Roulette Bets Explained
As online gambling continues to grow in popularity, understanding the odds of roulette online bets has become crucial for players looking to maximize their experience. Whether you prefer to play roulette online games featuring American roulette or European roulette, knowing the various bet types and their associated risks and rewards is essential for developing a sound betting strategy.
Inside Bets: High Risk and High Reward
Inside bets, placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner part of the roulette table, offer substantial payouts but come with lower odds of winning. The most daring of these is the Straight Up bet, where players wager on a single number. With a payout of 35 to 1, it's the highest reward available in standard roulette, but the probability of winning is just 2.63% on a European wheel and 2.60% on an American wheel.
For those seeking a slightly more conservative approach to inside bets, options like the Split bet (wagering on two adjacent numbers) or the Street bet (covering three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line) offer more balanced risk-reward profiles. A successful Split bet pays 17 to 1, while a winning Street bet rewards players with an 11 to 1 payout.
Corner bets and Line bets expand the coverage further, with Corner bets covering four numbers that form a square (paying 8 to 1) and Line bets spanning six numbers across two adjacent horizontal lines (paying 5 to 1). These bets provide more frequent wins compared to Straight Up bets, but with correspondingly lower payouts.
Outside Bets: Lower Risk and Steady Rewards
For players who prefer a more measured approach to roulette, outside bets offer higher odds of winning, albeit with lower payouts. These bets cover larger groups of numbers or properties of numbers, making them popular choices for those learning how to play roulette or looking to extend their playing time.
The most straightforward outside bets are Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low, each covering nearly half the wheel (excluding zero and double zero). These bets pay even money (1 to 1) and have a probability of winning of 48.65% on a European wheel and 47.37% on an American wheel. The slight difference in probability highlights the impact of the additional double zero pocket in American roulette.
Players looking for a middle ground between the conservative even-money bets and the riskier inside bets often turn to Dozens or Columns bets. These wagers cover 12 numbers each, either in consecutive ranges (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) for Dozens, or in vertical columns for Column bets. With payouts of 2 to 1 and a winning probability of about 32.43% (European) or 31.58% (American), these bets offer an attractive balance of risk and reward.
Special Bets
Some roulette variants, particularly in online roulette games, offer special bets that cover specific sections of the wheel rather than the numbered grid on the table. These bets, more common in European roulette, add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game.
The Voisins du Zero (Neighbors of Zero) bet covers a large section of the wheel near the zero, encompassing 17 numbers. The Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel) bet covers 12 numbers opposite to zero, while the Orphelins (Orphans) bet picks up the 8 numbers not included in the other two special bets. These wagers allow players to cover significant portions of the wheel with a single bet, offering unique strategic opportunities.
Roulette Games: Bodog's Offerings
For those looking to play online roulette in Canada for real money, Bodog provides a range of options. Our American and European roulette games offer flexible betting options, with chip denominations ranging from $1 to $500. You can place bets up to $40,000 per table, with specific limits of $15,000 on inside bets and $25,000 on outside bets.
We also feature specialty games like Dragon and Double Dragon Roulette, which have a minimum bet of $1, and Virtual Burning Roulette, where you can start with bets as low as $0.05.
Understanding the gameplay is straightforward. You select your chips value and place bets by clicking on different areas of the virtual table.
The Impact of Wheel Type on Strategy
The choice between American and European roulette wheels can significantly affect your long-term results. The European wheel, with its single zero pocket, offers a lower house edge of 2.7%. In contrast, the American wheel's additional double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%. This difference makes European roulette generally more favorable for players looking to maximize their odds.
Developing a Roulette Strategy: Balancing Risk and Reward
Crafting an effective roulette strategy involves more than just understanding the different bet types. It requires a careful balance of risk tolerance, bankroll management, and an appreciation for the game's inherent volatility. Many players combine different bet types to create a personalized approach. For instance, placing an outside bet for consistent small wins while simultaneously making a few inside bets for the potential of larger payouts can be an engaging way to play.