In most casino table games of chance, the house has the advantage. This advantage is known as the house edge. Roulette is a game where the house always has the advantage.
Roulette house edge is the percentage of money that the house expects to win over time. What’s more, it depends on the type of wheel used. An American roulette wheel has two zeros and a house edge of 5.26%, while a European roulette wheel has one zero and a house edge of 2.70%. The same applies to online roulette.
House edge is a small percentage that can add up over time. For example, if you bet $100 on roulette with a house edge of 5.26%, then you can expect to lose an average of $5.26 per 100 bets.
American vs. European Roulette
European roulette house edge comes from there being 36 numbers plus the green zero segment on the table. While you can bet on any of the 37, you will only win at odds of 35:1 rather than 36:1.
American roulette house edge is even worse for the player as there is a second green segment containing the double zero, meaning you get 35:1 rather than 37:1.
Furthermore, when you bet on red or black, or odd or even numbers, you are not getting a 50/50 shot because of the green zero. In reality, you have an 18 in 37 chance of winning (in the European roulette version,) not an 18 in 36 chance.
What Are Multiple Bets?
When you load more chips onto the table on the single-number bets or cover more of the table on the outside bets like red and black, you’ll increase the frequency of your wins. What’s happening here is that you’re bringing down the game’s volatility rather than affecting the house advantage.
Players have developed all sorts of number combinations that they think will somehow crack this fundamental behavior of the wheel. The truth is that whatever you bet, the edge remains constant (the only exception to this is if you play the 5 Number Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 on a double-zero wheel, in which case the edge is increased.)
Is Roulette House Edge Really a Big Deal?
If you bet just a few numbers, it’s like playing a high-variance slot that is a bit stingy with the wins, but when it does pay out, you win big. It’s a stressful ride, though, as you can spend your bankroll pretty quickly if luck is not with you.
On the other hand, if you do get lucky and you hit a win early on, the roulette odds payout could be substantial. The smart thing to do in this instance is to walk away with your winnings.
So, the house edge in roulette is a big deal if you are a high-stakes gambler. However, if you are a casual gambler who only bets a small amount of money, then house edge is not as big of a deal.
Can the Roulette House Edge Stop You From Winning?
The house edge cannot stop you from winning at roulette in the short term. However, it will mean that you are more likely to lose money in the long run. A quick $10 bet on 27 that gives you an instant $350 win when your number comes in might tempt you to stick around for a few more spins.
That’s the allure of the game: even though the roulette odds are stacked against you, Lady Luck can still be on your side.
If you want to maximize your chances of winning at roulette, then you should try to find a casino that offers a roulette wheel with a low house edge. You should also avoid placing multiple bets, as these can increase the house edge.
Roulette Odds
The odds in roulette are based on the probability of each outcome. For example, the probability of the ball landing on red is 47.37%. This means that the odds of the ball landing on red are 1:1.
The best way to reduce the house edge is to pick the best wheel. That extra zero in American roulette makes all the difference and that’s what gives the American wheels those fatter profits.
If you can find a French wheel that plays La Partage (where you get half your bet back on an even money bet if the zero comes in,) you can squeeze that edge down to 1.3% if you play those bets.
House Edge in Games of Chance
Keno is another luck-based game with a house edge that can vary depending on the casino and the number of numbers picked. It can be as high as 35% for some bets but as low as 5% for other bets.
There is no surefire way to beat the house edge in Keno, but there are a few strategies that can help you improve your chances of winning. These include picking fewer numbers or avoiding hot and cold numbers.
House edge in live dealer online casino games like baccarat is typically around 1.06% for the player bet and 1.24% for the banker bet. The house edge in online slots and jackpot slots can vary depending on the game, but it is typically around 2–15 percent.
Take On the House With Borgata Online
The house edge in roulette is a small percentage and you might not even notice the odds that are stacked against you, but it can add up over time. If you want to maximize your chances of winning at roulette, then look for an online game casino that offers a roulette wheel with a low house edge. To try your hand at roulette as well as a full range of casino table games, online slots and live dealer casino games, register with Borgata Online.