Beginner's Guide to Roulette Statistics

Roulette may be a game of chance, but it's loaded with statistical elements that create a range of payouts and the power to place strategic bets. Check out our quick guide to roulette statistics—including the basics of online statistics, odds & payout statistics for Outside bets, odds & payout statistics for Inside bets, and using roulette statistics to win.

Basics of Online Roulette Statistics

-The online roulette table contains a wheel and table, featuring the numbers 0-36

-Numbers 1-10 and 19-28, odd numbers are red and evens are black

-Numbers 11-18 and 29-36, odds are black and reds are even

-The '”0” or “00” is green (Euro roulette has one zero, while US roulette has double zero),/p>

-In roulette you're always betting on a number or group of numbers, with different statistical chances and odds on winning.,/p>

-Payouts range from even money (1:1) to 35:1.

-Roulette bets fall into two categories: Outside bets which have a higher chance of winning and lower payouts, and Inside bets which have a lower chance of winning but bigger payouts

Roulette Version Statistics—American & European

If you're going to play roulette, think about different versions of the game —particularly the different odds of American and European Roulette. While the games are basically the same, the statistical chance of winning is theoretically slightly lower in American Roulette, due to two zero pockets on the table.

In reality, most gamers don't experience much difference in their winning and losing sessions, and some swear they are luckier at one version of roulette, regardless of whether it's US or Euro.

Odds & Payout Statistics for Outside Bets

One way to play roulette is to focus on striking consistent, low-odds winning bets known as Outside bets. Take a look at the roulette statistics and payouts for these bets:

Even money roulette wagers

Outside bets include the famous “even money wagers”, such as red or black, even or odds, or 1-18 and 19-36. Thanks to the single zero in European roulette, and the double zero in American roulette, these bets have a 48.65% chance of winning in the Euro version, and a 47.37% chance in US roulette. So, this gives the casino a slight edge, with the payout at even money (bet $10 and get $20 back).

Other Outside bets

You can boost your payouts to 2:1, with a 32.43% chance for European roulette and 31.58% for American roulette, by selecting Column and Dozen bets. These wagers contain 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) or a wager on the first, second, or third line. A $10 winning bet returns $30, including your stake.

Odds & Payout Statistics for Inside Bets

If you're looking for bigger payouts but more risk, then Inside bets are your go-to option in roulette. Here's a quick-fire guide to the stats and payouts for the daring player:

Straight bets

• Method: Bet on one number
• Odds: 2.7% for Euro roulette and 2.63% for American roulette
• Payout: 35:1

Split bets

• Method: Bet on two numbers that sit next to each other on the table.
• Odds: 5.41% for Euro roulette and 5.26% for American roulette
• Payout: 17:1

Street bets

• Method: Bet on three numbers in a row (such as 9, 10, 11)
• Odds: 8.11% for Euro roulette and 7.89% for American roulette
• Payout: 11:1

Double street

• Method: Bet on six numbers in two rows of three (9, 10, 11 & 1, 2, 3)
• Odds: 16.22% for Euro roulette and 15.79% for American roulette
• Payout: 5:1

Corner bets

• Method: Bet on four numbers in a square shape (e.g. 1, 2, 4 and 5)
• Odds: 10.81% for Euro roulette and 10.53% for American roulette
• Payout: 8:1

Basket bets

• Method: Bet on the zero, double zero, 1, 2 and 3.
• Odds:13.16% for American roulette (not available in European roulette).
• Payout: 6:1

Using Roulette Statistics to Win

Roulette is theoretically a game of luck and chance, but it's also a game that mathematicians love to pick apart.

If the fictional ace student in Good Will Hunting had played roulette, he'd have a field day trying to create the winning formula. In reality, while no one can promise you a guaranteed winning roulette system, thousands of players claim to have success using strategies based on logic.

The simplest and most infamous roulette strategy based on statistics, is the Martingale System:

Bet on either black or red (or odds/evens) with one unit. If it loses, double-up your next bet on the same color. Keep doubling-up until your bet wins

In theory, this is genius—but be warned! The statistics of roulette gaming mean that long runs of red or black can and do happen randomly. Roulette systems, whether based on Inside bets or Outside bets, need using with care and discipline. Some players develop systems that they use to win consistently, but discipline and careful budgeting and bank management are crucial.