only a single zero. Even if this appears quite insignificant, it does matter a lot for your overall odds once you understand how they are affected by an extra double zero.
The Advantages of a Single Zero
Roulette payouts are fixed, and there are many betting options. European Roulette has favourable odds compared to most other versions of the game.
The house edge in the European version is 2.70%, as it pays 35:1 on a straight-up bet. In total, the wheel has 37 numbers.
On average, the house edge in American Roulette is 5.40%. Although some players do enjoy the American version, there is no strategic reason why you should. However, in some land-based casinos, only American Roulette is offered.
The Different Types of Roulette Bets
As we mentioned, there are quite a few different types of roulette bets that you can make. However, many players use special dates like birthdays or other celebrations for their roulette bets.
Outside Bets
These are bets made on the perimeter of the roulette table. You can bet on groups of numbers or colours instead of choosing a specific number.
- Red or Black – This is where you will bet whether a red or black number will win. It’s an even money bet (1:1), but because of the zero pockets, the odds are less than 50/50. The words “red” and “black” are marked on the table.
- Odds or Evens is where you bet on whether the roulette ball will select an even or odd number. The words “even” and “odd” are marked on the table. Even though this is also an even money bet, the house still takes its house edge due to the 0 and 00.
- High or Low – You will bet on whether the number selected will fall within 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Again these are even money bets.
- Columns – Three columns of twelve numbers cover the longest side of the roulette table; this is where you will place your bets. Column 1 covers the numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34. Column 2 covers the numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35. Column 3 covers the numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, ad 36.
Each Column bet pays out double your bet, or 2:1.
Dozens
This bet covers a Dozen numbers, but in order.
- 1st Dozen – covers the ball landing on numbers 1-12
- 2nd Dozen – covers the ball, landing on numbers 13-24
- 3rd Dozen – covers the ball, landing on numbers 25-36
Each Dozen pays out at 2:1.
Inside Bets
The inside bets are those made from inside the rectangle, where you will find the numbers. Again there are a few different inside bets you can make.
Straight Up
A straight-up is a bet made on any number – if the ball lands in the right pocket, you win. If it doesn’t, you lose.
Split
A split-up is the opposite of a straight bet. With a Split, instead of betting on a number, you place your bet on a line that separates two numbers, and if either number comes up, you win.
Street
A Street is a bet made on any number within a row of three numbers. For example;
- 1, 2, or three
- 4, 5, or six
- 7, 8, or nine
Of course, the numbers can be higher too, like 34, 35, or thirty-six.
If the balls land on any number within the trio, you win at odds of 11:1.
Corner
A Corner bet covers one of four numbers that touch to form a square. For example;
- 2, 3, 5, and six
- 16, 17, 19, and 20
- 29, 30, 32, and 33
Corner bets payout at 8:1.
Line
Similar to Street bets, but in this case, you cover two rows of three numbers. For example;
- 1-6
- 4-9
- 7-12
- 13-18
Numbers must be on two consecutive rows and wins payout at 5:1.
Five Number Bet
A five-number bet is made on the group of numbers – 0, 00, 1, 2, and three. The payout for this bet is 6:1. The odds of winning are very poor at only 13.16% probability, and it is sometimes called a “top line” bet.
Basket
The bet is made on the numbers 0, 1, 2, and three and pays out at 6:1.
Snake Bet
This bet covers the numbers 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and thirty-four. It’s a unique bet as the pattern of numbers resembles a snake’s shape.
Call Bets
You only get Call bets at European and French Roulette tables, so they will only be available at some games. Call bets differ in how they are ‘announced’ or ‘called out’ by the bettor; they do not put chips on the table.
Voisins du Zero
Translated to ‘neighbours of zero’, this bet covers those numbers closest to the single zero (seventeen numbers that lie between and include 22 and 25. Therefore, the numbers are 19, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4,21, 2, and twenty-five.
You must wager a minimum of nine chips and place them on the 0, 2, 3 trios, one of the 4/7 split, one on the 12/15, one of the 18/21, one on the 19/22, two on 25/26/28 and 29 corners, and one on the 32/35.
Jeu Zero
Jeu Zero translates to ‘zero game’, and you are playing for the numbers closest to the single zero ( 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and fifteen).
Jeu Zero requires you to play with four chips. Three chips are placed on splits (0/3, 12/15, 32/35), and one chip is then straight up (26).
Often offered as a five-piece bet, it also has a variation called ‘zero spiel naca’, which includes an additional bet (a straight-up) placed on number nineteen.
Two other bets called Tiers du Cylindres (‘thrids of the wheel’ and Orphelins ( which is a bet that makes up the two slices of the wheel outside of the Tiers and Voisins bets) are also available. Still, it is always wise for new players to understand all rules before moving to more complex betting patterns.
Conclusion
Roulette is a fascinating game, and we hope that after reading these pages on the betting options, you can confidently try a game or two for yourself. Please keep this betting guide close to you for reference.
