Online roulette: rules, bets and odds
In short
In roulette you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. European roulette has 37 pockets, zero to 36, and a single number pays 35 to 1. The house edge on European roulette is 2.70%, lower than on the American version.
European or American
European roulette has a single zero, 37 pockets in total. American roulette adds a double zero, 38 in total. That extra pocket raises the house edge from 2.70% to about 5.26%, so the European version is the better choice for the player.
Bets and payouts
Bets on numbers are called inside bets, and bets on groups are called outside bets:
- Straight up (single number): pays 35 to 1.
- Split (two numbers): 17 to 1.
- Red or black, odd or even, high or low: evens (1 to 1).
- Dozen or column: 2 to 1.
What the chances are
In European roulette the chance of hitting a single number is 1 in 37, about 2.7%. A bet on red has 18 chances in 37, about 48.6%, not 50%, because of the zero.
Myths
No betting system guarantees a profit. Every spin is independent, and the wheel does not remember what came up before. Set a budget in advance and treat roulette as entertainment.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play roulette?
Choose your stake, place it on a number or a group of numbers, and the dealer spins the wheel. If the ball lands on your pick, you are paid according to the bet type.
What is the difference between European and American roulette?
European has one zero, American adds a double zero. So the house edge is lower on European roulette: 2.70% against about 5.26%.
What does a single number pay?
35 to 1. A stake of 10 wins 350, and you also get your 10 back.
Is there live roulette?
Yes, roulette with a real dealer on a live stream. Ashbet has live dealer roulette tables.
Want to see how it looks on Ashbet?
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These guides are general information, not financial or legal advice. Gambling is for adults aged 21 and over only, subject to the law and availability where you live. Please gamble responsibly.