How do casino roulette payouts work?

Roulette payouts are based on the type of bet you place, ranging from 1 to 1 for simple chances like Red or Black, up to 35 to 1 for a single number bet. The key difference is that European roulette has better odds for players than American roulette because of its single zero.

Table of contents

• Understanding roulette bet types and payouts
• How American and European roulette odds differ
• How to calculate your potential roulette winnings
• Pros and cons of different betting styles
• Common roulette mistakes to avoid
• Alternatives to roulette
• Advanced Roulette Strategies and Payout Management
• Key takeaways on roulette payouts

Understanding roulette bet types and payouts

Short answer: Roulette bets are split into two main groups. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers for high payouts and low odds, while Outside bets cover large sections of the wheel for lower payouts and higher odds.

When you look at a roulette table, the layout can seem a bit busy. But all those numbers and boxes just represent the different wagers you can make. Think of it as a choice between risk and reward. Do you want a better chance of a small win, or a small chance of a big win? That’s the core of inside versus outside betting.

Inside bets: The high-risk, high-reward plays

Inside bets are placed on the number grid, the “inside” of the betting layout. These are the wagers that can lead to a significant payout from a small stake. They’re less likely to happen on any given spin, which is why they pay more when they do.

• Straight Up: A bet on a single number. It has the highest payout at 35 to 1.
• Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers, placed on the line between them. Pays 17 to 1.
• Street: A bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11 to 1.
• Corner (or Square): A bet on a block of four numbers. Pays 8 to 1.
• Six Line (or Double Street): A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers each. Pays 5 to 1.

A good rule of thumb for beginners is to stick to outside bets while you get a feel for the game’s pace, then maybe sprinkle in one or two inside bets for a bit of excitement.

Outside bets: The steadier, lower-risk plays

Outside bets are made on the sections surrounding the main number grid. They cover large groups of numbers, so your chances of winning are much higher, often close to 50%. The trade-off is that the payouts are much smaller. These are popular for players who want to enjoy longer sessions. Check out our full collection of table games to see these in action.

• Red or Black: A bet on which colour the winning number will be. Pays 1 to 1.
• Odd or Even: A bet on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
• High or Low: A bet on numbers 1-18 (Low) or 19-36 (High). Pays 1 to 1.
• Dozens: A bet on one of three blocks of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). Pays 2 to 1.
• Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2 to 1.

It’s important to remember that the green 0 (and 00 in American roulette) doesn’t count for any of these outside bets. If the ball lands there, all outside bets lose. That’s where the casino gets its edge.

Roulette payout and odds chart

Here’s a quick reference chart for a standard European roulette wheel.

How American and European roulette odds differ

Short answer: American roulette has a double zero (00) in addition to the single zero (0), which nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26% compared to European roulette’s 2.7%.

This is probably the most important thing to understand before you place a bet. While the payouts for winning bets are the same in both versions (a straight-up bet pays 35 to 1 in both), your actual chance of winning is lower in the American version. Why? It’s simple math. The European wheel has 37 pockets (1-36 and a single 0). The American wheel has 38 pockets (1-36, a 0, and a 00). That extra pocket belongs to the house. It increases the casino’s advantage without changing what you get paid for a win.

Think of it this way: in European roulette, you have a 1 in 37 chance of hitting a single number. In American roulette, it’s 1 in 38. Over thousands of spins, that small difference adds up, making European roulette the mathematically better choice for the player every single time. Here at WildTornado, you can find both versions, but we believe in being transparent so you can make an informed choice.

How to calculate your potential roulette winnings

Short answer: To calculate your potential profit, you multiply your bet amount by the first number in the payout ratio. For a $10 bet on a corner (8 to 1), your profit would be $10 x 8 = $80.

You don’t need a complex calculator to figure out your roulette winnings. The formula is straightforward: (Your Bet Amount x Payout) + Your Original Bet = Total Return. The “payout” is the first number in the “X to 1” ratio. The casino software does this automatically, of course, but knowing the math helps you manage your money and understand the risk.

Let’s use a $10 bet as an example to see how this works across different bet types.

As you can see, the higher the risk, the bigger the potential profit. A successful outside bet might just double your money, while a lucky inside bet can multiply it many times over. This is the fundamental trade-off you make with every chip you place on the table. Ready to give it a try? Check out our welcome pack bonus to get started.

Pros and cons of different betting styles

Short answer: Betting on outside numbers offers more frequent, smaller wins and longer playtime, while betting on inside numbers provides the excitement of large payouts but with much higher risk and volatility.

Your approach to roulette should match your goals. Are you here to socialize and make your bankroll last, or are you chasing a life-changing win? Neither is wrong, but they require very different mindsets and betting patterns. Here’s a breakdown of the two main styles.

Common roulette mistakes to avoid

Short answer: The biggest mistakes are chasing losses, believing in “due” numbers (the gambler’s fallacy), and not setting a budget before playing.

Roulette is a game of pure chance. Every spin is an independent event, and the ball has no memory. Understanding this is key to enjoying the game responsibly and avoiding common pitfalls.

• The Gambler’s Fallacy. This is the belief that if ‘Red’ has come up ten times in a row, then ‘Black’ is somehow “due” to hit next. This is false. The probability on the next spin is still 48.65% for Red and 48.65% for Black (on a European wheel). The wheel doesn’t know or care about past results.
• Chasing Losses. Doubling your bet after a loss (like the Martingale system) is a quick way to hit the table limit or empty your wallet. It feels like a logical way to win your money back, but a bad losing streak can be catastrophic.
• Ignoring Bankroll Management. Before you play, decide on a budget for the session and stick to it. Never bet money you can’t afford to lose. If you’re a high-stakes player, understanding the table limits set by the casino is also key; you can find more info on this in our VIP program details.
• Playing American Roulette Unknowingly. As we covered, always choose European roulette if it’s available. Picking the American version is like giving the house a bigger tip for no reason.

Remember, gambling should be fun. If you ever feel like you’re losing control, it’s important to stop and seek help. Resources like the Responsible Gambling Council in Canada offer free and confidential support.

Alternatives to roulette

Short answer: If the pure chance of roulette isn’t for you, games like Blackjack offer strategy and skill, while slots provide even higher potential payouts with a huge variety of themes.

Roulette is a classic, but it’s not for everyone. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and elegance, but the outcome is entirely out of your hands once the wheel is in motion. If you’re looking for something different, consider these options.

• Blackjack: If you want your decisions to matter, Blackjack is a great choice. Your choices to hit, stand, double down, or split directly impact your chances of winning. It has one of the lowest house edges in the casino if you play with basic strategy.
• Casino Slots: For players who love the high-payout potential of inside bets in roulette, jackpot slots take it to another level. They are also games of chance but offer enormous variety in themes, features, and bonus rounds.
• Baccarat: This is another simple card game that’s popular with high rollers. You bet on the Player, the Banker, or a Tie. It’s a game of chance like roulette but has a different pace and feel.
• Live Dealer Games: If you enjoy the social aspect of a real casino, our live games bring a real dealer to your screen for games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. It combines the convenience of online play with the atmosphere of a land-based casino.

Advanced Roulette Strategies and Payout Management

Short answer: While no strategy can eliminate the casino’s house edge, understanding common betting systems like Martingale, Fibonacci, or D’Alembert can help structure your play and manage your bankroll effectively, though they carry inherent risks and do not change the fundamental odds of roulette’s payouts. Effective payout management is less about beating the game and more about playing responsibly and extending your enjoyment.

Many players are drawn to roulette not just by its simplicity and the thrill of the spin, but also by the allure of “strategies” that promise to beat the game or guarantee returns. It’s crucial to understand upfront that roulette is a game of pure chance. No mathematical system can alter the game’s inherent odds or predict outcomes of independent spins. However, betting strategies can significantly influence how you manage your bankroll, how long you play, and your overall experience, which indirectly relates to how you perceive your payouts. These systems are predominantly designed for even-money outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) due to their near 50% probability of winning, though this probability is slightly less than 50% because of the green zero(s).

One of the most famous and straightforward systems is the Martingale. This strategy involves doubling your bet after every loss. The underlying idea is that when you eventually win, you will recover all your previous losses plus make a profit equal to your initial bet. For example, if you start with a $10 bet on Red and lose, your next bet on Red would be $20. If you lose again, you bet $40, then $80, and so on, until a win occurs. The critical flaw with Martingale is that losing streaks can be much longer than anticipated, quickly leading to very large bets that can easily exceed table limits or completely deplete your bankroll, making it an unsustainable approach in the long run. The payouts for these even-money bets remain 1 to 1, meaning the escalating risk often feels disproportionately high compared to the modest, fixed profit of the initial bet.

Another popular approach is the Reverse Martingale (or Paroli) system, which is the exact opposite of the Martingale. Here, you double your bet after every win and return to your original base bet after a loss. The primary goal is to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses during losing streaks, as losses only cost your initial bet unit. If you bet $10 and win, you bet $20. If you win again, you bet $40, and so forth, until a loss occurs, at which point you revert to the $10 initial bet. This system is generally considered less risky for your bankroll as it aims to leverage the casino’s money during winning streaks. However, it also means that a single loss, especially after several consecutive wins, can wipe out all accumulated profits from that streak, requiring disciplined play to bank your winnings at appropriate times.

The Fibonacci system uses the famous Fibonacci sequence for determining bet size: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. When using this system, you typically start with a base unit (e.g., $10). You move one step forward in the sequence after a loss and two steps backward after a win. For instance, if your base unit is $10, and you lose, your next bet is $10. Lose again, it’s $20. Win, and you move two steps back. This system is generally considered less aggressive than the Martingale, as the bets increase at a slower rate during losing streaks, making it potentially more sustainable over longer sessions. Despite its mathematical elegance, it still doesn’t alter the house edge, and a prolonged losing streak can still lead to significant cumulative losses.

The D’Alembert system is even gentler and more conservative. For this method, you choose a base unit (e.g., $10). After a loss, you incrementally increase your bet by one unit. Conversely, after a win, you decrease your bet by one unit, never dropping below your initial base unit. The underlying theory posits that wins and losses will eventually balance out over time, leading to a small profit. For example, a $10 bet, if it loses, becomes $20. If that $20 bet wins, the next bet is $10. If the $10 bet wins again, the next bet remains $10. This system provides a very slow and controlled increase in stakes, making it highly suitable for players with smaller bankrolls who prefer a more conservative approach to managing their potential payouts and maximizing their playtime without high volatility.

Ultimately, while these structured betting systems can provide a framework for play, they do not impact the core probabilities or actual payouts of roulette. Every spin of the wheel is an independent event, and the house edge ensures that, over an infinite number of spins, the casino will always maintain its mathematical advantage. The most effective approach for payout management in roulette involves setting clear and realistic budget limits before you start playing, consistently choosing European roulette over American for its better odds (lower house edge), thoroughly understanding the distinct risk-reward profiles of inside versus outside bets, and, most importantly, playing for entertainment and enjoyment rather than relying on a guaranteed profit. Always remember that responsible gambling is key to a sustainable and fun experience.

For truly advanced consideration, players can seek out French roulette tables that offer special rules like “En Prison” or “La Partage.” These rules specifically apply to even-money outside bets when the ball lands on zero. With “La Partage,” players lose only half of their even-money bet. With “En Prison,” the bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin, and if it wins, the player gets their original stake back. These rules effectively halve the house edge on even-money bets, making French roulette the version with the absolute best theoretical payouts for certain types of wagers.

Key takeaways on roulette payouts

Short answer: Choose European roulette for better odds, understand the difference between high-risk inside bets and low-risk outside bets, and always play with a set budget.

Getting a handle on roulette payouts is simple once you break it down. Here are the most important points to remember before you head to the tables at WildTornado.

• Payouts reflect probability. A 35 to 1 payout on a single number happens rarely. A 1 to 1 payout on Red/Black happens often.
• European over American. The single zero wheel gives you a mathematically better chance to win. The house edge is 2.7% vs 5.26%.
• Inside vs. Outside. Inside bets are for thrill-seekers chasing big wins. Outside bets are for players who want to make their bankroll last longer.
• Every spin is independent. The ball has no memory. Don’t fall for the Gambler’s Fallacy.
• Play responsibly. Set your limits before you start and stick to them. It’s all about having fun.

Now that you know how the payouts work, you’re ready to experience the spin of the wheel. You can explore all our games right from our homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roulette for Canadian Players

1. Which roulette odds offer Canadian players the best chance to win?

   A: For Canadian players looking for better winning chances, European Roulette is always the top pick. It features a single zero pocket on the roulette wheel, reducing the house edge to 2.7%. American Roulette, on the other hand, includes both a single and a double zero, which nearly doubles the house advantage to 5.26%. This difference makes European Roulette the mathematically superior choice for players aiming to improve their expected return over time.

2. What are the main types of bets roulette offers, and how do their payouts compare?

   A: Roulette bets generally fall into two categories: Inside Bets and Outside Bets. Inside bets, placed directly on specific numbers on the roulette table layout, offer high payouts but lower odds. For example, a straight up bet on a single number pays 35 to 1. Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, like the red or black bet payout, which pays 1 to 1. These wagers have higher odds of winning but offer smaller payouts, making them ideal for managing your chips and extending your casino gaming session.

3. Is there an easy roulette payout calculator to figure out my potential winnings?

   A: Yes, calculating your potential roulette winnings is simple. You just multiply your initial amount by the first number in the payout ratio. Then, you add your original wager back to this profit for your total return. For instance, a $10 bet on a Dozen (2 to 1 payout) would profit $10 x 2 = $20, giving you a total of $30 back. This quick payout calculation helps you understand the return on your chips for each bet type.

4. What are some common beginner roulette mistakes Canadian players should avoid?

   A: A big mistake is falling for the “Gambler’s Fallacy,” thinking past spins affect future ones. Remember, each spin the ball makes is totally independent. Another pitfall is chasing losses by doubling bets, which can quickly deplete your bankroll if luck isn’t on your side. Always set clear betting limits before you start and stick to them for responsible gambling, and always choose European Roulette over American when available to give yourself the best possible casino settings.