Understanding Roulette Odds & RTP: House Edge, Payouts, Explained
Roulette is one of the most recognisable games in casinos and online. The spinning wheel and the call of red or black are easy to spot, but the numbers behind it may be less clear.
This guide explains what the odds mean, how the house edge works, and what the RTP (Return to Player) rate can indicate. You will learn how much different bets can pay and what those figures may suggest over time.
Everything here is based on long-term maths. Individual spins can go either way, so outcomes are never guaranteed.
How Is Roulette RTP Calculated?
The RTP, or Return to Player rate, is the percentage of total stakes a game is expected to pay back to players over a large number of spins. It sits opposite the house edge. For example, if a game’s RTP is 97.30%, the house edge is 2.70%.
European Roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. Its RTP is typically 97.30%. In simple terms, for every £100 wagered over a long period of time, around £97.30 may be returned, with £2.70 representing the casino’s margin.
American Roulette includes a double zero, so there are 38 pockets in total. That extra pocket lowers the RTP to about 94.74%, increasing the house edge.
You can find a game’s RTP in its rules or paytable. It is a theoretical figure based on long-term play, not a promise for any individual session.
What Are the Standard Payouts in Roulette?
Roulette offers several bet types, each with a set payout. The figures below are standard for European Roulette.
Here are ten types of bets and their standard payout rates:
Straight Up (bet on a single number): 35 to 1
Split (bet on two neighbouring numbers): 17 to 1
Street (bet on three numbers in a row): 11 to 1
Corner (bet on four numbers forming a square): 8 to 1
Six Line (bet on two rows, covering six numbers): 5 to 1
Column (bet on an entire column of 12 numbers): 2 to 1
Dozen (bet on the first, second, or third set of 12 numbers): 2 to 1
Red or Black (bet on all red or all black numbers): 1 to 1
Odd or Even (bet on all odd or all even numbers): 1 to 1
High or Low (bet on numbers 1-18 or 19-36): 1 to 1
There are many versions of roulette, and some may include special features or alternative rules. Because of this, it can be worth checking the paytable and game information before you play.
Roulette is a game of chance, and outcomes cannot be predicted. While the standard payout structure is common across most versions, it isn’t guaranteed for every game. Any differences between the potential payouts and the true odds are what create the house edge, which is built into all forms of roulette.
How Does the House Edge Affect Your Game?
The house edge is the game’s built-in margin. It is the average share of stakes the casino expects to retain over time.
In European Roulette, the house edge is about 2.7%. The single zero creates a slight mismatch between the chance of winning and the potential payout. For instance, a successful single-number bet pays 35 to 1, but there are 37 pockets, so over many spins the difference becomes the casino’s margin.
American Roulette has both 0 and 00, increasing the edge to 5.26%. With more pockets and the same payout potential, results are, on average, less favourable for the player than in European Roulette.
The house edge does not change where the ball lands on any given spin. It appears in the averages across many spins.Â
What Are the Differences Between European and American Roulette Odds?
European Roulette has 37 pockets: 1 to 36 plus a single zero. American Roulette adds a double zero, making 38 pockets in total. That extra pocket reduces the probability of any specific outcome.
For a straight up bet, the chance of hitting your number is 1 in 37 in European Roulette, and 1 in 38 in American Roulette. Because the potential payouts are the same in both versions, the additional pocket in American Roulette increases the house edge.
Which Bets Offer the Highest Probability of Winning?
In European Roulette, the bets with the highest chance of winning are the even-money options: red, black, odd, even, high (19–36), and low (1–18). Each of these bets covers 18 of the 37 pockets on the wheel, which works out to a win chance of roughly 48.6%.
The single zero isn’t included in any of these groups, which is why these bets offer a payout of 1 to 1 and don’t offer a truly even outcome over the long run.
At the other end, single-number bets pay 35 to 1, but usually land far less often. It is a trade-off: higher probability means lower payout potential, while lower probability means the possibility of a higher payout.
Roulette is a game of chance, so every spin is independent and unpredictable. No matter which bets you choose, winnings are never guaranteed, and outcomes can vary widely.
How Do Online Roulette Games Compare to Live Roulette in Terms of RTP?
Online roulette comes in two main formats: digital games and live dealer tables. Digital games use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to produce outcomes. Live tables stream real wheels with a dealer in a studio.
For standard European Roulette, the theoretical RTP is usually around 97.30% in both formats. That said, some games might add features such as bonus bets or special rules, which can move the RTP slightly. Game info pages and paytables should show the exact figure for that table.
The RTP rate is a long-term measure, not a forecast for any individual session. If you are comparing tables, check the rules, any added features, and the published RTP to see how they line up.
Play Roulette Online
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If you want to explore online roulette alongside other games such as blackjack and slots, you can log in or join O’Reels to see what is available. We display game rules and RTPs, so you can compare options.
Only stake what you can afford and set limits that suit you. If gambling stops being enjoyable or you feel it may be affecting other parts of your life, support is available through recognised help services.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.