Roulette looks complicated until you see the table as a menu. Every bet covers a set of numbers, and the more numbers you cover, the smaller the payout. Here’s how the main bets work on a European (single-zero) wheel.
The wheel
A European wheel has 37 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. An American wheel adds a second zero, which is why European tables are the better choice. Each spin is independent, so past results don’t change the next one.
Inside bets
Inside bets cover one number or a small group of numbers on the main grid:
| Bet | Numbers covered | Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 |
| Six line | 6 | 5:1 |
Outside bets
Outside bets cover larger groups around the edge of the table:
| Bet | Numbers covered | Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Dozen (1 to 12, 13 to 24, 25 to 36) | 12 | 2:1 |
| Column | 12 | 2:1 |
| Red or black | 18 | 1:1 |
| Odd or even | 18 | 1:1 |
| High or low (1 to 18, 19 to 36) | 18 | 1:1 |
The house edge
On a European wheel the house edge is 2.70% on every bet, because the zero is the only thing the house keeps. On an American wheel with two zeros it’s 5.26%. Some tables offer “la partage”, which returns half of an even-money bet when the ball lands on zero, cutting the edge on those bets to 1.35%.
Why betting systems don’t beat it
Systems that raise your stake after a loss can’t change the odds, because each spin is independent and every bet carries the same house edge. They just change how quickly you can lose.
The twist: multiplier roulette
Games like Lightning Roulette add random multipliers to certain numbers. The price is lower base payouts: a straight-up bet pays 29:1 instead of 35:1 when the number isn’t a Lucky Number.
Tips for playing
- Pick a single-zero table where you can.
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start.
- Treat roulette as entertainment, and walk away when your limit is reached.
For where to play and how to check a licence, see our guide to the best live casino experiences in 2027.