Roulette Odds and Payouts ChartProbability, True Odds, House Edge and Expected Value Without Betting-System Claims
Direct answer: roulette odds depend on how many pockets your bet covers. European roulette has 37 pockets, so a straight-up bet has a 1/37 chance and pays 35:1 instead of the true 36:1. That missing unit creates a 2.70% house edge. American roulette adds 00, creating a 5.26% standard house edge.
Probability tells how often a bet can win in theory. Payout tells what a winning bet returns. Expected value estimates long-run average cost, not what will happen next. No chart, calculator, outside bet, lower-edge table, La Partage rule or betting system predicts the next spin.
Roulette odds, payouts and house edge in one screen
Direct answer: a roulette bet's probability is the number of pockets it covers divided by the total pockets on the wheel. The posted payout is lower than true odds because zero pockets are included in the wheel but not included in most winning outcomes. That difference is the house edge.
Roulette odds check = wheel pockets → numbers covered → posted payout → true odds → house edge → expected value → table-specific rules → stop-signal check.This page is educational. The Playbook USA may earn commissions from destination pages elsewhere on the site, but this roulette odds page does not rank casinos, link to operator signup pages or recommend real-money play.
How to read roulette odds, payouts, true odds and expected value
Use these four terms before comparing any roulette bet. They answer different questions.
| Term | Plain meaning | Example | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probability | How often the bet can win in theory. | Straight up on European roulette: 1/37 = 2.70%. | That a low probability bet is due. |
| Posted payout | How much profit a winning bet pays before the original stake is returned. | Straight up usually pays 35:1. | That a higher payout is better value. |
| True odds | Losing outcomes compared with winning outcomes. | European straight up has true odds of 36:1 but pays 35:1. | That posted payout equals true odds. |
| House edge | The long-run mathematical advantage built into the table. | European roulette usually has a 2.70% standard house edge. | That lower edge means safe or profitable. |
| Expected value | The long-run average result under listed assumptions. | A $10 European even-money bet has about -$0.27 average cost. | That one session will match the average. |
Roulette payout, probability and average-cost calculator
This educational calculator compares a selected roulette bet's coverage, hit probability, posted payout, house edge and long-run average cost estimate. It does not predict the next spin, recommend a stake or make any betting pattern profitable.
Roulette odds and payout chart
This chart uses standard posted payouts. Table-specific rules can differ, especially for special bets, French rules and triple-zero variants. Always check the table help screen or posted rules before relying on a payout.
| Bet type | Numbers covered | Posted payout | European probability | American probability | Triple-zero probability | Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 35:1 | 1/37 = 2.70% | 1/38 = 2.63% | 1/39 = 2.56% | Highest common payout, lowest common hit probability. |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 2/37 = 5.41% | 2/38 = 5.26% | 2/39 = 5.13% | Covers two adjacent numbers; still below true odds because of zero pockets. |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 3/37 = 8.11% | 3/38 = 7.89% | 3/39 = 7.69% | More coverage means lower payout; not better odds. |
| Trio | 3 | 11:1 | 3/37 = 8.11% | Table-specific | Table-specific | Zero-adjacent special bet availability depends on layout. |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 4/37 = 10.81% | 4/38 = 10.53% | 4/39 = 10.26% | Check table-specific placement and limits. |
| First four | 4 | 8:1 | 4/37 = 10.81% | Not standard | Not standard | Single-zero special bet; verify availability. |
| Six line | 6 | 5:1 | 6/37 = 16.22% | 6/38 = 15.79% | 6/39 = 15.38% | Higher hit probability than smaller inside bets, still negative EV. |
| Dozen | 12 | 2:1 | 12/37 = 32.43% | 12/38 = 31.58% | 12/39 = 30.77% | Zero pockets still lose unless a specific table rule says otherwise. |
| Column | 12 | 2:1 | 12/37 = 32.43% | 12/38 = 31.58% | 12/39 = 30.77% | Table column placement does not predict wheel sections. |
| Red / black | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 = 48.65% | 18/38 = 47.37% | 18/39 = 46.15% | Highest common hit frequency, not safe or positive-EV. |
| Odd / even | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 = 48.65% | 18/38 = 47.37% | 18/39 = 46.15% | Zero pockets are neither odd nor even. |
| High / low | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 = 48.65% | 18/38 = 47.37% | 18/39 = 46.15% | Zero pockets are outside 1-18 and 19-36. |
| Top line / first five | 5 | Often 6:1 | Not standard | 5/38 = 13.16% | Not standard | Usually worse than standard American roulette house edge; verify table rules. |
Inside vs outside bets: payout and risk difference
| Category | Common bets | Coverage | Typical payout range | Useful interpretation | Unsafe assumption to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside bets | Straight up, split, street, trio, corner, first four, six line | 1-6 numbers | 35:1 to 5:1 | Lower hit probability, higher posted payout. | That higher payout means better value. |
| Outside bets | Dozen, column, red/black, odd/even, high/low | 12-18 numbers | 2:1 to 1:1 | Higher hit probability, lower posted payout. | That more likely to hit means safe or profitable. |
| Special bets | Top line / first five, call bets, neighbor bets, announced bets | Varies by layout | Table-specific | Must be checked against the exact table rules. | That every roulette layout supports the same bet list. |
Roulette house edge by wheel type
Extra zero pockets increase the house edge because standard payouts do not increase to compensate for the additional losing outcomes.
| Wheel / rule type | Pockets | Standard house edge | $100 average cost estimate | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette | 37 | 2.70% | $2.70 | Lower than American, but not safe or positive-EV. |
| American roulette | 38 | 5.26% | $5.26 | The 00 pocket increases the cost of standard bets. |
| French roulette with La Partage if applied | Usually 37 | 2.70%; 1.35% on qualifying even-money bets if La Partage applies | $2.70 standard; $1.35 on eligible even-money bets if rule applies | Only exact table wording proves whether La Partage applies. |
| Triple-zero roulette | 39 | 7.69% | $7.69 | Extra-zero variants can be more expensive even when the layout feels familiar. |
| American top line / first five special bet | 38 | About 7.89% if 5-number bet pays 6:1 | $7.89 | Special-bet math can be worse than the wheel's standard edge. |
French roulette, La Partage and En Prison odds
French roulette is usually single-zero, but the value of a French-labeled table depends on the exact zero rule. Do not assume every French table has La Partage or En Prison.
| Rule | Applies to | What happens on zero | Math effect | Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No special zero rule | Standard single-zero roulette | Even-money bets lose. | 2.70% house edge. | Same standard edge as European roulette. |
| La Partage | Eligible even-money bets only if stated | Usually half the even-money stake is returned. | Can reduce eligible even-money edge to 1.35%. | Does not apply to inside bets, dozens, columns or every French table. |
| En Prison | Eligible even-money bets only if stated | The bet may be held for a later spin under table-specific rules. | Can reduce long-run cost on eligible even-money bets depending on wording. | Second-zero handling and release rules must be checked on the exact table. |
True odds vs posted payout: why 35:1 is not 36:1
Worked example: a European straight-up bet covers 1 pocket and loses on the other 36 pockets. That means true odds are 36:1. The posted payout is usually 35:1, so the missing payout unit is where the standard 2.70% house edge comes from.
European straight up: true odds = 36 losing pockets : 1 winning pocket. Posted payout = 35:1. Difference = 1/37 = 2.70% house edge.| Bet | European true odds | Posted payout | What creates the edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 36:1 | 35:1 | The zero pocket is paid below true odds. |
| Split | 35:2, or 17.5:1 | 17:1 | The posted payout is rounded below true odds. |
| Even-money | 19:18 | 1:1 | The zero pocket loses under standard rules. |
Expected value examples
Expected value is a long-run average under listed assumptions. It does not forecast one spin, one session or one user's personal result.
| Example | Formula | Average cost estimate | Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| European even-money bet | ($10 x 18/37) - ($10 x 19/37) | -$0.27 | Long-run math only, not a next-spin prediction. |
| American even-money bet | ($10 x 18/38) - ($10 x 20/38) | -$0.53 | The 00 pocket increases average cost. |
| French La Partage even-money bet if rule applies | ($10 x 18/37) - ($10 x 18/37) - ($5 x 1/37) | -$0.14 | Only eligible even-money bets, only if the exact table applies La Partage. |
| American top line / first five if 6:1 payout applies | ($10 x 6 x 5/38) - ($10 x 33/38) | -$0.79 | Special bets can have worse math than standard bets. |
Special roulette bets that need table-specific checking
| Bet | Where it appears | Typical payout | Probability | Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trio | Single-zero layouts near zero | 11:1 | 3/37 = 8.11% | Zero-adjacent rules and naming can vary. |
| First four | Single-zero layouts: 0, 1, 2, 3 | 8:1 | 4/37 = 10.81% | Not the same as American first five. |
| Top line / first five | American roulette: 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 | Often 6:1 | 5/38 = 13.16% | Often worse house edge than standard American bets. |
| Call / announced bets | Usually live-table or French-style layouts if offered | Depends on component chips | Depends on numbers covered | Requires exact table rules, chip placement and minimums. |
What roulette odds charts and calculators do not change
| Signal | Do not assume | Safer interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Outside bet has high hit probability | It is safe or profitable. | It hits more often and pays less; zero pockets keep the house edge. |
| Straight-up pays 35:1 | It is better value because payout is high. | High payout reflects low hit probability. |
| European edge is lower than American | European roulette is safe or profitable. | Lower edge is still negative expected value under standard rules. |
| La Partage reduces even-money edge | It applies to every bet or every French table. | Only exact table wording proves eligibility. |
| Calculator shows expected value | The next session will match the estimate. | EV is long-run math, not a personal forecast. |
| Martingale / Fibonacci / D'Alembert / Labouchere changes stake size | The system changes odds or removes the edge. | Systems change exposure, not wheel probability. |
| Practice mode sequence succeeds | Real-money outcomes will match the demo. | Practice can teach layout and payout rules only. |
| Bonus terms include roulette | Roulette is fully eligible or safer with a bonus. | Check contribution rate, max bet, excluded games, expiry and cashout cap. |
Source snapshot for roulette odds, payouts and probability claims
Use sources to support rule clarity, payout checks, probability boundaries, demo limits, RNG/math context and responsible-gambling routing. These sources do not prove that a specific roulette table is legal, safe, available, bonus-eligible, predictable or suitable for a user.
| Source | Source owner | Checked | What it proves | What it does not prove | Safest use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roulette probability formulas used on this page | The Playbook USA calculation from visible wheel pockets, numbers covered and posted payouts | July 8, 2026 | The displayed probability and EV examples follow from pockets, coverage and posted payout assumptions. | That every table, operator or game version uses identical rules. | Use as transparent math, then verify the exact table rules. |
| Operator roulette game information panel | Operator / game provider | July 8, 2026 | The visible table variant, payout table, limits, special bets, live/RNG format and rules for that session. | Universal legality, safety, payout reliability, bonus eligibility or the same rules at another table. | Use as session-specific rule evidence before considering real-money action. |
| Operator bonus / promotion terms | Operator or promotion owner | July 8, 2026 | Roulette contribution, exclusions, max bet, cashout cap, expiry and wagering restrictions if stated. | Positive value, safer play, payout approval or tax treatment. | Use before treating roulette as bonus-eligible. |
| Applicable state regulator / official product page | State gaming regulator, lottery/gaming commission or official state source | July 8, 2026 | Whether an official state source lists legal market/product status, license context or complaint/support routes. | That a specific roulette table is offered, bonus-eligible, safe or suitable. | Use before treating a real-money roulette route as relevant to a U.S. user. |
| Maryland Standard Table Game Rules | Maryland Lottery and Gaming | July 8, 2026 | A state gaming source can publish approved table-game rules and notes that individual facilities may have variations. | That every facility, operator, online table or state uses the same roulette variation. | Use to support exact-table-rule checks. |
| Posted table rules or in-game rules panel | Casino, operator or game studio | July 8, 2026 | Wheel type, table limits, zero rules, betting rules and displayed roulette conditions for the exact table or game. | Profit, legal availability, payout approval, account suitability or safer play. | Use before relying on any roulette rules, payout, variant or strategy claim. |
| Exact side-bet paytable or rules panel | Operator or game provider | July 8, 2026 | Side-bet, special-bet, call-bet or layout-specific payout detail when those bets are discussed. | That a side bet is good value, protective, safer than the main game or bonus-compatible. | Use only for side-bet context, not proof of safer play. |
| Approved internal roulette math model or published rule-matched math source | The Playbook USA editorial model or published rule-matched math source | July 8, 2026 | House-edge, payout, probability or exposure assumptions where roulette math is discussed. | Session prediction, profit guarantee, legal permission, payout approval or safe play. | Use only when the assumptions match the table rules and wheel type. |
| GLI game mathematics / | Gaming Laboratories International | July 8, 2026 | Game mathematics can be evaluated or simulated using payout-table data and theoretical RTP analysis. | That a specific roulette table is legal, certified, profitable or safe for a user. | Use for house-edge and long-run math boundaries. |
| GLI random number generator testing | Gaming Laboratories International | July 8, 2026 | RNG testing can include non-predictability, distribution and bias checks for iGaming systems. | That a generic article, demo, operator page or visible result history equals verified certification. | Use to separate certified RNG testing from public pattern claims. |
| NCPG 1-800-MY-RESET and chat | National Council on Problem Gambling | July 8, 2026 | Call/text 1-800-MY-RESET and NCPG chat are gambling-support routes. | Game odds, table legality, payout reliability, legal advice, tax advice or gambling control. | Use if roulette math, systems, losses or repeated deposits become hard to control. |
Where to go next by roulette question
Use these routes only after the odds and payouts are clear. They are not casino recommendations, legal approval, payout guarantees or advice to play.
| Question | Use this route | Why | Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| You need basic roulette rules first | Roulette rules | Rules page owns wheel, table layout, inside/outside bets and round flow. | Rules do not predict the next spin. |
| You are comparing single-zero and double-zero roulette | European vs American roulette | Variant page owns zero-pocket and house-edge differences. | A lower-edge variant is not safe or profitable. |
| You need French roulette details | French roulette and La Partage | French route owns La Partage, En Prison and table-wording differences. | A French label does not prove every favorable rule applies. |
| You want to compare roulette bet types | Roulette bets by probability and house edge | Bet comparison route owns best for understanding probability, not best to win. | No standard roulette bet is safe or positive-EV. |
| You want to compare mini roulette math | Mini vs standard roulette | Mini route owns 13-pocket wheel, 11:1 payout and 7.69% common-edge comparison. | Simpler layout does not mean safer or better value. |
| You are checking betting systems | Martingale system risk | System page owns progression exposure and table-limit risk. | Systems change exposure, not odds. |
| You want to practice layout | Practice roulette for rules, not predictions | Practice route owns demo limits and table-layout learning. | Practice results do not forecast real-money results. |
| You are checking bonus terms | Casino bonus terms | Bonus pages own wagering, contribution rates, max bets, exclusions and cashout caps. | A bonus does not make roulette safer or profitable. |
| You are checking real-money availability | State guides | State pages own legal/product availability, age, tax and support context. | Roulette odds do not prove legal access. |
| Odds, systems or losses create pressure | Responsible gambling support | Responsible route owns support and control boundaries. | Support route is not payout, tax or legal advice. |
Roulette odds and payouts FAQ
What are roulette odds?
Roulette odds describe the chance that a selected bet wins. The probability is the number of pockets covered by the bet divided by the total number of pockets on the wheel.
What is the roulette house edge?
The house edge is the long-run mathematical advantage created by the zero pocket or pockets and the posted payout table. European roulette is usually 2.70%, American roulette is usually 5.26%, and triple-zero roulette is usually 7.69% on standard payouts.
What is a roulette payout?
A roulette payout is the profit a winning bet pays before the original stake is returned. A straight-up bet usually pays 35:1, meaning a $10 winning bet pays $350 profit plus the original $10 stake.
What are the odds of hitting a straight-up roulette bet?
A straight-up bet covers one number. The probability is 1/37 on European roulette, 1/38 on American roulette and 1/39 on triple-zero roulette.
Why does a 35:1 roulette payout still have a house edge?
On European roulette, a straight-up bet has true odds of 36:1 but usually pays 35:1. That difference creates the 2.70% house edge.
What roulette bet has the highest hit probability?
Standard even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even and high/low cover 18 numbers. They have the highest common hit probability, but they still have a house edge.
Are outside roulette bets safer than inside bets?
No roulette bet is safe. Outside bets hit more often and pay less, but zero pockets still create negative expected value.
Do all roulette bets have the same house edge?
Most standard bets on the same wheel type share the same house edge. Special bets such as American top line / first five can have a different and often worse house edge.
What is the difference between European and American roulette odds?
European roulette has 37 pockets and a standard 2.70% house edge. American roulette has 38 pockets because it adds 00, raising the standard house edge to 5.26%.
What does La Partage do to roulette odds?
La Partage can reduce the house edge on eligible even-money bets if zero lands by returning half the stake. It does not apply to every bet or every French-labeled table.
What does En Prison do to roulette odds?
En Prison can hold an eligible even-money bet after zero lands under table-specific rules. The exact odds effect depends on the table wording, especially what happens if zero appears again.
What is the top line roulette bet?
The top line, or first five, is an American roulette special bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. If it pays 6:1, it usually has a worse house edge than standard American roulette bets.
What is expected value in roulette?
Expected value is the long-run average result of a bet under listed assumptions. It is useful for comparing math, but it does not predict one spin or one session.
Can a betting system change roulette odds?
No. Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alembert and Labouchere change stake size patterns, not wheel probability, payout tables or house edge.
Does practice roulette prove the odds?
No. Practice roulette can teach layout, bet placement and payout rules, but demo results do not forecast real-money outcomes.
Does roulette count toward casino bonus wagering?
Sometimes, but roulette may be excluded, contribute less or be subject to max-bet restrictions. Check eligible games, contribution percentage, max bet, expiry and cashout cap.
Is online roulette available in every U.S. state?
No. Real-money roulette availability depends on state law, operator product type, account eligibility and current operator terms. A rules page, demo or odds chart does not prove legal access.
When should I stop using roulette odds charts or calculators?
Stop if odds, systems, losses, near-misses, repeated deposits, secrecy, debt or urgency make it difficult to leave the table or close the app.
Update notes
- : Reframed the page as a complete roulette odds and payouts decision article. Added answer-first hero, odds vocabulary decoder, expanded calculator, complete odds chart, house-edge matrix, true-odds worked example, EV examples, special-bet matrix, French-rule boundaries, source snapshot, visible FAQ, schema updates and responsible-gambling routing.
- : Published the roulette odds and payouts guide.