Roulette is one of the most iconic and enduring games in any casino, both land-based and online. Its combination of suspense, simplicity, and variety of betting options has made it a favourite among UK players for generations. Whether you’re spinning the wheel at a classic venue or exploring best casino sites not on GamStop, understanding how roulette payouts work is essential for making informed bets and managing your bankroll effectively.
In this article, We’ll break down everything you need to know about casino roulette payouts, from the basics of the game to the different types of bets, their odds, and what you can expect to win. If you’re new to roulette or looking to sharpen your strategy at UK online casinos, this guide will help you navigate the nuances of roulette betting and payouts.
How Roulette Works: The Basics
Roulette is a game of chance played on a wheel divided into numbered pockets. Depending on the version-European, French, or American-the wheel may have 37 or 38 pockets. Players place bets on where they think the ball will land once the wheel is spun. The croupier (dealer) spins the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite, creating the suspenseful moment that defines the game.
The main versions of roulette you’ll encounter are:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero)
- French Roulette: Similar to European but with special rules for even-money bets
- American Roulette: 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, a single zero, and a double zero)
The type of roulette you play affects the house edge and, in some cases, the payout structure, so it’s worth understanding the differences before you start betting.
Types of Roulette Bets and Their Payouts
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, each with its own odds and payout structure. These are generally divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid of the roulette table. They offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning.
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number. Pays 35 to 1.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Pays 17 to 1.
- Street: Bet on three numbers in a horizontal row. Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (Square): Bet on four numbers that form a square. Pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line (Double Street): Bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1.
- Basket (First Four): Available in American and European roulette. In American, covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (pays 6 to 1); in European, covers 0, 1, 2, and 3 (pays 8 to 1).
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower payouts, but the chances of winning are higher. These bets are placed on areas outside the main number grid.
- Red or Black: Bet on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even: Bet on whether the winning number is odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
- High or Low: Bet on whether the number is 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Bet on one of three groups: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Pays 2 to 1.
- Columns: Bet on one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
How Roulette Payouts Are Calculated
Roulette payouts are based on the probability of a particular bet winning. The rarer the outcome, the higher the payout. For example, Betting on a single number (straight up) is much less likely to win than betting on red or black, so the payout is correspondingly higher.
To calculate your potential winnings, multiply your stake by the payout odds. For example, A £10 straight up bet that wins at 35 to 1 would return £350 in winnings, plus your original £10 stake, for a total of £360.
Example Payout Calculations
- Straight Up: £5 bet x 35 = £175 winnings (+£5 stake = £180 total)
- Split: £10 bet x 17 = £170 winnings (+£10 stake = £180 total)
- Red/Black: £20 bet x 1 = £20 winnings (+£20 stake = £40 total)
It’s important to note that these payouts are standard for both online and land-based casinos, including those featured at non GamStop casinos UK. However, always check the specific rules and payout tables at your chosen casino, as variations can occur.
The House Edge and Its Impact on Payouts
The house edge is a crucial concept in all casino games, and roulette is no exception. It represents the mathematical advantage the casino holds over players in the long run. The house edge varies depending on the roulette version:
- European Roulette: 2.70%
- French Roulette: 1.35% (with “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules on even-money bets)
- American Roulette: 5.26%
The presence of the single zero (or double zero in American roulette) is what gives the casino its edge. For example, In European roulette, if you bet on red, there are 18 red numbers out of 37 possible outcomes, so your chance of winning is slightly less than 50%. The zero is neither red nor black, tilting the odds in the casino’s favour.
Why American Roulette Pays the Same but Offers Worse Odds
It’s worth noting that despite the higher house edge in American roulette, the payouts for each bet type remain the same as in European roulette. This means your expected return is lower in American roulette, making it generally less favourable for players. For this reason, most UK players and reputable UK online casinos focus on European or French roulette.
Special Rules: La Partage and En Prison
French roulette sometimes includes two special rules that benefit players on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low):
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money bet, and the other half is returned to you.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next spin, you get your original bet back.
These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets from 2.70% to 1.35%, making French roulette an attractive option for players seeking better odds.
Roulette Payouts at Online Casinos
Playing roulette online offers the same payout structures as in brick-and-mortar casinos, but with added convenience and often a wider range of game variations. Online platforms, including those at best casino sites not on GamStop, typically provide clear payout tables within each game. This transparency makes it easy for players to see exactly what they stand to win for each type of bet.
Advantages of Online Roulette
- Detailed game information: Most online roulette games display the payout odds for each bet type, so you can always check before placing your chips.
- Variety of versions: Online casinos often offer European, French, and American roulette, as well as innovative variants with unique features or side bets.
- Low minimum bets: You can often play for smaller stakes online, making it easier to manage your bankroll and try different betting strategies.