Understanding 2 Columns Roulette Betting: Guide & FAQs
Roulette is a game that looks simple on the surface, but has many different ways to bet.
This guide focuses on the “2 columns” betting approach. It explains what it means, how it works, and the practical details you might want to know before trying it.
You will also see how the odds and payouts compare with other bet types. The aim is to make the information clear and easy to follow, even if you have never looked closely at a roulette table before. By the end, you will better understand how this betting option fits into the game.
What Is 2 Columns Roulette and How Does It Work?
Roulette is played on a wheel divided into numbered pockets. In European and French roulette, there are 37 pockets in total: numbers 1 to 36, plus a single green zero. The numbers are laid out on the betting table in three vertical columns, each containing 12 numbers.
A “column bet” covers all numbers in one column. If the ball lands on any of those 12 numbers, the bet pays at odds of 2 to 1.
A “2 columns” bet means placing separate stakes on two of the three available columns. This covers 24 of the 36 main numbers, leaving only the unchosen column and the zero uncovered.
If the winning number is in one of your chosen columns, that bet wins at 2 to 1. The losing column stake is not returned. If the ball stops in the unselected column or on zero, both bets lose.
How Do You Place a 2 Columns Bet in Roulette?
To place this type of bet, select a European or French roulette game. These versions both have a single zero and follow the standard three-column table layout. On the betting area, each column has a space at its base marked for column bets.
Pick the two columns you wish to cover. For example, you might place £2 on the first column and £2 on the third column.
Once the dealer spins the wheel and the ball stops, the winning number is shown. If that number is in one of your columns, that stake is paid at 2 to 1 and the other stake is lost.
Table limits can vary between games, so it may be worth checking these before placing a bet.
How Much Can You Win on a 2 Columns Bet?
The payout for a winning column is 2 to 1. This means if you place £2 on each of two columns, you are staking £4 in total.
If one of your columns wins, the return on that column would be £6 — made up of £4 profit and your original £2 stake. The losing column stake is not returned, so your net profit is £2.
If the winning number is in the unselected column or is zero, neither column bet is returned. The amount you can potentially win depends entirely on your stake and the game rules.
Does 2 Columns Betting Improve Your Odds?
Covering two columns means you have 24 numbers out of 37 possible outcomes in European and French roulette. This is about a 64.9% chance of one of your chosen columns winning on a single spin.
However, this does not increase your potential returns in the long run. The house edge in single-zero roulette is about 2.70%, which comes from the zero pocket. Over many spins, the presence of zero means the game favours the house, no matter how many numbers you cover.
Each spin is independent, so past outcomes do not influence future ones. This makes roulette a game of chance, not one of patterns or guaranteed results.
Can You Use 2 Columns in All Roulette Versions?
Most European and French roulette games — both in casinos and online — allow you to place two column bets at the same time. The layout and bet markings are generally the same.
In American roulette, the wheel has an extra double zero pocket, making 38 pockets in total. The 2 columns bet works in the same way, but the probability of winning on one column drops to around 31.6%, and the house edge increases to roughly 5.26%.
Some special or themed roulette games may adjust the layout or remove certain bet types. The safest way to check is by looking at the game’s rules or paytable before you begin.
Is 2 Columns Betting Allowed at UK Online Casinos?
UK-licensed online casinos that offer European or French roulette will usually allow you to place two column bets in the same round. The layout is the same as the one used in land-based casinos, and the betting process is identical.
The range of roulette games can differ between sites. Some may only have a few versions, while others offer many, including live dealer tables and digital formats. If a variant changes the layout or rules, it should be explained in the game’s help section.
What Are the Payouts for 2 Columns Roulette?
In European and French roulette, a single column pays 2 to 1. When you place two column bets, each winning column is paid separately.
For example, placing £5 on each of two columns means a total stake of £10. If one column wins, you receive £15 back for that column — £10 profit plus your £5 stake — and the other £5 stake is lost.
How Does 2 Columns Compare to Dozens and Even Bets?
A “dozen” bet covers 12 numbers arranged in order: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Like column bets, each dozen pays at 2 to 1. The main distinction is how the numbers are spread out. Dozens group numbers in sequence, while columns mix them vertically across the table layout.
Key Differences Between Column and Dozen Bets
Although column and dozen bets both involve 12 numbers and offer the same 2 to 1 payout, they behave differently because of how the numbers are arranged.
In a dozen bet, all the numbers are consecutive. For example, the first dozen (1–12) contains low numbers only. The second dozen (13–24) is in the middle range, and the third dozen (25–36) contains only high numbers. This makes dozens more predictable in terms of whether the numbers are low, medium, or high, but they concentrate your coverage in one part of the wheel.
In a column bet, your 12 numbers are spread across the entire wheel in a vertical line on the betting table. This means your numbers are a mix of high and low, odd and even, red and black. Some players like this variation because it feels more evenly spaced, while others may prefer the focus of dozens.
Why Players Choose Columns Over Even Money Bets
Even money bets cover half the main numbers on the wheel (18 numbers), paying 1 to 1.
Choosing columns — and particularly 2 columns — changes the balance. You cover more numbers than an even money bet (24 instead of 18), but you also stake more because you are placing two separate bets. The payout for a winning column is higher at 2 to 1, yet only one of your two bets can win in each round.
Some players prefer columns because the numbers are more spread out across the wheel, giving coverage in different parts of the game layout. Others may find even money bets simpler and easier to track. It comes down to personal preference, as neither approach changes the built-in house edge of the game.
Safer Gambling Reminder: Roulette is a random game of chance. No betting method removes the house edge or guarantees consistent wins. If you choose to play, set a spending limit you are comfortable with, avoid chasing losses, and take breaks to keep the activity in balance.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.