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Roulette strategy
On this page we will discuss roulette strategy. Some people believe
you can always break even at roulette by always betting even money, then doubling
down after every loss and return to the lowest bet after a win. This is called
the Martingale system. However, in practice this is not possible because every
roulette table has a maximum imposed on the bet size. After a couple of sequential
losses it is no longer possible to double down, and you will lose. In fact
never believe anyone who claims having invented a winning roulette system.
As with all games of chance, whether you win or lose doesn't depend on the
system your using, but on luck and common sense.
Tip: The best Roulette bets (with the lowest house edge) are offered
by Cryptologic and Boss
Media, because of the option to surrender.
Roulette strategy detailed
Below you will find a few common sense strategy tips you can use to optimize
your roulette play.
Each spin is independent
The outcome of a spin is not determined by prior spins. Each spin is an independent
event of chance. For example, after seven successive blacks, the chance of
getting a red on the next spin is still as likely as getting a black. You
should not base your strategy on the false assumption that a particular outcome
is 'due' to happen.
European roulette pays more than American roulette
The American roulette wheel has 38 numbers, including the numbers 1 to 36,
a 0 ('zero') and a 00 ('double zero'). The European roulette wheel has 37
numbers, including the numbers 1 to 36 and a 0 ('zero'). In both games the
house still pays 35 to 1 on a straight (one number) bet. This means European
roulette offers better odds than American roulette. The house edge on all
bets (except the five-number line bet) in American roulette is 5.26%, compared
to 2.63% in European roulette. If you are planning to play roulette, always
play single-zero European roulette, when offered a chance. For example, Microgaming
casinos offer single-zero roulette.
Avoid the five-number line bet
The worst bet you can make in roulette is the five-number line bet. With this
bet you are betting on 0 ('zero'), 00 ('double zero'), 1, 2, and 3. The five-number
line bet pays 6 to 1, which is equivalent to a 7.29% house edge. This compares
to a 5.26% house edge on all other bets. So, never ever place the five-number
line bet.
The surrender option favors the player
Normally an even-money bet (high-low bet, black-red bet, odd-even bet) pays
1 to 1 when you win and nothing when you lose. Sometimes a casino offers the
option to surrender, which means that if you lose an even-money bet to a 0
('zero') or 00 ('double zero'), you are offered an extra chance on the same
bet. If you win the second bet you get to take your original bet back. The
house edge on these bets is 2.63% for American roulette and 1.35% for European
roulette. Some Cryptologic casinos offer
the option to surrender.
Summary of roulette bets and their associated house edge
| Roulette bets |
House edge |
| European roulette even-money bet with surrender |
1.35% |
| American roulette even-money bet with surrender |
2.63% |
| American roulette five-number line bet |
7.29% |
| European roulette all other bets |
2.70% |
| American roulette all other bets |
5.26% |
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