Roulette remains one of the most popular and enduring games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its blend of suspense, variety of betting options, and the simple thrill of watching the ball spin make it a favourite for many. However, the wide array of betting choices can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. Understanding the best bets to make on roulette can help you enjoy the game more and make informed decisions at the wheel.
If you’re exploring different ways to play roulette online, you might also be interested in alternative platforms such as non GamStop gambling sites, which offer additional flexibility for UK players. Regardless of where you play, knowing which bets offer the best balance of risk and reward is essential.
Understanding the Basics: How Roulette Bets Work
Before diving into specific bets, it’s important to understand how roulette works. The game centres around a spinning wheel with numbered pockets (1-36, plus a single zero on European wheels and an additional double zero on American wheels). Players place bets on where they think the ball will land, choosing from a range of options with varying odds and payouts.
Bets in roulette are typically grouped into two main categories:
- Inside Bets: Placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid of the table layout. These offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning.
- Outside Bets: Placed on broader categories such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low. These have lower payouts but higher probabilities of success.
Understanding the difference between these bet types is crucial when deciding how to approach the game.
Best Bets for Beginners: Focusing on Outside Bets
For those new to roulette or anyone seeking a more stable playing experience, outside bets are often the best starting point. These bets cover large sections of the wheel, meaning your chances of winning are significantly higher compared to inside bets.
Even Money Bets
Three main types of outside bets pay even money (1:1):
- Red or Black: Bet on whether the ball lands on a red or black number.
- Odd or Even: Bet on the ball landing on an odd or even number.
- High or Low: Bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
These bets cover 18 numbers each (out of 37 on a European wheel), giving you a win probability of just under 50%. The presence of the zero (and double zero on American wheels) slightly tilts the odds in favour of the house, but these remain the most reliable bets in terms of frequency of wins.
Column and Dozen Bets
If you want to increase your potential payout while still keeping the odds reasonable, consider column or dozen bets. Both of these options pay 2:1 and cover 12 numbers each:
- Column Bets: Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the table layout.
- Dozen Bets: Bet on one of three groups of twelve numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
With a 32.4% chance of winning on a European wheel, these bets offer a solid middle ground between risk and reward.
Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Higher Reward
Inside bets are more volatile but can be appealing for players chasing bigger payouts. These bets are placed on specific numbers or tight groups of numbers.
Straight Up Bet
A straight up bet is placed on a single number. This is the riskiest standard bet, with a payout of 35:1. The odds of hitting a single number on a European wheel are 1 in 37 (2.7%), making it an exciting but unlikely win. Some players enjoy making occasional straight up bets for the thrill and the potential for a significant payout.
Split, Street, and Corner Bets
Other inside bets allow you to cover small groups of numbers:
- Split Bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them. Pays 17:1.
- Street Bet: Bet on a row of three numbers by placing your chip at the end of the row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner Bet: Bet on a block of four numbers by placing your chip at the intersection. Pays 8:1.
These bets offer better chances of winning than a straight up bet, while still providing attractive payouts. They’re often favoured by players who want to maintain some excitement without going all-in on a single number.
European vs. American Roulette: Why Wheel Choice Matters
One of the most important considerations when placing bets on roulette is the type of wheel you’re playing on. European roulette has a single zero, while American roulette has both a single and a double zero. This small difference has a significant impact on the house edge:
- European Roulette: House edge of 2.7%.
- American Roulette: House edge of 5.26%.
Whenever possible, choose European roulette. The lower house edge means that all bets-especially even money and 2:1 bets-are more favourable for the player.
Special Bets: En Prison and La Partage
Some European roulette tables, particularly in French casinos or high-end online platforms, offer special rules that can further improve your chances on even money bets:
- En Prison: If you place an even money bet and the ball lands on zero, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin rather than lost. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your stake back.
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you get half your even money bet back.
Both rules reduce the house edge on even money bets to around 1.35%, making them some of the best bets available in any casino. If you come across a table with these rules, it’s worth taking advantage of them.
Betting Strategies: Do They Improve Your Chances?
Many players use betting systems such as the Martingale, Fibonacci, or Labouchere when playing roulette. These systems involve adjusting your bet size based on wins or losses. It’s important to understand that no betting system can overcome the house edge in the long run, as each spin is independent and random.
However, using a structured system can help you manage your bankroll and add an extra layer of engagement to your play. If you choose to use a strategy, do so with a clear understanding of its limitations and always set limits for yourself.
Practical Tips for Placing the Best Bets
Choosing the best bets on roulette depends on your goals and your appetite for risk. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your experience:
- Start with outside bets if you’re looking for consistent wins and a slower pace of play.
- Mix in inside bets if you want a chance at bigger payouts, but keep these as a smaller portion of your overall strategy.
- Seek out European roulette tables whenever possible to benefit from the lower house edge.
- Look for tables with En Prison or La Partage rules, especially if you prefer even money bets.
- Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, regardless of your results.
- Don’t chase losses or rely on betting systems to guarantee a win.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the game and make informed decisions about which bets suit your style and goals.
Roulette Variations: Exploring Different Game Types
While European and American roulette are the most common, there are several other variants you may encounter, especially online. These include:
- French Roulette: Similar to European roulette but with En Prison and La Partage rules as standard.
- Mini Roulette: A smaller wheel with fewer numbers, changing the odds and payouts.
- Multi-Wheel Roulette: Allows you to bet on multiple wheels at once, increasing the pace but also the risk.
Each variant has its own unique features and bet types, so it’s worth exploring different options to find what you enjoy most.
Online Roulette: User Experience and Mobile Play
Online casinos have made roulette more accessible than ever. Most reputable platforms offer a range of roulette games with clear interfaces, smooth graphics, and options for both live dealer and RNG-based play. Mobile compatibility is now standard, so you can