Beginners to roulette may find the variety of betting options overwhelming. While the basic concept is straightforward—predicting where the ball will land when the wheel stops—there are numerous ways to place bets.
You can aim for an exact number for a high payout or opt for a safer 50/50 bet with better odds of winning. Each wager comes with its own payout, meaning your potential winnings are directly tied to the level of risk you take.
Probability plays a key role in roulette payouts
While a roulette payout sheet can help you determine potential winnings for any bet, there’s a simple rule to remember: the higher the probability of winning, the lower the payout.
For instance, betting on red or black offers close to a 50/50 chance of winning, so most casinos will only return your stake with a small profit. Since the risk is low, the reward is modest.
Conversely, a straight bet has a much higher payout because it only wins if a single specific number hits. Another key factor in roulette payouts is the house edge, which influences the overall odds and potential returns.
The House Edge Shapes Payouts
Whether you’re playing online roulette, sitting at a physical casino table, or enjoying a live dealer game, one thing remains constant—the casino always has an edge.
In roulette, most payouts differ from the true odds due to this built-in house advantage. For example, in European Roulette, the actual odds of winning a straight bet are 37 to 1. However, casinos typically pay out only 35 to 1, with the difference representing the house edge.
Regardless of the bet you place, if you win, you’ll receive your payout based on the casino’s stated odds.