Thinking about placing a double street bet on the roulette table? You’re in the right place.
Roulette offers many betting options, and the double street sits between single-number risks and larger outside bets. This article explains what it is, how it sits on the layout, and the odds and payouts you can expect, using clear examples so you can follow along with confidence.
Before we begin, a quick note: set limits you’re comfortable with and treat play as entertainment.
What Is a Double Street Bet in Roulette?
A double street bet covers six numbers with a single wager. On the betting layout it occupies the edge where two adjacent rows of three numbers meet; some people call it a line bet. Because it covers a block of six, it sits between inside bets such as straight-up numbers and larger outside wagers in terms of risk and reward.
This balance makes the double street useful for players who want wider coverage than a single number but prefer better payouts than the even-money options. The payout is fixed, so the trade-off between coverage and return is straightforward to evaluate when planning how to use it in a session.
Now that you understand the basic idea, the next section describes how that bet is represented on the table so you can spot it quickly.
How Do You Place a Double Street Bet at the Table?
On the table layout, numbers are arranged in rows of three. The double street occupies the boundary at the end of two neighbouring rows, forming a rectangular block of six numbers. In practice, placing this bet involves marking that outer line so the wager covers both rows simultaneously.
For example, a double street covering 7–12 occupies the line where the rows for 7–9 and 10–12 meet. In live settings the dealer will confirm your placement if you are unsure, and in digital versions the interface highlights the line when the double street option is selected. Taking a moment to check your bet before the wheel spins reduces the chance of accidental misplacement.
What Are the Odds & Payouts for a Double Street Bet?
A double street bet covers six pockets on the wheel. In European-style roulette, which has 37 pockets, the probability of hitting one of those six numbers is 6/37, or about 16.22%. In American-style roulette, with 38 pockets, the probability is 6/38, or about 15.79%.
The payout for a winning double street bet is 5 to 1. That means a successful £1 stake returns £5 in winnings plus the original £1 stake, so the total return is £6.
That payout reflects the trade-off inherent to the bet:
- broader coverage than single-number bets, since you cover six numbers at once
- lower per-number returns compared with betting on a single number
When comparing bets, keep the house edge and payout structure in mind. The relative house edge for double street bets is the same as for other inside bets on the same wheel: typically 2.70% for European (single-zero) roulette and 5.26% for American (double-zero) roulette. These figures mean the long-term expected return differs between wheel types, so consider which version you are playing when choosing your bets.
What Does the Double Street Bet Layout Look Like?
Visually, the betting layout is divided into twelve horizontal rows, each containing three numbers. A double street spans two of those rows side by side, creating a block of six numbers. The marker for this bet is the outer line running along the end of those two rows.
Once you know what to look for, the double street is easy to find: picture two adjacent rows of three numbers and imagine the chip resting on the long line that joins them. In online games the same visual cue is used, with the line lighting up or the block being highlighted when you select the double street option.
If you ever need clarification at a table, the dealer or help section of a game can point out the exact area without changing the layout itself.
Is a Double Street Bet Different in European vs American Roulette?
The mechanics of the double street bet are identical in both versions: it still covers six numbers and is placed on the same part of the layout. What changes between the two is the wheel composition, which affects the mathematics behind your expected return.
House Edge Comparison
- European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 and a single zero.
- American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1–36, a single zero and a double zero.
That additional double zero increases the house edge on the American wheel. The single-zero wheel typically carries a house edge of around 2.7%, while the double-zero wheel’s house edge is about 5.26%. Because the double street’s payout is fixed, this difference in wheel composition is what alters your long-term expected return between the two versions.
For players making repeated inside bets, many prefer the format with the lower house edge. Choosing the single-zero game reduces the mathematical disadvantage over time, though it does not remove the inherent house advantage.
Common Questions About Double Street Bets
Can I place more than one double street bet at a time?
Yes. Multiple double street bets can be placed as long as they fall within the table limits and your personal budget. Spreading stakes across several line positions will increase the areas of the table you cover, but it will also raise the total amount at risk.
Be mindful of minimum and maximum bets on the table and of your own staking plan. Placing several bets can be part of a strategy, but it is sensible to only risk what you can afford to lose.
What happens if the ball lands on zero?
If the outcome is zero, double street bets that do not include zero lose. Most standard double street bets cover six numbers and do not include the single zero.
Some venues or game variants offer specific rules, side options or en prison/holt rules that relate to zero. If a variant is in use, check the paytable or ask staff for clarification before placing your wager.
Do online casinos offer the same double street bet as land-based casinos?
Online games use the same layout logic and payout for double street bets. The core rule that a double street covers six numbers and pays at the standard rate applies equally in digital and physical versions.
The main differences are in how you place and manage the wager:
- In a land-based casino you place physical chips on the table.
- In an online interface you select or highlight the corresponding line on the digital layout.
Online games may also offer features such as bet history, repeat bet buttons or speed settings that are not available in a live setting. These are convenience features and do not change the underlying bet mechanics.
Is the payout always 5 to 1 everywhere?
Standard roulette games use a 5 to 1 payout for a double street. That is the usual payout in most classic roulette rulesets.
Special or novelty variants, promotional tables or custom house rules might alter paytables. It is therefore sensible to check the game rules or paytable before staking funds to confirm the exact payout.
If you have doubts about rules at any point, staff in a venue or the help pages in a game will be able to confirm specifics.
Are There Any Myths or Misunderstandings About Double Street Bets?
A few misconceptions circulate around double street bets. One is that covering more numbers will produce more frequent wins that somehow improve long-term results. In reality, each spin is independent and the fixed payout and house edge determine long-term expectations.
Another common misunderstanding is that patterns on previous spins influence future outcomes; the wheel has no memory, and outcomes remain statistically independent. Likewise, there is no reliable betting method that overcomes the built-in house advantage by switching between bet types.
Understanding these points helps set realistic expectations. Treating roulette as structured entertainment, while managing stakes within comfortable limits, keeps sessions clear and controlled.
Pros & Cons of Using Double Street Bets in Roulette
Like any wager, the double street has advantages and trade-offs. Appreciating both sides helps when choosing how to use it during play.
Pros
The double street provides broader coverage than single-number or split bets, giving more chances per spin with a single stake. It is straightforward to understand and place once you know the layout, and the 5 to 1 payout is consistent and easy to calculate when managing a bankroll.
Cons
Because it covers six numbers, the payout is lower than for riskier straight-up bets. The house still retains its mathematical advantage, so covering more numbers does not change long-term expectations. Placing multiple double street bets can build up stakes quickly, so maintaining awareness of total exposure is important.
If you plan ahead and set clear limits, the double street can be a useful component of a measured approach to the table.
Play within your means and treat betting as a form of entertainment. This keeps the experience straightforward and sustainable for you and those around you.
**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.