Roulette Betting and Odds

Roulette Betting and Odds

Anyone of betting age can play roulette, either at a land-based casino or online. It takes just seconds to pick up the basics and you can start playing with modest sums of money.

If you’re hoping to chase a major cash prize it’s going to take a little more time and effort – and of course, it all comes down to luck in the end. But this is a game that offers all sorts of ways of improving your luck, letting you play at the level you prefer.

You’ll hear talk of ‘inside bets and ‘outside bets’, so here’s an explanation of how they work. If you’re just starting out with Online Roulette it’s best to stick to outside bets. The wins aren’t as big, but you stand greater chances of a win. And of course, only ever bet what you can comfortably afford to lose!

Inside Bets and Odds

The wagering table contains the numbers 1-36 as well as 0 for European Roulette and 00 for American Roulette. Placing your chips on one or more of those numbers counts as an inside bet. Chips can be placed completely on a number, or on parts of the lines surrounding one or more numbers, increasing the winning odds slightly

A Straight Bet is placed on the roulette ball landing on a specific number. The chances of this happening are one in 36, giving around a 2% chance of landing a win. But this is where the biggest payouts are to be found with a 36:1 return on your stake.

A Split Bet covers two numbers on the roulette wagering table, with a 17:1 payout ratio. The chances of winning with this combination are higher at around 6%

Street Bets and Corner Bets cover three and four numbers on the Online Roulette wheel respectively. Now the payout ratio starts to creep towards double figures, as do the percentage chances of winning.

Outside Bets and Odds

When you place an Outside Bet on roulette you greatly increase your chances of winning, so not surprisingly the odds drop dramatically. Pick one of the categories shown on the wagering table, and the likelihood that you’ll be correct can be as high is 50/50.

Choose Red or Black for a 1:1 payout against your wager. Picking Odd or Even numbers offers the same winning chances and returns. And there’s also a 1:1 return for guessing correctly with Low (1-18) or High (19-36) numbers.

Increase the odds by picking one of the three columns of numbers on the wagering table, for 2:1 returns. The same payout ratio is offered for correctly picking a winning column on the grid.

Once you get deeper into the game you’ll find even more options as your knowledge and experience increases.

There’s a Snake Bet, for example, which weaves its way down and across the wagering table, following specific patterns for Red or Black wins. And French Roulette even offers its own special winning combinations for those who thrive on extra choices.