Curious about how much you can win at the roulette table? Understanding payouts is essential if you want to make the most of your betting—and your experience. With inside bets, outside bets and many options on the felt, it can be confusing at first.
This guide will clear things up. We’ll break down every type of roulette bet, show the typical payouts for each, and explain the differences between inside and outside wagers so you know what to expect before you place a chip.
Ready to see what’s at stake? Read on—each section builds on the last so you can follow the table with confidence.
What Are Inside And Outside Bets In Roulette?
Roulette bets fall into two broad categories based on where you place your chips on the betting layout: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets sit on the numbered area of the table and focus on individual numbers or small clusters; these offer larger returns for a win but apply to fewer numbers. Outside bets go on the boxes around the numbered grid and cover broader groups such as colours, halves of the wheel or ranges; they usually pay less but cover more numbers.
Inside and outside simply describe placement and coverage, not the rules of the wheel. That distinction makes it easier to compare risk and reward as you decide which bets suit your approach.
Complete Breakdown Of Roulette Bet Payouts
Below are the common bet types and their typical payouts on a standard European roulette layout. Each section begins with a short note so the list is clear.
Inside Bets and Their Payouts
Inside bets are made on specific numbers or small groups on the main grid. These bets cover fewer numbers, so wins are less frequent but pay out more when they occur.
Here are the standard payouts you will see for these bets:
- Straight Up (single number, including zero): 35 to 1
- Split (two numbers): 17 to 1
- Street (three numbers in a row): 11 to 1
- Corner (four numbers in a block): 8 to 1
- Six Line (six numbers in two rows): 5 to 1
These payouts reflect the smaller coverage of each bet: fewer numbers mean a higher return when one is hit. Table limits and specific variant rules can affect how useful these bets are, so always be aware of the stakes and limits in play.
Outside Bets and Their Payouts
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and have lower, more frequent returns. They are generally chosen by players seeking steadier, lower-volatility outcomes.
Typical payouts are:
- Column (12 numbers): 2 to 1
- Dozen (first, second, third 12): 2 to 1
- Even/Odd: 1 to 1
- Red/Black: 1 to 1
- High/Low (1–18 or 19–36): 1 to 1
Always check the specific game’s rules before you play, as variants or table rules can alter some payouts. Remember that the presence of the zero gives the house its edge, so no bet eliminates the casino advantage. Play responsibly and within your limits.
How Are Payouts Calculated For Each Type Of Bet?
Payouts are fixed amounts that reflect how many numbers a bet covers. The fewer the numbers your bet covers, the higher the payout if it wins. Conversely, bets that cover many numbers return less because the chance of one of those numbers being selected is greater.
For example, a Straight Up covers a single number and pays 35 to 1, while a Dozen covers 12 numbers and pays 2 to 1. The casino’s return to player (RTP) is built into these fixed payouts, so the payout rate is constant from spin to spin.
Inside Bet Payouts Explained
Inside bets focus on specific points on the grid. A single-number bet returns the highest standard payout because it covers only one outcome. Bets that cover two, three, four or six numbers progressively reduce the payout to reflect the increase in covered outcomes. This relationship between coverage and payout is consistent across standard roulette wheels and is what makes inside bets attractive for players chasing bigger single wins.
Outside Bet Payouts Explained
Outside bets are simpler: they group half or a third of the numbers into single outcomes. Red/Black, Even/Odd and High/Low each cover 18 numbers and return 1 to 1, effectively matching your stake when successful. Columns and Dozens cover 12 numbers and pay 2 to 1. Because these bets cover many numbers, wins occur more frequently, although each win tends to be smaller than an inside bet win.
Knowing how coverage relates to payout helps you read the table at a glance and weigh which bets fit your aims.
Which Roulette Bets Offer The Highest Payouts?
The highest standard payout on the table is for a Straight Up bet, which returns 35 to 1. Other inside bets such as Splits, Streets and Corners follow with progressively lower payouts as they cover more numbers. These higher payouts come with lower probability of success; that trade‑off between size of return and likelihood of winning is the fundamental balance in roulette.
If you prefer steady, smaller wins, outside bets will suit you better; if you’re chasing big returns, inside bets offer the bigger single payouts. Whichever route you choose, decide on the level of risk you are comfortable with before placing chips.
Common Myths About Roulette Bet Payouts
Misconceptions about roulette persist and can shape poor decisions. A frequent myth is that past spins influence future outcomes; in reality, every spin is an independent event and the payout schedule remains the same. Another is that betting patterns or systems change the payout or improve your long‑term chances — fixed payouts and the wheel’s odds do not change to favour any sequence or staking plan.
It’s worth noting that increasing a stake does not alter the payout ratio — it only increases the absolute size of a potential win or loss. Understanding these points prevents confusion and helps keep expectations realistic when you play.
How To Read Roulette Payout Tables
Payout tables list each bet type alongside the amount returned per unit staked. To read one, look for:
- the bet name,
- the payout ratio, and
- if provided, the coverage it represents.
For example, “Straight Up – 35 to 1” indicates that a winning £1 Straight Up returns £35 in winnings plus the £1 stake, so the total paid back to the player is £36.
Payout ratios are fixed for the game and apply to every spin in that version of roulette. That means examining the table before you play gives a clear picture of what each successful bet will pay and helps you compare different bet types quickly.
Payout tables show how much you get if you win but do not directly state the likelihood of a win or the house edge. If you need clarification on coverage, payout wording or specific rules for a variant, check the game’s help section or contact customer support for a clear explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roulette Payouts
When it comes to roulette payouts, players often ask the same practical questions. Here are clear answers aimed at UK players.
Do all online casinos offer the same roulette payouts?
Most reputable operators follow standard payout structures for common roulette types, but variants or special tables may differ. Always check the specific game’s rules before you wager.
Can betting systems guarantee better payouts?
No system can change the fixed payouts or alter the probabilities encoded in the game. Systems may change betting patterns but they do not affect the table’s payout structure.
Are roulette winnings taxable in the UK?
Gambling winnings are not currently taxed for players in the UK.
What is the highest payout bet in roulette?
A Straight Up bet is the highest standard payout, at 35 to 1 for a winning single-number stake.
Where can I get help if gambling stops being fun?
If gambling becomes a concern, support is available from trusted UK services such as GamCare, BeGambleAware and the National Gambling Helpline.
This guide has explained how payouts relate to the bets you make and what to expect at the table, so you can approach each spin with a clearer idea of risk and reward. If you want to explore specific variants or compare house edges, have a look at our related guides for more detail.
**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.