The odds and payouts in roulette depend on the type of bet you make. For example, betting on red or black offers nearly a 50/50 chance, though slightly less due to the green zero. This type of bet pays out 1:1, so a $10 bet would win you $10.
In contrast, betting on a single number, known as a straight-up bet, has a much higher payout of 35:1. This means a $10 bet could win you $350, but the odds of winning are significantly lower. The difference in the number of pockets on the wheel explains the discrepancy in RTP between American and European roulette variants.
Roulette Bet |
American Roulette Probability |
American Roulette House Edge |
European Roulette Probability |
European Roulette House Edge |
Payout |
Straight Up |
2.63% |
5.26% |
2.7% |
2.7% |
35:1 |
Split |
5.26% |
5.26% |
5.41% |
2.7% |
17:1 |
Street |
7.89% |
5.26% |
8.11% |
2.7% |
11:1 |
Red/Black; Even/Odd |
47.37% |
5.26% |
48.65% |
2.7% |
1:1 |
European roulette has 37 pockets, numbered 1-36 in red and black, with a single green zero. American Roulette, however, includes an additional green double zero, bringing the total to 38 pockets. Despite this, the payout for a single number remains 35:1 in both versions. This additional pocket reduces the RTP in American Roulette, giving the house an edge of over 5%, compared to just over 2% in European roulette.
This difference affects all bets, including even-money bets like red or black. Both versions pay out 1:1 for these bets, but the RTP is lower in American Roulette because it has two green pockets (0 and 00) compared to one in European roulette. This makes European roulette a more favorable option for players seeking better odds.