Quick answer
Roulette comes in three main versions. European roulette has 37 pockets with a single zero, American roulette has 38 with an extra double zero, and French roulette uses the single-zero wheel with extra rules on even-money bets. Single-zero wheels give the house a smaller edge, so check which one a table uses before you play a spin.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- European roulette has 37 pockets with a single zero; American roulette has 38 with an extra double zero.
- French roulette uses the single-zero wheel, often with la partage or en prison rules on even-money bets.
- A straight-up bet pays 35 to 1, and dozens and columns pay 2 to 1.
- Payouts stay the same on a double-zero wheel while the odds get worse.
- Single-zero wheels give the house a smaller edge, so check which one a table uses.
How do the wheel types differ?
The number of zeros is the difference that matters.
- European roulette: 1 to 36 plus a single zero, 37 pockets.
- American roulette: 1 to 36 plus 0 and 00, 38 pockets. The extra pocket raises the house edge.
- French roulette: the single-zero wheel, often with la partage or en prison rules that return part of an even-money bet when zero lands.
How is the table laid out?
The numbers sit in a grid of three columns and twelve rows, with the zero or zeros at the top. Around the grid are the outside betting areas: dozens, columns, red or black, odd or even, and 1 to 18 or 19 to 36.
What are the inside bets and what do they pay?
Inside bets cover specific numbers. The fewer numbers you cover, the more it pays and the more often it misses.
- Straight up (one number): 35 to 1.
- Split (two numbers): 17 to 1.
- Street (three numbers): 11 to 1.
- Corner (four numbers): 8 to 1.
- Six line (six numbers): 5 to 1.
What are the outside bets and what do they pay?
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and pay less.
- Dozens and columns (twelve numbers): 2 to 1.
- Red or black, odd or even, low or high: 1 to 1.
On every bet, zero is a losing number unless you bet on it directly or the table uses French rules. Payouts stay the same on a double-zero wheel while the odds get worse. The roulette guide covers playing on KhelKing.
Still wondering?
Frequently asked questions
01Which roulette type is best for players?
Single-zero wheels: European or French roulette.
02How many numbers are on a roulette wheel?
37 pockets on a European wheel and 38 on an American one.
03What does a straight-up bet pay?
35 to 1.
04What is la partage?
A French rule that returns half of an even-money bet when the ball lands on zero.
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