Roulette Strategy Guide — Best Bets Explained
Roulette is a pure game of chance — no decision you make changes the mathematical edge. But that doesn't mean all bets are equal. The difference between European and American roulette alone can nearly double the house's advantage. This guide breaks down every bet type, compares the odds, and explains what actually matters when you sit down at the wheel.
European vs American Roulette — Why It Matters
The single most important decision in roulette isn't which number to pick — it's which wheel to play on.
European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 plus a single zero. American roulette has 38 pockets: the same numbers plus both a single zero and a double zero. That extra pocket changes everything.
| Feature | European | American |
|---|---|---|
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Zero pockets | 1 (single zero) | 2 (0 and 00) |
| House edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Expected loss per £100 bet | £2.70 | £5.26 |
Always play European roulette when you have the choice. There is no strategic advantage to playing American roulette — the double zero only benefits the casino.
Understanding Roulette Bet Types
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner grid of the table layout. They offer higher payouts but lower probabilities:
| Bet | Covers | Payout | Probability (European) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.70% |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 8.11% |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 10.81% |
| Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 16.22% |
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. Lower payouts, but much higher win frequency:
| Bet | Covers | Payout | Probability (European) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Odd/Even | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| High/Low (1–18 / 19–36) | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Dozens | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% |
| Columns | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% |
The Truth About Roulette Strategies
Every roulette "system" you'll encounter falls into one of two categories: bet progression systems (changing your bet size based on outcomes) and sector targeting (betting on physical sections of the wheel). Neither changes the house edge.
The Martingale — doubling your bet after every loss — is the most famous example. It works in short bursts but fails catastrophically over time because table limits cap your bets before you can recover from a losing streak. We cover this in detail in our Martingale System guide.
The D'Alembert, Fibonacci, and Labouchère systems all share the same fundamental problem: they rearrange when you win and lose, but they can't change how much you win or lose on average. No betting pattern overcomes a negative-expectation game.
What Actually Helps
Since no strategy changes the odds, focus on what you can control: play European roulette (2.70% edge vs 5.26%), look for tables with the "La Partage" or "En Prison" rules (which return half your even-money bet when zero hits, cutting the edge to 1.35%), set a loss limit before your session, and never chase losses by increasing bet size.
Special Rules: La Partage and En Prison
Some European roulette tables offer the La Partage rule: when the ball lands on zero, even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) lose only half the stake instead of the full amount. This effectively cuts the house edge on these bets from 2.70% to 1.35%.
En Prison is similar: when zero hits, your even-money bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, you get your original stake back (but no winnings). If it loses, you lose the bet. The mathematical effect is identical to La Partage.
These rules are most commonly found at French roulette tables, both in land-based casinos and online. If available, they represent the best roulette odds you can find anywhere — a 1.35% house edge is lower than many table games.
Online vs Live Roulette
Online RNG roulette and live dealer roulette with a real wheel both use the same mathematics. The difference is pace: RNG roulette can run a spin every 15–20 seconds, while live roulette takes 40–60 seconds per round. Faster games mean more bets per hour, which means you'll reach the expected loss figure more quickly.
For entertainment value and bankroll longevity, live dealer roulette is generally the better option. The slower pace reduces your hourly expected loss, and the experience of watching a real wheel spin is more engaging than clicking a button.
18+ | Play Responsibly
Roulette is a game of chance with a built-in house edge. No system can overcome the maths long-term. Set a budget, treat it as entertainment, and walk away when your limit is reached. If gambling stops being fun, visit BeGambleAware.org.