How to Calculate Roulette Betting Odds

Calculating roulette odds takes just a simple understanding of the game. When you place your bet, there are 37 spaces total on a single zero wheel, so your chances of any particular number coming up are one in 36. This means that one number always comes up, and 36 numbers do not. Start from this point and move forward through the different types of bets to calculate odds.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Calculate the Odds of Winning Roulette and Bet Accordingly

1. Know that the odds for double zero roulette are slightly worse than those for single zero roulette. The reason for this is the extra double zero space on a double zero roulette wheel, also known as an American roulette wheel. Odds for single zero roulette are listed here because you should always stick to playing the single zero game.

2. Know that while the the double zero roulette table has only one more space on it, this small addition actually doubles the house advantage.

3. Place your bet on any single number on the roulette wheel and your odds of winning are 36 to 1. There are thirty-seven numbers total on a single zero wheel. The payout is 35 to 1.

4. Place a split bet, a bet on two numbers, and the odds are 17.5 to 1 with a payout of 17 to 1.

5. Place a street bet, a bet on three numbers, and the odds are 11.33 to 1 that you'll win. Payout is 11 to 1.

6. Make a square bet, one on four numbers, and the odds are 8.25 to one with a payout of 8 to 1.

7. Bet on a particular column or set of a dozen numbers and the odds are 2.08 to one with a payout of 2 to 1.

8. Bet red/black, odd/even or low/high and the odds are 1.01 to 1 with a payout of 1 to 1. These are called even money bets because the odds are close to 50/50 for each spin of the wheel.

9. Notice that for every bet you can make, the payout is slightly less than the odds. This is known as the house advantage, or edge. It is this small mathematical difference that allows the casino to make money.

Tips & Warnings

• Casinos make money because the house always has an advantage. This can be proved as firmly as any mathematical principle. Though the house advantage is small, over time it adds up, which is why casinos tend to make so much money.

Resources

• Amazon.com for roulette books

[garrett2brad]

on 6/23/2009 If you bet on black/red on an american roulett your odds are 47.36. If you also bet on both greens at the same time does your odds increase to 52.63?