Roulette Pay Table: A Complete Guide to Bet Returns
A roulette pay table outlines how much each type of bet pays when you win. Whether playing online or in a land-based casino, understanding this table helps you plan your strategy and manage expectations. Payouts are based on the odds of each outcome and are consistent across most game variants.
The pay table includes inside bets, outside bets, and special call bets. While payouts remain fixed, the actual probability of winning varies between American, European, and French roulette due to differences in wheel layout. Knowing both payout and odds is essential for informed play.
Step 1: Learn the Standard Payout Ratios
The foundation of any roulette pay table is the payout ratio for each bet type. A straight-up bet on one number pays 35 to 1. A split bet on two numbers pays 17 to 1. Street bets, covering three numbers, pay 11 to 1. These ratios reflect the inverse of the mathematical odds.
Corner bets (four numbers) pay 8 to 1, while six-line bets (six numbers) pay 5 to 1. The basket bet, unique to American roulette, pays 6 to 1 but covers five numbers, making it one of the worst bets due to its 7.89% house edge.
Narrative cue: use concrete examples to anchor advice.
Step 2: Compare Outside Bet Returns
Outside bets offer lower payouts but higher winning frequency. Red or black, odd or even, and high or low all pay 1 to 1. Dozens and columns cover 12 numbers and pay 2 to 1. These are ideal for players seeking longer sessions with steady, smaller wins.
While payouts are standardized, the presence of double zero in American roulette reduces the actual probability of winning these bets. For example, the chance of hitting red is 47.37% in American versus 48.65% in European roulette.
Step 3: Understand Call Bet Payouts
Call bets, common in European and French roulette, combine multiple wagers on wheel-based sections. Voisins du zéro, tiers du cylindre, and orphelins involve several chips placed across splits, streets, and straight-ups. Each component pays according to its individual bet type.
For instance, if a number in the orphelins bet hits as a straight-up, it pays 35:1. If it’s part of a split, it pays 17:1. The total return depends on how the bet was structured and where the ball lands.
- Voisins du zéro: 9 chips covering 17 numbers
- Tiers du cylindre: 6 chips for 12 numbers
- Orphelins: 5 or 8 chips depending on version
- Jeu zéro: 4 chips near zero
- Final bets: wager on all numbers ending in a digit (e.g., 5, 15, 25, 35)
Step 4: Use the Pay Table to Optimize Play
By referencing the pay table, players can compare risk versus reward. High-payout bets offer big wins but low frequency. Low-payout bets provide more consistent returns. Combining both types allows for balanced gameplay.
Always consider the house edge alongside payouts. Choosing European or French roulette improves overall value. Avoid the basket bet in American games, and look for rules like 'la partage' that reduce losses on even-money bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the roulette pay table?
The pay table is usually displayed on or near the betting layout in online games. Some platforms include it in the help or rules section. It lists all bet types and their corresponding payouts.
Do payouts differ between online and land-based roulette?
No, payouts are standardized. A straight-up bet always pays 35:1. However, rule variations like 'en prison' can affect effective returns on even-money bets.
Why does the basket bet have a higher house edge?
The basket bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 but pays only 6:1. The true odds are worse than the payout, resulting in a 7.89% house edge—the worst in roulette.
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