Roulette Odds: House Edge & RTP Explained
Roulette continues to be a favourite at online and land-based casinos, but many players aren’t entirely sure how the numbers behind the game really work. Terms like odds, house edge, and RTP often come up—but what do they actually mean, and why do they matter?
In this blog post, we break down these key concepts in straightforward terms. We’ll look at how roulette odds affect your potential returns if you choose to play, what the house edge tells you about the game’s design, and how RTP figures into your overall experience.
Whether you’re curious about the difference between European and American roulette or wondering if the type of bet you place changes your chances, this blog post covers the basics. Read on to learn more.
How Do Roulette Odds Actually Work?
Roulette odds reflect the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring with each spin, based on the type of bet placed.
In European roulette, for example, there are 37 pockets on the wheel (numbers 1 to 36, plus a single zero). A bet on one specific number gives players a 1 in 37 chance of winning. In comparison, American roulette includes an extra “00” pocket, increasing the total to 38 and slightly reducing the odds for every bet.
Different bet types come with different probabilities. A straight-up bet on a single number is the least likely to win but offers the highest payout. On the other hand, even-money bets—like red or black—are far more likely to come in, though the presence of the zero (or double zero) means the odds still fall just short of 50/50.
What Is the House Edge in Roulette?
The house edge represents the built-in advantage that the casino has over players, shown as a percentage. It’s based on how the game is structured, including the number of pockets on the wheel.
In European roulette, which features a single zero, the house edge is around 2.70%. In American roulette, the addition of a double zero increases this figure to about 5.26%. This difference comes down to the extra pocket, which slightly lowers the odds for every bet.
The house edge reflects how the game plays out over time. While it means the casino is likely to keep a small share of all wagers over time, it doesn’t influence what happens on any individual spin.
Roulette RTP Explained: What Does It Mean for You?
RTP, or Return to Player, simply refers to the amount a game pays back to players, on average, over time. For example, an RTP of 97% means that, across many thousands of spins, on average, about £97 is returned to players for every £100 wagered, with the remaining amount forming part of the casino’s edge.
It’s worth remembering that RTP is calculated over a very large number of rounds—it’s not a prediction for what might happen during a single session. If you’ve looked into house edge already, RTP is essentially the other side of the same idea: it shows how much, on average, is paid back to players rather than kept by the casino.
If you choose to factor in RTP when picking a game, it can give you a better sense of how a roulette variant compares to others in terms of returns over many sessions and many players. While it doesn’t guarantee outcomes on any one spin, it can help you make more informed choices about the games you play.
Which Type of Roulette Has the Best Odds?
The odds in roulette can vary depending on the version of the game being played. These differences mainly come down to the layout of the wheel and any additional table rules that apply.
European roulette tends to offer better odds for players. It uses a wheel with 37 pockets (numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero), which results in a lower house edge compared to other versions.
American roulette, by contrast, includes an extra pocket—the double zero—bringing the total to 38. This increases the house edge and slightly reduces the chances of winning on any given bet.
French roulette shares the same wheel as European roulette but often includes extra rules like La Partage or En Prison. These can improve the odds for players on even-money bets, offering a slight advantage not found in other versions.
Overall, players usually face the most favourable odds with French or European roulette, depending on the specific rules in place.
European vs American Roulette: What’s the Difference in RTP?
One of the main distinctions between European and American roulette lies in the wheel layout. European roulette has 37 pockets, while the American version includes 38, adding a double zero. This slight variation has a noticeable impact on the RTP:
- European roulette: RTP is approximately 97.3%
- American roulette: RTP is around 94.74%
This difference means that, over time, players are likely to see slightly better returns with European roulette. As a result, many tend to prefer it when choosing a version of the game, particularly if the goal is to try to extend play or manage stakes more efficiently.
Does the House Edge Change Depending on the Bet?
For most roulette versions, the house edge stays the same across standard bets on the same wheel. Whether players go for a single number or an even-money option like red or black, the underlying advantage for the casino doesn’t usually change.
The exception is found in French roulette, where rules like La Partage or En Prison apply to even-money bets. These rules can slightly lower the house edge, making certain wagers a bit more favourable for players.
So, while different bets offer varying chances of winning, the expected return over a long period remains consistent—unless special table rules come into play.
Is It Possible to Beat the House Edge in Roulette?
The short answer is no. The house edge is built into the game’s design and rules, making it a consistent advantage for the casino over time. No betting system or approach—despite what some might suggest—can alter the underlying maths.
Each spin is entirely random and independent of the one before. There’s no pattern to follow, and previous outcomes don’t influence future results. If you choose to play, it’s best to view roulette as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make a return.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.