Roulette Odds & Tips to Improve Success

Roulette is one of the world’s oldest and most-popular casinos games. Not surprisingly, every Michigan online casino also features this game.

Roulette is easy to get started with—especially the handy online version. However, players should definitely understand the odds before playing.

After all, the roulette odds affect one’s chance of winning each bet. This guide discusses the odds on roulette, different types of wheels, and tips to win more money.

Two Types of Roulette Wheels

Roulette features two main types of wheels, including the American and European wheel. These wheels heavily influence the roulette odds.

Therefore, one should understand the basics of each wheel before they know the exact odds behind each wager.

American Wheel

This wheel is commonly available in North American land-based and online casinos. It features the following 38 pockets:

1-36
Zero
Double zero

The first 36 pockets give players an equal chance of winning even-money bets (covered later). However, the zero and double zero pockets favor the casino on even-money wagers—including nearly every other bet too.

These two house-friendly pockets create longer odds of winning each wager. As seen below, they also lead to a higher house advantage:

Two house-friendly numbers.
2/ 38 = 0.0526
American roulette features a 5.26% house edge

European Wheel

The European wheel originated in European casinos. It’s mostly prevalent in land-based gambling establishments throughout Europe.

However, this game is now common at many online casinos as well. Here are the characteristics of the European wheel:

1-36
Zero

European roulette’s main difference from the American wheel is its absence of a double zero. Instead, it only features a single zero.

This aspect means one fewer house-friendly pocket and better odds of winning. It also lowers the house advantage compared to the American game:

One house-friendly number.
2/ 37 = 0.027
European roulette features a 2.70% house edge

Odds on American Roulette

Again, the American wheel features a single and double zero. Therefore, it reduces the chances of players being able to win.

Here are the odds on American roulette:

Single number – 37:1 odds, 35:1 payout
Split – 18:1 odds, 17:1 payout
Street – 11.67:1 odds, 17:1 payout
Corner – 8.5:1 odds, 8:1 payout
Six line – 5.33:1 odds, 5:1 payout
Column – 2.17:1 odds, 2:1 payout
Dozen – 2.17:1 odds, 2:1 payout
Odds/even – 1.11 odds: 1:1 payout
Red/black – 1.11 odds: 1:1 payout
High/low – 1.11 odds: 1:1 payout

Odds on European Roulette

The European wheel only features one house-friendly pocket. That said, it provides better odds on each wager.

Here are the European roulette odds:

Single number – 36:1 odds; 35:1 payout
Split – 17.5:1 odds; 17:1 payout
Street – 11.33:1 odds; 17:1 payout
Corner – 8.25:1 odds; 8:1 payout
Six line – 5.17:1 odds; 5:1 payout
Column – 2.08:1 odds; 2:1 payout
Dozen – 2.08:1 odds; 2:1 payout
Odds/even – 1.06 odds; 1:1 payout
Red/black – 1.06 odds; 1:1 payout
High/low – 1.06 odds; 1:1 payout

Which Roulette Game Is the Best?

Players should definitely look for the European wheel whenever possible. This version’s house edge is almost half of what the American wheel presents.

European roulette’s 2.70% house advantage is on par with some of the fairest games in online casinos. Meanwhile, American roulette’s 5.26% house edge is one of the worst offerings in internet gaming.

Here’s how the American version compares to several other types of Michigan online casino games:

Video poker = 0.46% house edge (9/6 Jacks or Better)
Blackjack = 0.5% to 2% (differs based on rules)
Baccarat = 1.06% (banker bet)
Craps = 1.36% (don’t pass line)
Pai Gow poker = 1.46%
Online slots = 2% to 5%
Let It Ride = 3.51%
Caribbean stud = 5.22%
American roulette = 5.26%

Luckily, Michigan gaming sites offer both American and European variations. The latter is easily the best version among these two options.

La Partage Rule

Players can do even better than European roulette. Their chances of winning improve more upon finding a game with the la partage rule.

La partage used to only be available in France, Germany, and Monte Carlo. However, this favorable rule has made its way into a small percentage of casinos.

It pays half back on losing even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. Gamblers must stick with even-money wagers to take advantage of this opportunity.

Here’s an example on how la partage works:

A player bets $20 on red/black.
The ball lands on the zero pocket.
The player receives $10 back on their loss.

The la partage rule cuts the European roulette house edge down from 2.70% to 1.35%. It can reduce American roulette’s house advantage from 5.26% to 2.63%.

In the latter case, one is actually getting a better deal with the American wheel. However, la partage is most commonly associated with the European game.

No Michigan internet casino offers this rule right now. But the Wolverine State could possibly see la partage enter its online gaming market in the future.

Tips to Improve Roulette Odds

Roulette isn’t the most-strategic game in the casino. Nevertheless, one can still increase their odds of winning by using the following tips.

Tip #1: Choose European Roulette

The European wheel is superior to the American wheel in every way. It offers better odds on each bet and a lower house edge.

Considering that Michigan online roulette players have a choice at each casino, they should always opt for the European version.

It features favorable 1:06:1 odds on even-money wagers. Additionally, it boasts a more than reasonable 2.70% house advantage.

The only time one should consider American roulette is if it’s accompanied by the la partage rule. In this case, one can look forward to a 2.63% house edge.

Tip #2: Find the La Partage Rule

European roulette already offers a low house advantage. But players can boost their odds of making money even further.

Online casinos occasionally feature a European wheel combined with the la partage rule. The latter pays half back when one’s even-money bet loses due to the ball landing on zero.

The key, though, is that players must place even-money wagers. A gambler isn’t eligible for this rule when they place a street or corner bet, for example.

Tip #3: Consider Each Bet’s Volatility

All European roulette wagers feature a 2.70% house edge. Meanwhile, nearly every American bet carries a 5.26% house advantage—save for the basket wager (7.89%).

Many players take these similar house edges as a green light to place any wager they desire. After all, each European or American bet offers the same long-term chances of winning.

But long term is the key term. Each group of roulette wagers offers different short-term odds of winning.

For example, a European high/low and single-number bet both carry a 2.70% house advantage. However, high/low’s odds (1.06:1) differ dramatically from those associated with the single number (36:1).

The single-number wager is always attractive from the standpoint that it can deliver a 35:1 payout. But these long-shot bets also increase volatility.

Those who have small bankrolls may want to make their money last longer. In this case, they should stick with less-volatile bets.

Tip #4: Come Up with a Bankroll Plan

Too many roulette players begin gambling without a plan. The same types often wonder why their bankrolls vanish so quickly.

Anybody can avoid this scenario, though, with a little planning. They simply need to come up with a bankroll management plan.

First, one needs to set aside a certain amount of money for their bankroll. These funds should strictly be for roulette and not need to pay rent, water bills, or anything else.

Next, a player should figure out their average bet size. They can use this average wager to break their bankroll down into manageable units.
Here’s a sample bankroll management plan:

A gambler goes through their finances.
They determine that they can comfortable spend $500 on roulette.
The player’s average bet size is $2.
500 / 2 = 250 units

Tip #5: Set Stop Loss Limits

Setting up a roulette bankroll is a nice start. However, gamblers can get even more advanced with their plan by incorporating stop-loss limits.

The latter refers to a point at which a gambler will stop playing based on loses. Such limits prevent them from blowing their bankroll too quickly.

Here’s an example:

A player has 250 betting units.
They want their funds to last for at least 10 online roulette sessions.
250 / 10 = 25
One should stop playing a session whenever they lose 25 units.

Players can also set up stop-win limits too. These limits help gamblers bank winnings after a really good outing.

Tip #6: Go for Michigan Roulette Bonuses

Michigan online casinos offer lucrative deposit bonuses. A deposit bonus gives players a match percentage on their deposit amount.

Here’s an example:

A casino offers a 100% match bonus worth up to $300.
A player deposits $200.
They now qualify for a $200 bonus.

After depositing, a gambler must earn their bonus by meeting terms and conditions. The T&Cs can seem intimidating, but they actually aren’t that strict at Michigan gaming sites.

Nevertheless, one should always thoroughly examine the terms and conditions to make sure they know what’s expected. Playthrough is particularly important.

This term refers to how much one must wager before withdrawing bonus funds. For example, 20x playthrough on a $200 bonus would require wagering $4,000 total (200 x 20).

Of course, playthrough isn’t the only condition that must be met. Therefore, players want to read and understand each term before trying to unlock a bonus.

Tip #7: Take Advantage of VIP Rewards

Michigan internet casinos offer loyalty rewards to retain quality customers. Gamblers should take advantage of these benefits whenever playing online roulette.

They stand to earn plenty of great rewards, including cashback, birthday gifts, deposit bonuses, higher deposit limits, higher cashout limits, and more.

Unfortunately, not every Michigan gaming site offers a great VIP program. Some don’t even include roulette in their loyalty plan due to the low house edge.

That said, a gambler should review loyalty benefits before signing up and depositing. They should focus on casinos that offer high cashback rates, big deposit bonuses.

Players always want to look at programs that offer the chance to move up. After all, higher VIP statuses collect more rewards.

Can Betting Systems Beat Michigan Roulette Casinos?

Betting systems can provide more entertainment to one’s roulette gaming experience. However, some gamblers falsely believe that they can beat the game with these strategies.

Nobody has ever devised a gambling system that wins consistently in the long run. Systems don’t circumvent the house edge—they just manipulate short-term and long-term winnings.

The Martingale system quite possibly comes the closest to beating roulette. It simply calls on players to double bets following every loss.

The idea is that one will always win back losses, plus a small profit, at the end of each string. Here’s an example:

Player makes a $10 even-money bet and loses; bankroll at -$10.
Player makes a $20 even-money bet and loses; bankroll at -$30.
Player makes a $40 even-money bet and loses; bankroll at -$70.
Player makes a $80 even-money bet and loses; bankroll at -$150.
Player makes a $160 even-money bet and loses; bankroll at +$10.

This system would theoretically work if one had an infinite bankroll and there were no table limits. But nobody has an infinite bankroll, and casinos do instate betting limits.

The probability of losing 12 straight bets, for example, is low. However, this type of occurrence will happen if one keeps playing roulette long enough.

Assuming a player doesn’t have the bankroll to cover 12 consecutive losses, they’ll simply be out a lot of money.

This factor is actually a moot point anyways. Michigan online casinos cap roulette wagers at $500. In the example above, a player would hit $500 on their next bet after seven consecutive losses.

Long story short, systems can’t beat roulette over the long run. They’re just fun to incorporate into one’s play every now and then.