Finding the best roulette bet is a question that has intrigued casino enthusiasts for generations. Whether you play online or in a land-based venue, understanding which bets give you the best chance of success is essential. Roulette offers a blend of strategy, luck, and excitement, making it a favourite at many casinos, including those found via casinos which bypass GamStop. If you’re looking to make smarter betting decisions and maximise your enjoyment, this in-depth guide will help you navigate the options and choose the best roulette bet for your style and goals.

Understanding Roulette Bets

Before diving into which bets are considered the best, it’s important to understand the main types of bets available in roulette. The roulette table is divided into two broad categories of bets: inside bets and outside bets. Each comes with its own odds, payouts, and level of risk.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner section of the roulette table. These bets tend to have higher payouts but a lower probability of winning.

• Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Pays 35 to 1.
• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17 to 1.
• Street: Betting on a row of three numbers. Pays 11 to 1.
• Corner: Betting on four numbers that meet at a corner. Pays 8 to 1.
• Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table and offer lower payouts but higher chances of winning. These bets are popular among players seeking more frequent, smaller wins.

• Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1 to 1.
• Odd or Even: Betting on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
• High or Low: Betting on whether the number will be 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1 to 1.
• Dozens: Betting on one of three groups of twelve numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
• Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns. Pays 2 to 1.

What Makes a Roulette Bet the “Best”?

The term “best” roulette bet can mean different things depending on your goals. For some, the best bet is the one with the highest probability of winning, while for others, it’s about the biggest possible payout. It’s important to consider your risk tolerance, bankroll, and playing style.

Generally, the best roulette bets are those that offer the lowest house edge and give you the best chance to win over time. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, while American roulette, with its extra double zero, has a higher house edge of 5.26%. Choosing the right version of roulette is the first step to making better bets.

The Best Roulette Bets for Consistency

If your goal is to play for longer with a steadier bankroll and lower risk, the even-money outside bets are often considered the best. These include Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low. Each covers 18 of the 37 (European) or 38 (American) numbers on the wheel.

• Red/Black: Covers nearly half the numbers. If you bet on red and the ball lands on any red number, you win even money.
• Odd/Even: Similar principle, but bets on whether the number will be odd or even.
• High/Low: Bets on the outcome being in the lower or higher half of the number range.

These bets have the highest probability of winning in a single spin, making them suitable for players who prefer a more conservative approach. However, remember that the presence of the zero (and double zero in American roulette) means the house always has a slight edge.

Maximising Payouts: High-Risk, High-Reward Bets

If you’re drawn to the thrill of big wins, inside bets like the straight-up bet offer the largest payouts. A single number bet pays 35 to 1, but your chance of hitting it is much lower (1 in 37 on European wheels). Other inside bets like splits, streets, and corners provide a balance between odds and potential winnings.

While these bets can be exciting, it’s important to recognise that they are statistically less likely to win. Many experienced players use them sparingly or as part of a broader betting strategy.

Best Roulette Bet for Beginners

For those new to roulette, starting with outside bets is usually the best approach. These bets are straightforward, easy to understand, and offer the best chance to see returns on your wagers. They also allow you to get a feel for the game without risking your bankroll too quickly.

As you gain confidence, you can experiment with inside bets or combine different betting types to suit your preferences.

Exploring Betting Strategies

Some players use betting systems to try to improve their chances. While no system can overcome the house edge, certain strategies can help with bankroll management and make play more engaging.

Popular Roulette Betting Systems

• Martingale System: Double your bet after every loss, aiming to recoup losses with a single win. Effective only with a large bankroll and no table limits, which are rare in practice.
• Fibonacci System: Increase bets following the Fibonacci sequence after each loss. This approach is less aggressive than Martingale but still carries risk.
• D’Alembert System: Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one after a win. This system is more conservative and can help manage variance.

It’s important to remember that while these systems can influence your betting pattern, they do not change the fundamental odds of the game.

European vs. American Roulette: Why It Matters

The type of roulette wheel you choose has a significant impact on your odds. European roulette, with its single zero, offers better odds than American roulette, which has both a zero and a double zero.

• European Roulette: House edge of 2.7% due to 37 numbers (1-36 and a single 0).
• American Roulette: House edge of 5.26% due to 38 numbers (1-36, 0, and 00).

Whenever possible, choose European roulette to give yourself a better chance of winning, regardless of which bets you place.

En Prison and La Partage: Favourable Rules for Players

Some European roulette tables offer special rules that further reduce the house edge on even-money bets.

• En Prison: If you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back.
• La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money bet instead of the entire amount.

Both rules lower the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%, making these the best possible bets for players seeking the lowest risk.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Roulette Bet

Selecting the best roulette bet depends on your individual goals and playing style. Here are some practical guidelines to help you make informed choices:

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start playing and stick to it.
• Start with Outside Bets: Especially if you’re new, these bets offer the best chance of frequent wins.
• Look for European Tables: The single zero gives you better odds than American wheels.
• Take Advantage of Special Rules: If available, En Prison and La Partage can significantly improve your odds on even-money bets.
• Mix Up Your Bets: As you get comfortable, try combining inside and outside bets for variety and excitement.
• Be Aware of Table Limits: These can affect your ability to use certain betting systems.

Roulette Bets to Approach with Caution

While every bet on the roulette table has its place, some are riskier than others. The