Understanding the Roulette Wheel
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world. The wheel contains numbered pockets from 0 to 36 (and 00 in American roulette). Players bet on where the ball will land, choosing from a wide variety of bet types that range from very specific (a single number) to broad (red or black).
There are two main versions: European Roulette (single zero, house edge ~2.7%) and American Roulette (double zero, house edge ~5.26%). For better odds, always prefer European roulette when available.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the number grid.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Single number | 35:1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 |
| Corner | Four numbers in a square | 8:1 |
| Six Line | Six numbers (two rows) | 5:1 |
Inside bets offer the highest payouts but have the lowest probability of winning on any given spin.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer more frequent wins but lower payouts.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | Color of the pocket | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | Odd or even number | 1:1 |
| Low / High | 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 |
| Dozen | 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 | 2:1 |
| Column | One of three columns | 2:1 |
Called Bets (French Roulette)
In French and European roulette, you may encounter special "called bets" covering sections of the wheel:
- Voisins du Zéro — 17 numbers near zero on the wheel
- Tiers du Cylindre — 12 numbers opposite zero
- Orphelins — 8 numbers not covered by the above two
French Rules That Help Players
French roulette offers two rules that reduce the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%:
- La Partage — if the ball lands on zero, you recover half your even-money bet.
- En Prison — your bet is "imprisoned" on zero and replayed on the next spin.
Which Bets Should You Choose?
The house edge is the same on every bet in roulette (with the exception of the American 5-number bet, which is worse). However:
- If you want longer sessions with steady action, outside bets (even-money) are ideal.
- If you're looking for bigger wins with smaller stakes, inside bets suit your style.
- Never place the 5-number bet in American roulette — it carries a 7.89% house edge.
Key Takeaway
Choose European or French roulette over American whenever possible, understand the difference between inside and outside bets, and set a clear budget for each session. Roulette is a game of chance — no system can overcome the house edge, but understanding the odds helps you play confidently.