Roulette reference library

Roulette Rules, Bets and Payouts

Understand inside bets, outside bets, wheel pockets, and how standard payouts create the edge.

Bottom line: On a standard wheel, most bets share the same edge. Bet size and coverage change volatility, while the number of green pockets changes the price.

Wheel and table

European roulette has numbers 1 through 36 plus a single zero. American roulette adds 00. Triple-zero wheels add another house pocket.

The layout groups numbers for wagering but does not reproduce their physical order around the wheel.

Inside bets

Straight-up bets cover one number and pay 35:1. Splits cover two and pay 17:1; streets cover three and pay 11:1; corners cover four and pay 8:1; six-lines cover six and pay 5:1.

These payouts are based on a 36-number structure, so green pockets create the house edge.

Outside bets

Dozens and columns cover twelve numbers and pay 2:1. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low cover eighteen numbers and pay 1:1.

On a standard wheel, wider coverage reduces result variance per unit but does not lower the percentage edge.

Settlement

The ball’s pocket determines every wager. Losing chips are cleared and winners are paid according to the layout.

Special rules such as la partage or en prison can modify even-money wagers when zero lands.

Practical checklist

  • Count green pockets
  • Check the five-number bet on 0-00-1-2-3
  • Confirm special zero rules
  • Use net payout rather than total return
  • Separate coverage from edge
Scope and review

Rules, probabilities, and payouts apply only to the model stated on this page. Posted casino rules control when they differ. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.