Understanding Roulette Odds, RTP and Payout Percentages
If you choose to place a chip on a roulette table, it can be useful to familiarise yourself with a few basic concepts first, such as odds, RTP, and potential payouts. While these terms might sound technical at first, they are central to understanding how the game operates and how different bets compare.
In this post, we’ll explore what odds and RTP mean, outline the differences between European and American roulette wheels, explain how these figures are calculated, and show you how to read paytables. We’ll also look at how RTP applies in both live and online versions of the game.
By seeing how the numbers relate to potential outcomes, you may find it easier to interpret the table and make decisions that suit your own approach if you choose to play.
Read on to learn more.
What Do Roulette Odds and RTP Really Mean?
Roulette odds indicate the likelihood of a certain number, colour, or section appearing on a spin. Different types of bets carry different chances, which may affect the potential payout if a bet is successful. For instance, some bets target a single number, while others cover broader sections of the wheel.
RTP, or Return To Player, is a theoretical figure represented as a percentage that indicates approximately how much of the total stakes a game returns to players, on average, over time. If a game has a high RTP, it suggests that a larger proportion of total wagers might be returned to players over time. However, it is calculated over many spins, meaning a single spin might differ significantly from the overall figure.
Understanding these concepts provides a foundation for evaluating a game before placing any bets. The type of roulette wheel in use also affects these numbers, so it is helpful to explore the main variants next.
Key Differences Between European and American Roulette Odds
European and American roulette may look alike, but subtle differences influence outcomes. The European wheel contains 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36, while the American wheel has 38 pockets, including both a single zero and a double zero.
That extra double zero slightly reduces the likelihood of winning on most wagers because there are more possible results. Despite this, the payout amounts often remain the same as those on a European wheel, which slightly alters the overall returns.
For example, a single-number wager on a European wheel has a roughly 1 in 37 chance of success, compared with 1 in 38 on an American wheel. The payout for this type of bet is listed as 35 to 1 in both versions, which explains why the figures players see for potential returns differ.
Being aware of which wheel is in use and consulting the paytable allows players to connect probabilities with the likely payouts if they choose to place a bet.
How Is RTP Calculated in Roulette?
RTP is derived from the total amount wagered and the total returned over many spins. It is calculated by dividing total winnings by total bets and then converting this ratio into a percentage. For instance, if £1,000,000 is wagered and £973,000 is returned, the RTP would be about 97.3%.
The calculation depends on the wheel layout and payout ratios. European roulette, with its single zero, generally has an RTP of around 97.3%, while American roulette, with its extra double zero, has an RTP of approximately 94.74%.
This demonstrates the connection between the likelihood of winning and the listed potential payouts. The slightly lower RTP in American roulette results from there being more possible outcomes without increasing the payout, which subtly alters how each wager may perform over many spins.
RTP provides a standardised way to compare games, but it applies over many spins and cannot predict outcomes in an individual session.
House Edge Explained: What It Means for Roulette Players
The house edge is essentially the opposite of RTP, showing the portion of wagers a casino retains over time. For European roulette, it is roughly 2.70%, and the additional double zero on an American wheel increases this to around 5.26%.
A simple example illustrates the idea. On a European wheel, a single-number bet has a probability of 1 in 37, but the potential payout is 35 to 1 rather than the “fair” 36 to 1. This small difference produces the house edge. On an American wheel, with 38 outcomes but the same potential payout, the difference is larger, producing a smaller expected return if a player chooses to bet over many spins.
It is important to remember that this figure does not change based on previous spins, strategies, or decisions—it is part of the rules of the game. Being aware of this may help players make more informed choices and gamble responsibly.
How to Read Roulette Paytables and Payouts
A paytable lists each type of wager and its corresponding payout. In online roulette, this information is usually in the game panel, while in live games, it might be displayed near the table.
Inside bets, which cover fewer numbers, offer higher potential payouts. For example, a single-number bet typically pays 35 to 1 if successful, a split bet usually pays 17 to 1 if successful, a street bet typically pays 11 to 1 if successful, and a corner bet usually pays 8 to 1 if successful. Outside bets, covering larger groups like red/black or odd/even, pay less—often 1 to 1 if successful—because the chance of winning is higher.
By comparing the paytable with the wheel layout, players may connect probability to potential return. Fewer covered numbers usually result in higher payouts if the bet is successful, while broader coverage generally pays less. This principle applies in both live and online games unless special variations exist.
Are Live and Online Roulette RTPs the Same?
If you choose to play roulette, you might wonder whether live and online versions offer the same RTP. Generally, the figures are similar when the wheel layout and potential payouts are identical. For example, standard European roulette usually has an RTP of around 97.3% in both live and online formats.
Some online versions include extra features, such as side bets or multipliers, which may alter the RTP slightly. If you want to know the expected figure, checking the game information or paytable is the most reliable approach.
It’s important to remember that RTP is a theoretical measure calculated over many spins. Your individual session might differ from the average due to the randomness of outcomes. If you choose to play, it’s advisable to do so within your means. Confidential support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware for anyone who might need it.
Understanding roulette odds, RTP, and paytables may help you make more informed choices at the table. If you choose to engage in roulette, recognising the differences between European and American wheels, understanding how potential payouts relate to probabilities, and consulting the paytable can help you approach the game more thoughtfully.
Having a grasp of these concepts provides clarity about potential outcomes if you decide to place a bet, without changing the inherent unpredictability of the game.
Explore Roulette Online at Slotzo
If you’d like to try roulette in a regulated online environment, Slotzo offers both live dealer tables and Random Number Generator (RNG) games, giving you the option to choose between real-time play and on-demand sessions.
At Slotzo, we are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which means our games meet strict standards for fairness, security, and player protection. Features such as deposit limits and time-outs are available to help you manage your play, and support is on hand if you need guidance.
If this approach suits you, feel free to create an account at Slotzo, deposit some funds to play with and explore our roulette tables at your own pace.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.