Roulette is one of those classic games that never seems to lose its appeal, whether you’re playing on the casino floor or spinning the wheel online. The combination of luck, strategy, and the anticipation of the spinning ball makes every round exciting. But if you’re new to the game, or even if you’re a seasoned player looking to refine your approach, understanding the best bets to make in roulette can help you get more out of every spin.
For UK players, there are a variety of platforms to choose from, including both traditional options and best online casinos not on GamStop, each offering their own take on the roulette experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective bets, explain how the odds work, and offer tips for making smart choices at the wheel.
Understanding the Roulette Table
Before diving into the best bets, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how the roulette table is set up. There are two main types of roulette: European and American. European roulette features a single zero (0), while American roulette adds a double zero (00), slightly increasing the house edge.
The table is divided into two main betting areas:
- Inside Bets: Placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the grid.
- Outside Bets: Placed on broader categories such as red/black, odd/even, or columns.
Each bet type comes with its own odds and payout, and knowing how they work is key to making informed decisions.
Inside Bets: High Risk, High Reward
Inside bets are made on the numbered section of the table. These bets generally offer higher payouts but come with lower chances of winning.
Straight Up Bet
A straight up bet is the simplest inside bet: you place your chip on a single number. If the ball lands on your number, you win 35 to 1. While the payout is substantial, the odds of winning are low-just 2.7% on a European wheel.
This bet can be exciting and is sometimes favoured by players who enjoy the thrill of big wins. However, it’s not the most reliable option if you’re looking to make your bankroll last.
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them. The payout is 17 to 1, and your chances of winning are slightly better than with a straight up bet. This option allows you to spread your risk a bit more without sacrificing too much in potential returns.
Street, Corner, and Six Line Bets
- Street Bet: Covers three numbers in a row. Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (Square) Bet: Covers four numbers that meet at a corner. Pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line Bet: Covers two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1.
These bets offer a balance between risk and reward. They’re useful if you want to cover more ground without venturing into the lowest-paying outside bets.
Outside Bets: Lower Risk, More Consistency
Outside bets are placed on the larger betting areas outside the numbered grid. They cover bigger groups of numbers, which means wins are more frequent, but payouts are lower.
Red or Black
This is one of the most popular bets in roulette. You simply bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. The payout is 1 to 1, and the odds of winning are close to 50% (just slightly less due to the zero). This bet is ideal for players who want a steady, less volatile experience.
Odd or Even
Similar to red or black, this bet covers all odd or all even numbers. The payout and odds are the same, making it another solid choice for those who prefer a more methodical approach.
High or Low
With a high or low bet, you wager on whether the ball will land on a number between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Again, this is an even-money bet with a 1 to 1 payout. It’s straightforward and appeals to players who want to keep things simple.
Dozens and Columns
- Dozens: Bet on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Pays 2 to 1.
- Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
These bets offer a middle ground between inside and outside bets. They cover a third of the numbers on the table, providing better odds than inside bets but higher payouts than most outside bets.
Which Bets Are Best for Different Play Styles?
The best roulette bet depends on your personal goals and tolerance for risk. Here’s a breakdown of which bets might suit different types of players:
- Conservative Players: Stick to even-money bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. These bets offer the highest probability of winning and help stretch your bankroll.
- Moderate Risk Takers: Dozens and columns provide a good compromise between risk and reward. You won’t win as often as with even-money bets, but the payouts are more attractive.
- High Risk, High Reward Seekers: Inside bets like straight up, split, or corner bets can deliver big wins, but you’ll need to be comfortable with longer losing streaks.
House Edge and Why It Matters
No matter which bet you choose, the house edge is always present. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, thanks to the single zero. In American roulette, the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%. This means that, over time, the casino is statistically likely to win a small percentage of all bets placed.
For this reason, many experienced players recommend seeking out European roulette whenever possible, especially at reputable UK online casinos, where you can often select your preferred version of the game.
Strategies for Placing Bets
While no betting system can overcome the house edge in the long run, some players enjoy using strategies to manage their bets. Here are a few commonly used approaches:
- Martingale System: Double your bet after each loss on an even-money wager. The idea is that you’ll eventually win and recover your losses, but this can be risky if you hit a long losing streak or reach the table limit.
- Fibonacci System: Increase bets following the Fibonacci sequence after a loss. This is considered a slightly less aggressive version of Martingale.
- D’Alembert System: Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one after a win. This is more conservative and can help manage swings.
It’s important to remember that these systems don’t change the underlying odds. They simply provide a framework for managing your bankroll and structuring your play.
Practical Tips for Making the Best Bets
Beyond the basic bet types and strategies, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind when playing roulette:
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start playing, and stick to it.
- Choose the Right Table: Look for European roulette tables with a single zero, as they offer better odds.
- Understand the Rules: Some tables offer special rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison” which reduce the house edge on even-money bets.
- Mix Up Your Bets: Combining inside and outside bets can add variety to your play and help you find a balance between risk and reward.
- Play at Licensed Casinos: Always choose reputable and licensed operators, such as those featured on UK online casinos, to ensure fair play and secure transactions.
Mobile and Live Roulette: Adapting Your Approach
With the growth of online gaming, many players now enjoy roulette on their mobile devices or through live dealer platforms. These formats offer the same betting options and odds as traditional roulette, but there are a few unique considerations:
- Mobile Roulette: The interface is optimised for touch controls, making it easy to place bets on the go. Make sure your device has a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions.
- Live Dealer Roulette: This format brings the authentic casino experience to your screen,