European roulette is one of the most elegant and enduring casino games ever created. Before diving into the specific bet types, it helps to understand why European roulette is widely considered the smarter choice for players — and how the game flows from the moment chips are placed to the moment the wheel stops spinning.
The European Roulette Wheel and Table Layout
The wheel of European roulette has 37 numbered cells: numbers (from 1 up to 36), a zero (0) not concerning neither to red, nor to black colors. On the European game table of number from one up to thirty six are located in three columns, making arithmetic sequence. Numbers either red, or black color – according to color on a roulette wheel. Above columns the sector a zero is located. Near to columns on both parties are located six game fields, each of which has the own name: “Even”, “Odd”, “18 to 36”, “1 to 18”, “Red” and “Black”.
The rates located in these game fields, refer to “equal odds”. Under game fields with rates on “equal odds” rates on dozens are located. These fields are designated: P12 – the first, M12 – the second, D12 – the third. Under a numerical field fields for rates on columns are located.
Advantage of a casino in the European roulette is 2.7%.
Why European Roulette Gives You Better Odds
The single most important thing to understand about European roulette is its house edge. With only one zero on the wheel, the casino holds a 2.7% advantage over the player. Compare this to American roulette, which adds a double zero (00) to the wheel, pushing the house edge up to 5.26% — nearly double. For any player serious about getting the most from their roulette sessions, European roulette is always the smarter choice. Every spin you make on a European wheel instead of an American one is mathematically in your favour.
How a Round of European Roulette Works
A standard round of European roulette follows a straightforward sequence. Players place their bets on the table layout during the betting window. Once the dealer announces “no more bets,” the wheel is spun and the ball is released in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows, the ball settles into one of the 37 numbered pockets. The winning number is announced, losing bets are cleared from the table, and winning bets are paid out according to the odds for each bet type. A new betting window then opens and the process begins again.
In online versions of the game, this process is managed by a random number generator (RNG) that replicates the statistical randomness of a physical wheel. Live dealer European roulette combines the convenience of online play with a real wheel spun by a human dealer streamed in real time.
Types of Bets in European Roulette
European roulette offers a wide range of betting options, divided into two main categories: inside bets (placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid) and outside bets (placed on broader categories like colour, odd/even, or dozens). Inside bets carry higher risk but pay out at greater odds. Outside bets win more frequently but at lower returns. Understanding every bet type and its payout is the foundation of any roulette strategy.
Inside Bets
Straight Up
You can bet on any number, including 0, by placing the chip on the center of a number. The maximum bet for this wager is indicated on the Roulette table (see the Max sign).
Split Bet
You can bet on two numbers by placing a chip on the line that divides the two numbers. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by two.
Street Bet
To bet on a row of three numbers (a street), place a chip on the boundary line of the roulette table, at the end of the corresponding row. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by three.
Corner Bet
You can bet on four numbers by placing chips at the corner where the four numbers meet. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by four.
Four Bet
You can bet on the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 by placing your chip on the boundary line, where the line between 0 and the first row intersects it. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by four.
Line Bet
You can bet on two street bets (i.e., the six different numbers in two rows of three numbers), by placing your chip on the boundary line of the roulette table where the line dividing the two rows intersects it. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by six.
Outside Bets
Column Bet
There are three boxes labelled “2 to 1” at the bottom of each column of numbers. You can place bets for all numbers in a column by placing chip(s) in one of these boxes. If any of the numbers in the selected column is hit you get paid 2:1; 0 is a losing number. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by ten.
Dozen Bet
You can bet on a group of twelve numbers by placing your chip in one of the three boxes marked “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” or “3rd 12.” If one of your 12 numbers is hit, you are paid 2:1; 0 is a losing number. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by ten.
Red/Black, Even/Odd, Low/High Bets
You can place a bet in one of the boxes along the long side of the table that covers half of the numbers on the roulette table (excluding 0). Each box covers 18 numbers. You win even money (1 to 1) on all of these bets; 0 is a losing number. The maximum bet for this wager is the Straight Up bet maximum, multiplied by 20.
Roulette Bet Types at a Glance
Understanding the relationship between each bet, its coverage, and its payout helps you build a clear picture of the risk-reward balance available at the table. Here is a quick-reference summary:
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 | 35 to 1 |
| Split Bet | 2 | 17 to 1 |
| Street Bet | 3 | 11 to 1 |
| Corner Bet | 4 | 8 to 1 |
| Four Bet | 4 (0, 1, 2, 3) | 8 to 1 |
| Line Bet | 6 | 5 to 1 |
| Column Bet | 12 | 2 to 1 |
| Dozen Bet | 12 | 2 to 1 |
| Red / Black | 18 | 1 to 1 |
| Even / Odd | 18 | 1 to 1 |
| Low / High | 18 | 1 to 1 |
As the table illustrates, there is a direct relationship between how many numbers a bet covers and how much it pays out. The fewer numbers covered, the higher the payout — and the lower the probability of winning on any individual spin.
The La Partage and En Prison Rules
One additional feature found in some European roulette variants is worth knowing about, as it can further reduce the house edge on even-money bets.
The La Partage rule states that if the ball lands on zero and you have placed an even-money bet (Red/Black, Even/Odd, Low/High), you automatically receive half your stake back. This effectively halves the house edge on these bets from 2.7% down to 1.35% — making it one of the best player-friendly rules in casino gaming.
The En Prison rule is a variation of La Partage. Instead of receiving half your stake back immediately, your bet is “imprisoned” — left on the table for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, your full original stake is returned (without additional winnings). If it loses, the bet is lost entirely. Both rules apply only to even-money outside bets and are not available at every table, so check before you sit down.
Common European Roulette Strategies
While no strategy can overcome the house edge in the long run, many players use structured betting systems to manage their bankroll and shape their playing experience. Here are the most widely used approaches:
The Martingale System involves doubling your bet after every loss, with the goal of recovering all previous losses with a single win. It works best on even-money bets and requires a substantial bankroll to sustain losing streaks. Table maximum limits can cut the system short during a prolonged run of bad luck.
The Fibonacci System uses the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…) to determine bet sizes. After each loss, you move one step forward in the sequence. After a win, you move two steps back. It is a slower, more conservative system than the Martingale.
The D’Alembert System involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. It is one of the most balanced and beginner-friendly systems, well suited to even-money bets on European roulette.
Flat Betting — simply betting the same amount on every spin — is underrated as a strategy. It keeps losses predictable, extends your playing time, and removes the risk of runaway bet escalation during a losing streak.
No system changes the fundamental odds of the game. These strategies are tools for bankroll management and session structure, not methods for beating the house.
Tips for Playing European Roulette Smarter
- Always choose European over American roulette — the single-zero wheel cuts the house edge nearly in half
- Look for La Partage tables when playing even-money bets — the 1.35% house edge is among the best in casino gaming
- Set a session budget before you start and stick to it regardless of the outcome
- Spread your bets across a combination of inside and outside bets to balance risk and reward
- Avoid the gambler’s fallacy — each spin of the wheel is entirely independent of the last; past results have no influence on future outcomes
- Take your time — there is no pressure to bet on every spin; waiting for a round you feel comfortable with is always a valid choice
Final Word
European roulette is a game of pure chance, but it is also a game of informed decisions. Knowing every bet type, understanding the payouts, recognising the value of the La Partage rule, and approaching the table with a clear budget and strategy all make for a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. The wheel doesn’t care about systems or streaks — but a well-prepared player always sits down with an edge over an unprepared one. If you’re ready to take your understanding further, our complete How to Win in Different Casino Games guide walks you through everything — from beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies — in one place.