Roulette is one of the most iconic and enduring games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its blend of simple rules, fast-paced action, and a wide variety of betting options makes it a favourite for many players. However, with so many possible bets on the table, knowing which wagers offer the best value can be challenging. This guide from thingsinherds.co.uk explores the best bets on roulette, helping you make more informed decisions whether you’re spinning the wheel at a physical casino or trying your luck at casino sites.
Understanding Roulette: The Basics
Before diving into the best bets, it’s essential to understand the basic structure of roulette. The game consists of a spinning wheel with numbered pockets, a ball, and a betting table. There are two main versions: European roulette (with a single zero) and American roulette (with both a single and double zero). The presence of the double zero in American roulette increases the house edge, making European roulette generally more favourable for players.
Roulette bets are divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, offering higher payouts but lower odds of winning. Outside bets cover larger sections of the table, such as red/black or odd/even, and have lower payouts but higher chances of success.
What Makes a “Best Bet” in Roulette?
In roulette, the “best” bets usually refer to those that offer the lowest house edge and the highest probability of winning. While no bet can overcome the built-in advantage of the casino, some wagers are statistically better than others. Factors to consider include:
- House edge: The mathematical advantage the casino holds over the player.
- Payout odds: The amount you win relative to your stake.
- Probability: The likelihood of your bet succeeding.
- Volatility: The frequency and size of potential wins and losses.
Let’s explore which bets typically offer the best balance of risk and reward.
Even Money Bets: The Most Reliable Choices
For many players, even money bets provide the most consistent experience at the roulette table. These bets cover nearly half the numbers on the wheel, giving you close to a 50/50 chance of winning (slightly less due to the presence of the zero).
Types of Even Money Bets
- Red or Black: Wagering on whether the ball will land on a red or black number.
- Odd or Even: Betting on the outcome being an odd or even number.
- High or Low: Choosing whether the winning number will be in the lower half (1-18) or upper half (19-36).
These bets pay 1:1, meaning you double your money when you win. Although the house edge remains (2.7% in European roulette, 5.26% in American), these wagers are the safest in terms of probability.
Why Even Money Bets Are Popular
Even money bets are ideal for beginners and those who prefer a steadier gaming experience. They allow for longer play sessions without large fluctuations in your bankroll. If you’re playing at UK online casinos, these bets are a good way to test different strategies and get familiar with the game.
Column and Dozen Bets: Covering a Third of the Table
If you’re looking for slightly higher payouts without taking on the risk of inside bets, column and dozen bets are excellent options. These wagers cover 12 numbers each, offering a 2:1 payout.
How Column and Dozen Bets Work
- Dozen Bets: Choose from 1-12 (first dozen), 13-24 (second dozen), or 25-36 (third dozen).
- Column Bets: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the betting layout.
Each of these bets covers 12 numbers, giving you a 32.4% chance of winning in European roulette (31.6% in American). The house edge remains the same as other outside bets, but the payout is higher, making them attractive to players who want a balance between risk and reward.
Inside Bets: High Risk, High Reward
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers. These bets offer much higher payouts, but the chances of winning are significantly lower.
Common Inside Bets
- 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).
While these bets can result in substantial wins, they are much less likely to hit. Many experienced players use inside bets as part of a broader strategy, combining them with safer outside bets to balance volatility.
Special Bets and Call Bets: Advanced Options
In European and French roulette, players can access special bets known as “call bets” or “announced bets.” These cover specific sections of the wheel rather than the layout.
Popular Call Bets
- Voisins du Zéro: Covers 17 numbers around the zero.
- Tiers du Cylindre: Covers 12 numbers opposite the zero.
- Orphelins: Covers eight numbers not included in the above bets.
These bets are more common in European games and can be placed easily at many online casinos. They add variety for seasoned players and can be combined with traditional bets for unique strategies.
En Prison and La Partage: Reducing the House Edge
Some European and French roulette tables offer special rules that can improve your odds even further on even money bets.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even money bet is “imprisoned.” If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your stake back; if it loses, you forfeit it.
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even money bet, and the other half is returned.
Both rules lower the house edge on even money bets to around 1.35%, making them some of the best bets available-if you can find a table that offers them.
Betting Systems: Do They Improve Your Chances?
Many players are drawn to popular betting systems such as the Martingale, Fibonacci, or Labouchere. These systems involve adjusting your bet size based on previous outcomes, usually with the aim of recouping losses and achieving small profits.
While these systems can provide structure and add excitement, it’s important to understand that they do not change the underlying odds or house edge. Roulette outcomes are independent, and no system can guarantee long-term success. If you try a system, set clear limits and treat it as a way to manage your bankroll rather than a path to consistent winnings.
Roulette Variations: European vs. American vs. French
Your choice of roulette variant can have a significant impact on your results. Here’s how the main versions compare:
- European Roulette: Single zero, house edge of 2.7%.
- American Roulette: Single and double zero, house edge of 5.26%.
- French Roulette: Same as European but often includes En Prison or La Partage rules, lowering the house edge on even money bets to 1.35%.
Whenever possible, choose European or French roulette for better odds. Many online casinos not on GamStop and UK-regulated sites offer these games, so it’s worth checking the rules before you start playing.
Practical Tips for Making the Best Roulette Bets
Understanding the statistics is one thing, but putting your knowledge into practice is equally important. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your roulette experience:
- Know the Table Rules: Always check which roulette variant you’re playing and whether any special rules apply.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your session and