Understanding Even/Odd Roulette Bets

Roulette offers a type of bet called the even bet, as well as its counterpart, the odd bet. These are types of outside bets that offer a payout of 1-to-1 or even-money. From the player’s perspective, the even and odd bets are among the best bets you can make in roulette. This article will explain why this is so.

The Basics: What Are Even and Odd Bets?

Roulette offers players many different bets to choose from. Each of the bets offered has its own probability of occurring and different payouts are offered for winning the bet. There are high-risk bets and low-risk bets, so every player, from the most conservative to the wildest thrill-seeking gambler, can find a bet that caters to their gambling needs.

Roulette Wheel Structure: Even and Odd Numbers

On both the European and American roulette wheels, there are 36 numbered slots from 1 to 36. In addition, European roulette has a slot for zero, while American roulette has slots for zero and double zero.

The 36 numbers are split equally into 18 even numbers and 18 odd numbers. Zero and double zero do not count as either an even or an odd number. Players can make bets by predicting whether the roulette ball will land on an even or an odd number.

*As seen in the diagram above, the European and American roulette wheels differ slightly in structure, particularly concerning the addition of the double zero in American roulette.

Types of Bets: Inside vs. Outside

The bets that players can make when playing roulette are split into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are wagers made on a single number or a very small group of adjacent numbers. They carry a low probability of generating a win but offer very high payouts to compensate for the low probability. Outside bets are wagers made on large groups of numbers. They carry a high probability of generating a win but offer lower payouts to compensate for the high probability. The even and odd bets fall under the umbrella of outside bets because, in a single bet, the player covers almost half the numbers available on the roulette wheel.

Type of BetRisk LevelPotential PayoutHouse Edge (European/American)
Inside Bets
Single NumberHigh35:12.70% / 5.26%
SplitHigh17:12.70% / 5.26%
StreetHigh11:12.70% / 5.26%
Outside Bets
Even/OddLow1:12.70% / 5.26%
Red/BlackLow1:12.70% / 5.26%
High/LowLow1:12.70% / 5.26%

Note: The table above provides a snapshot of how inside bets compare to outside bets in terms of risk and reward, helping you make an informed decision on where to place your chips.

Comparison with Other Outside Bets

It's worth noting that even and odd bets are not the only attractive outside bets in roulette. Other popular outside bets include betting on red/black or high/low numbers. Like even/odd bets, these also offer a near 50% chance of winning in European roulette and similar odds in American roulette. However, these bets come with their own nuances. For instance, red/black bets may appeal to those who prefer to bet on color rather than numerical sequences, while high/low bets can be a strategic choice for those looking to spread their bets across the wheel.

Type of BetProbability of Winning (European/American)PayoutUnique Advantages
Even/Odd48.64% / 47.36%1:1Easy to understand, nearly 50% chance of winning
Red/Black48.64% / 47.36%1:1Nearly 50% chance of winning; visually easier to follow
High/Low48.64% / 47.36%1:1Diversifies bets, nearly 50% chance of winning
Dozens32.43% / 31.58%2:1Higher payout; covers a range of 12 numbers
Columns32.43% / 31.58%2:1Higher payout; covers a vertical column of 12 numbers

Note: The table highlights that even/odd, red/black, and high/low bets offer nearly 50% chances of winning, whereas dozens and columns bets, although riskier, provide higher potential payouts.

The Probability of Winning and House Edge

Think for a second that the roulette wheel only had 36 numbers, ranging from 1 to 36, and did not have the zero and double zero slots. In such a case, half the numbers on the wheel would be even numbers, and half the numbers would be odd numbers. If you were to make the even or odd bet under these circumstances, the probability of winning would have been 18/36 = 0.5, equating to a probability of 50%. In this idealized scenario, the game would be fair, and there would be no house edge.

However, the roulette wheel is not comprised of only 36 numbers. In European roulette, the addition of the zero changes the calculus. The probability of winning the even or odd bet then becomes 18/37 = 48.64%. This means that the odds of winning the even or odd bet are 1.01-to-1, with a payout of 1-to-1. The discrepancy between the true odds and the payout odds introduces a house edge of approximately 2.7%.

In American roulette, the situation is further skewed against the player. With two additional slots for the numbers zero and double zero, the probability of winning the even or odd bet is 18/38 = 0.4736, placing the odds for a win at 47.36%. Here, the payout for a winning even or odd bet remains 1-to-1, but the true odds are 1.11-to-1. This results in a house edge of approximately 5.26%.

How the House Edge Comes Into Play

It's important to note that the house edge serves as the statistical advantage the casino holds over you in the long run. Even though the payout for the even or odd bet appears to be fair at 1-to-1, the house edge shows that it's less than fair from the player's perspective. Hence, while European roulette gives you a better chance of winning the even or odd bet compared to American roulette, it's important to remember that in both cases, the house has a built-in advantage. Therefore, if you have the choice between the two types of roulette, we recommend opting for European roulette to minimize this advantage.

The “En Prison” Rule

In French roulette and in some European roulette games, you have the option of using the “En Prison” rule. “En Prison” means “in prison” in French, and it's a rule that allows you to imprison your even or odd bet for the next round of play if the outcome of the spin in that round is zero. This rule effectively lowers the house edge for even-money bets, making them even more advantageous.

In Conclusion

The even and odd bets are among the best bets offered in roulette. They do not offer a huge payout, but that is reasonable considering the low level of risk attached to them. Players focusing on making outside bets, such as the even or odd bet, have a better chance of making their bankroll last longer.

However, it's worth noting that while the even and odd bets are low-risk and suitable for extending your gameplay, they aren't for everyone. For some players, the pull of roulette isn't just the chance of winning but the thrill of the risk itself. These players might be attracted to bets that offer a higher payout, like single-number bets, which can offer as much as a 35-to-1 return. The trade-off, of course, is a significantly lower chance of winning. But for those who relish the thrill of the gamble, the lure of a potentially big win can be too compelling to stick solely with even or odd bets.

Even/Odd Roulette Bets FAQ

What Are Even and Odd Bets in Roulette?

Even and Odd bets are types of outside bets in roulette where you wager on whether the roulette ball will land on an even or odd number. These bets cover almost half the numbers on the wheel and offer a nearly 50% chance of winning.

How Do Even and Odd Bets Compare to Other Outside Bets?

Even and Odd bets have similar odds and payouts to other popular outside bets like Red/Black and High/Low. They offer a nearly 50% chance of winning and have a 1:1 payout.

What Is the House Edge for Even and Odd Bets?

The house edge for Even and Odd bets is 2.7% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette. This means the casino has a small advantage over the player in the long run.

What is the “En Prison” rule?

The "En Prison" rule is an option in some European and French roulette games that allows you to "imprison" your Even or Odd bet for the next round if the ball lands on zero. This rule can lower the house edge, making these bets more advantageous.

Are Even and Odd Bets Suitable for All Types of Players?

Even and Odd bets are low-risk and are great for players who want to extend their gameplay. However, players seeking higher payouts might find these bets less thrilling and may opt for higher-risk bets like single-number bets.

Is there a way to beat roulette by focusing on even or odd bets?

There's no foolproof strategy to "beat" roulette; the game is designed with a house edge that favors the casino in the long run. Even or odd bets offer lower risk but won't overcome this house advantage.

James is a casino games expert on the Playcasino.com editorial team. With many years of professional experience at a leading casino game development company and a passion for playing casino games, James has become a true expert in slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games.

James uses this expertise to provide reliable, insider advice through his reviews and guides, breaking down the game rules and offering tips to help you win more often. Rely on James's extensive experience for expert advice on your casino play.

Published by James Thorne

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