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Roulette Odds & Return To Player (RTP) Explained

Roulette Odds & Return To Player (RTP) Explained

Roulette, a popular casino game, has always generated intense debates among players. Some assert it is a pure game of chance, while others believe it involves a degree of skill. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the concept of roulette odds and Return to Player (RTP), providing insights to help improve your knowledge of this game. 

What Is Return To Player In Roulette?

Return to Player (RTP) refers to the theoretical percentage of the total money wagered on a casino game that is likely to be paid back to players over an extended period. 

For every variant of roulette, the RTP may differ. It can be calculated by subtracting the house edge from 100%. For instance, if the house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, the RTP will be 97.30%. In American roulette, the house edge is 5.26%, so the RTP will be 94.74%. 

High RTP Roulette Games

Many online platforms offer high RTP roulette games. For instance, Money Reels provides an extensive range of high RTP roulette games such as 20p Roulette, 100/1 Roulette, OA Auto Roulette, Multifire Roulette, 10p Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, Three Wheel Roulette, and Vinnie Jones Roulette, each having an RTP of 97.30%. 

Typical RTP Of Popular Roulette Games

The RTP value for most popular versions of roulette falls between 94% and 99%. Each roulette variant could have a different RTP due to the unique house edge and rules associated with them. 

RTP In French Roulette

French roulette has the highest RTP (98.65%) among the three main roulette variants - European, French, and American. It is played on a European wheel with 37 pockets, ranging from 1 to 36 and 0. 

French Roulette on a European Wheel

The nomenclature of bets in French roulette differs from other variants. For instance, a dozen bets 1, 2, and 3 are marked P12, M12, and D12, corresponding to the French for first, middle and last: Premiere, Moyenne, and Derniere. The odd/even bets are also called Impair/Pair. 

The En Prison or La Partage Rule

French roulette introduces two unique rules: 'La Partage' and 'En Prison'. These rules only apply to even money outside bets. The 'En Prison' rule allows your bet to stay in 'prison' if the ball lands on 0 on a spin, giving you an opportunity to recover your stake. The 'La Partage' rule enables you to get half your wager back if the ball lands on 0. Both these rules significantly lower the house edge from 2.7% to 1.35%. 

RTP In European Roulette

European roulette, with 37 pockets and a single zero, has an RTP of 97.30%, slightly lower than French roulette. This is because European roulette does not use the 'En Prison' or 'La Partage' rules. 

RTP In American Roulette

American roulette is often underestimated due to the presence of an extra zero pocket, which results in lower odds than European roulette. The RTP for American roulette is 94.74%. 

Mini Roulette RTP

Mini roulette might not be as renowned as its American, European, or French counterparts, but its appeal is undeniable in some casinos. It features a petite wheel with 13 pockets, including a single zero. Mini roulette has a 92.30% RTP. However, some variants use the La Partage rule, leading to a higher RTP of 96.15%. 

Double Ball Roulette RTP

Double ball roulette, which uses two balls instead of one, also has a high RTP of 97.30%. The dealer doesn't release the balls; they are instead fed into a machine attached to the wheel, and both balls are released once the wheel is spun. 

How Is RTP Calculated In Roulette?

To calculate the RTP of any roulette variant, subtract the house edge from 100%. Thus, European roulette, with a 2.7% house edge, has a 97.30% RTP. Similarly, American roulette, with a 5.26% house edge, has a 94.74% RTP. French roulette, having the lowest house edge at 1.35%, boasts an RTP of 98.65%. 

Roulette Odds Explained

Understanding roulette odds is crucial to further your understanding of this casino staple. 

What Is The Best Bet To Make on Roulette?

Even money outside bets are usually the best bets in roulette. These bets include odd/even, red/black, or high/low numbers. They have the best chance of landing (just under 50%), but due to this, they offer the lowest payout of all bets (1:1). 

How Risky Is Roulette?

The risk factor in roulette depends on the variant you're playing and the type of bets you place. European or French roulette offers better odds than American roulette due to the lower house edge. Whereas outside bets offer better odds of landing a win than inside bets, but award lower payouts if you do win. 

How Often Does 0 Come Up In Roulette?

The zero (0) pocket has a 1 in 37 chance of landing in European and French roulette, as there are 37 pockets. This equates to a 2.7% chance of landing. In American roulette, it has a 2 in 38 (5.26%) chance of landing due to the presence of 2 zero pockets. 

How Often Do Roulette Numbers Repeat?

Each spin of the roulette wheel has the same chance of landing on a specific number (1 in 37). So, the chances of a repeat are 1 in 37 times 1 in 37, which is a 1 in 1,369 chance. 

In American roulette, there is a 1 in 38 chance of landing on a specific number. So, the chances of a repeat are 1 in 1,444. 

What Are The Odds of Getting Black In Roulette?

Each roulette outcome is unpredictable. The odds of getting black are 47.4% in American roulette but could rise to 48.6% in European or French roulette due to there only being one zero pocket, as opposed to two. 

Is Roulette All Luck?

Roulette is indeed a game of chance. The outcomes in online roulette are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), resulting in unpredictable results on each spin. 

Live roulette (either online or in a brick-and-mortar casino) uses a real wheel and ball, which involves numerous uncontrollable variables that help produce a random outcome, such as wheel and ball speed, imperfections on both, air pressure, humidity, and more. 


*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.