Roulette is one of the most iconic and enduring games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its blend of simplicity, suspense, and potential for big wins makes it a favourite for new and experienced gamblers alike. Yet, with so many betting options available on the table, many players naturally wonder: what is the best bet to make in roulette? Understanding the odds, house edge, and practical betting strategies is crucial for making informed choices at the wheel. For those exploring various platforms, including non GamStop gambling sites, knowing which bets offer the best value can enhance your overall experience and help you manage your bankroll wisely.
Whether you’re playing for entertainment or aiming for a more strategic approach, this guide will break down the core roulette bets, examine their risk and reward, and offer practical advice for UK players looking to get the most out of their spins.
Understanding the Roulette Table: European vs American Roulette
Before diving into specific bets, it’s important to distinguish between the main types of roulette you’ll encounter: European and American. The difference lies primarily in the number of pockets on the wheel.
European roulette features 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero), while American roulette adds an extra double zero, bringing the total to 38. This small change has a significant impact on your chances, as the extra double zero increases the house edge in American roulette.
For UK players, European roulette is the standard in most casinos and online platforms, including those not on GamStop. The lower house edge (2.7% compared to 5.26% in American roulette) means your bets generally have a better expected value.
Types of Roulette Bets Explained
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, each with its own odds and potential payouts. These can be broadly categorised into two groups: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the table and typically offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning. Examples include:
- Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Betting on a row of three numbers. Pays 11:1.
- Corner: Betting on four numbers that meet at a corner. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed on broader categories and cover larger groups of numbers, resulting in a higher chance of winning but lower payouts. These include:
- Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1:1.
- Odd or Even: Betting on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1:1.
- High or Low: Betting on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1:1.
- Dozens: Betting on the first (1-12), second (13-24), or third (25-36) dozen. Pays 2:1.
- Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns. Pays 2:1.
Each of these bets has its own appeal, but the key is to balance the likelihood of winning with the size of the potential payout.
What Makes a Bet the “Best” in Roulette?
The term “best bet” in roulette depends on what you’re seeking from the game. Are you looking for the highest possible payout, the best chance of winning, or the lowest house edge? Here are the key factors to consider:
- House Edge: The mathematical advantage held by the casino. The lower the house edge, the better the bet for the player over time.
- Risk vs Reward: High-risk bets offer bigger payouts but are less likely to win, while low-risk bets win more often but pay less.
- Playing Style: Some players prefer frequent small wins, while others chase big jackpots.
- Bankroll Management: Bets with higher odds of winning can help your bankroll last longer.
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore the bets that are generally regarded as the best choices for most roulette players.
The Best Bets in Roulette: Even Money Outside Bets
For the majority of players, the best bet to make in roulette is one of the even money outside bets: red/black, odd/even, or high/low. Here’s why these bets stand out:
- Highest Probability of Winning: These bets cover 18 out of the 37 numbers on a European wheel (or 18 out of 38 on an American wheel), giving you a nearly 50% chance of success each spin.
- Lower Volatility: Because you win more frequently, your bankroll tends to last longer, and losses are less dramatic.
- Straightforward to Understand: There’s no need to memorise complex combinations or patterns.
- Lowest House Edge: In European roulette, the house edge on these bets is 2.7%. Some tables offer the “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules, which can reduce the house edge even further to 1.35% when the ball lands on zero.
While the payout is only 1:1, the consistency and lower risk make these bets a solid choice for both beginners and experienced players.
How Even Money Bets Work
To place an even money bet, simply select one of the following options on the betting layout:
- Red or Black
- Odd or Even
- 1-18 (Low) or 19-36 (High)
If the ball lands on zero, all even money bets lose unless the table uses the La Partage or En Prison rule. If these rules are in play, you’ll either get half your bet back (La Partage) or your bet will be held for the next spin (En Prison).
Other Strong Bets: Dozens and Columns
If you’re seeking a balance between risk and reward, the dozens and columns bets are worth considering. These bets cover 12 numbers each, giving you a 32.4% chance of winning on a European wheel, with a payout of 2:1.
- Dozens: Bet on the 1st (1-12), 2nd (13-24), or 3rd (25-36) dozen.
- Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.
While not as frequent as even money bets, these options offer higher payouts and can add variety to your roulette experience.
High Payout Bets: Inside Bets and Their Risks
Some players are drawn to the excitement of inside bets, such as straight up or split bets. These wagers offer much bigger payouts (up to 35:1 for a single number), but the odds of winning are significantly lower.
- Straight Up: 2.7% chance of winning (European roulette).
- Split: 5.4% chance of winning.
- Street: 8.1% chance of winning.
While the potential reward is enticing, these bets are inherently riskier. They’re best suited for players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins and are comfortable with longer losing streaks.
Special Rules That Improve Your Odds
Some European roulette tables offer special rules that can significantly improve your chances when making even money bets:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you get half your even money bet back.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next spin, you get your bet back; if not, you lose it.
These rules reduce the house edge on even money bets from 2.7% to just 1.35%. If you have the option, always look for tables that implement La Partage or En Prison, as they offer the best value for players.
Roulette Betting Strategies: Do They Work?
Many betting systems have been developed for roulette, such as the Martingale, Fibonacci