Understanding Roulette Table Payouts and Bet Types
Roulette table payouts determine how much you win based on where you place your chips on the betting layout. Each type of wager—inside bets, outside bets, or call bets—carries a different payout ratio depending on its probability. Knowing these payouts helps players make informed choices and manage their bankroll effectively during gameplay.
Payouts in roulette are standardized across most online and land-based casinos, though slight variations can occur in special rule versions. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number pays 35 to 1, while even-money bets like red or black pay 1 to 1. Understanding the relationship between odds and payouts is key to playing strategically.
Common Inside Bets and Their Payouts
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups within the numbered grid. These offer higher payouts due to lower odds of winning. A straight-up bet covers one number and pays 35:1. A split bet, covering two adjacent numbers, pays 17:1. Street bets, which cover a row of three numbers, pay 11:1.
Other inside bets include the corner (or square) bet, covering four numbers and paying 8:1, and the six-line bet, which spans two streets and pays 5:1. The basket bet, available in American roulette, covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and pays 6:1, though it has a higher house edge than other wagers.
Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Steadier Returns
Outside bets cover larger groupings of numbers and offer better odds of winning but lower payouts. These include red or black, odd or even, and high (19–36) or low (1–18) bets, all paying 1:1. Dozens and columns cover 12 numbers each and pay 2:1.
Because outside bets are more likely to win, they appeal to conservative players. However, the house edge remains the same over time. Players should note that while these bets offer consistent returns, they don’t eliminate the casino’s long-term advantage, especially on wheels with a double zero.
Call Bets and Special Payout Structures
Call bets, often found in European and French roulette, include announced wagers like voisins du zéro, tiers du cylindre, and orphelins. These bets cover specific sections of the wheel and combine multiple chip placements. While payouts depend on which individual number hits, they follow standard inside or outside bet ratios.
For example, a winning number in a voisins du zéro bet may pay 35:1 if it’s a straight-up hit, or 17:1 if it’s part of a split. These bets are complex but add depth for experienced players. Always check the game rules to see how call bets are structured and paid out.
- Voisins du zéro: covers 17 numbers near zero
- Tiers du cylindre: covers 1/3 of the wheel opposite zero
- Orphelins: covers two separate sections not in tiers or voisins
- Zero game (Jeu zéro): a smaller version focusing on numbers near zero
- Neighbors: a bet on a number and its adjacent neighbors on the wheel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest payout in roulette?
The highest payout in roulette is 35 to 1, awarded for a successful straight-up bet on a single number. This applies to both American and European versions. While tempting, the odds of hitting a single number are low—1 in 37 in European and 1 in 38 in American roulette.
Do all casinos pay the same for roulette bets?
Most online and land-based casinos follow standard roulette payout structures. However, some variations like 'en prison' or 'la partage' in French roulette can affect effective returns on even-money bets. Always review the game rules before playing.
How are payouts calculated on combined bets?
When multiple bets cover the same winning number, each winning component pays out separately. For example, a chip on a corner bet and another on a dozen bet will both pay if the number falls in both categories. Payouts are processed individually based on each bet type.
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