Roulette Bet Types: Odds and Probabilities
As we explained above, the odds and probabilities of each bet type will differ depending on the variant of roulette you are playing. One of the key differences between the three main variants is the number of zeros that are included on the wheel.
| Bet | Odds (single zero version) | Odds (double zero version) | How to calculate (single zero) | How to calculate (double zero) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 2.70% | 2.60% | 1:36 | 1:37 |
| Split | 5.40% | 5.30% | 2:35 | 2:36 |
| Street | 8.10% | 7.90% | 3:34 | 3:35 |
| Corner | 10.80% | 10.50% | 4:37 | 4:34 |
| Basket | - | 13.20% | - | 5:33 |
| Six Line | 16.20% | 15.80% | 6:31 | 6:32 |
| Column | 32.40% | 31.60% | 12:25 | 12:26 |
| Dozen | 32.40% | 31.60% | 12:25 | 12:26 |
| Even/Odd | 48.60% | 47.40% | 18:19 | 18:20 |
| Red/Black | 48.60% | 47.40% | 18:19 | 18:20 |
| High/Low | 48.60% | 47.40% | 18:19 | 18:20 |
Based on this table, you can see that the betting options in Single Zero Roulette offer higher probabilities than its American counterpart roullette. The difference in odds can increase or decrease depending on the type of bet you choose. When the bet covers a few outcomes, the difference might be as low as 0.1%, while the difference can be as high as 1.20% if the bet involves many outcomes.
Although at first glance, it may seem that odds and probability are similar to each other in that they reflect the chance that an event will happen:
- Probability - usually shows a percentage value for winning.
- Odds - in turn, shows the ratio between the win and loss.
Calculating Roulette Probability and Odds How It Works?
If you’re interested in calculating the probability and odds of the bet type you wish to place, then you have come to the right place as we will walk you through what’s involved. Well, the process is quite simple again. To calculate the total number of winning outcomes, you must divide the total number of losing outcomes by the total number of winning outcomes and then multiply it by 100. Let’s break it down in this example:
- There are 37 numbers from 0 to 36 (In EU Roulette)
- If you choose to place your bet on a straight-up number, you have a 1 / 37 x 100 chance to win.
- After doing the first part of the calculation, the chance of winning is 0.0270 (1 / 37).
- Finalising the second part of the equation will give you the exact percentage, which is 2.7% (0.0270 x 100).
Another example we have put together involves the outside bet of even/ odd. This type of bet covers 18 numbers and is calculated using the following formula:
- 48.64% to win = 18 / 37 x 100
So, how do you go about calculating the odds behind each of the different bet types available on the roulette table? Well, the process is quite simple again. To calculate the total number of winning outcomes, you must divide the total losing results by the total number of winning results and then multiply it by 100.
Here’s an example of how it all works:
- On the European roulette variant, there are a total of 37 numbers.
- In total, 12 numbers are covered by the dozen bet.
- That would be the number of losing results, which is 25, 37 - 12, and gives 2:1.
- Consequently, on average, 12 wins account for about 25 losses.
Remember, the examples showcased above are for single-zero roulette and should be adjusted when playing double-zero roulette. We have simplified the formulas to assist in working out the odds and probabilities, no matter which variant of roulette you choose to play.
Odds = Number of Winning Outcomes Number of Losing Outcomes
Number of Winning Outcomes - total number of numbers covered
Number of Losing Outcomes - total number of uncovered numbers
Probabilities = Number Of Covered Numbers Total Number Of Numbers x 100
Total number of numbers = 37 for single zero roulette
Total number of numbers = 38 for double zero
Calculating Roulette Probabilities for Complex Bets
We have listed all the more common bet types above, but when playing roulette, you don’t have to stick with just one bet type per spin. In fact, you can include multiple different bet types in one turn. While it does make things a little more complex, the overall process of working out the probabilities remains the same.
The process of working out the probability in roulette is fairly simple, but we understand that maths isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so we have created a tool for you. With our calculator tool, enter the type of bet you are placing, and we’ll work out the probability for you. So, here are the details:
- As we know, there are 37 numbers in European roulette.
- 12 numbers are covered by a dozen bet.
- Five Straight bets cover five numbers from the second dozen.
- Six numbers are covered by Three splits in the third dozen
- This means that the total number of covered numbers is 23 (12 + 5 + 6)
- Next, calculate by taking 23 and dividing it by 37(quantity of numbers in the EU roulette version). This results in 0.6216 (23 ÷ 37).
- To get the percentage, we multiply this figure by 100.
- The probability of this specific bet example winning sits at 62.16%.
Remember that combination bets are to be placed in such a way that every bet has an independent result. If you were placing the corner and street bet within the same section as the column bet, the results are going to be intersecting rather than independent. Here, you do have two different bets, but the results included in this bet are just 12. Here, the probability is 32.43%, i.e. 12/37 x 100, with the odds being 12:25.
Roulette Announced Bets: Odds and Probabilities
Announced bets, also referred to as call bets or French bets, have different odds. Several numbers on the roulette table will be included in the available announced bets and can even cover half the wheel.
Common announced bets include Tiers du Cylindre, which covers 12 numbers opposite zero, and Jeu 0 Bets, which focus on numbers closest to zero. And Voisins du Zero covers numbers around zero on the wheel. We’ll explain each in detail below:
| Bet | Odds | Probabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Voisins du Zero | 17/20 | 45.95% |
| Orphelins | 8/29 | 21.62% |
| Le Tiers du Cylindre | 12/25 | 32.53% |
| Jeu Zero | 7/30 | 18.70% |
| Neighbours | 5/32 | 13.8% |
Calculate Roulette Probabilities with Ease Explore with Our Calculator
Working out the probability in roulette is, at its core, quite straightforward. We value that not everyone has passed maths with an A+, so we have prepared something for you: our calculator tool, where all you need to do is specify the bet type and get the workable probability value.
FAQs
The bets with the highest probability of hitting are the outside bets, which are sometimes referred to as even money bets. They have odds of 1:1. The probability of hitting is quite high, but not technically 50%, due to the single or double zero included on the wheel.
The house edge demonstrates how much a casino wins from your bets. The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%. In other words, the casino will get £2.70 of each £100 you have placed. Calculated by the division of zeros to the total numbers on the wheel, in European roulette, this is 1/37-2.70%.
The probability of hitting a zero follows the same formula that you would use to work out the probability for any straight-up bet. In European and French variants, the probability of hitting zero is 2.70% and for American roulette, the probability is 2.63%.
La Partage and En Prison rules can increase your winning potential but not increase the odds of a specific outcome occurring. These two rules work by decreasing the house edge. However, the chances of landing the bet are still the same.
The RTP is referred to as the Return To Player, and it is the expected return a player will receive for every £100 they bet. In essence, it is the opposite of the casino’s house edge, and you should always look for games with a higher RTP.

