Simple yet exciting, roulette is played and enjoyed by millions across the globe. And as casino table games go, there are few games that can emulate its social and easy-to-learn nature, which has proved a fan-favorite for decades, even centuries.
By looking at a roulette table, you’ll notice there are 38 numbers (00 – 36) that are divided into three colors: red, black and green. While green only accommodates two numbers (00, 0,) – for American roulette, that is – the rest of the wheel is split evenly between red and black. There are many betting options available, including single numbers, corners, high or low numbers and odd or even numbers. But can you bet on black and red numbers simultaneously? Let’s take a look.
Betting Options Available
Before we move into the heat of the debate, it’s important to understand the betting options available. Statistically, the most popular bet is either red or black, but can you bet on them simultaneously? You’ll find out soon.
You have an array of betting options at your disposal, each with varying odds, according to the probability of it happening – the less likely it is to occur, the higher the payout. For example, choosing green (00, 0,) exposes you to 35:1 odds, whereas betting on red or black gives you 1:1 odds as the probability of guessing correctly is considerably higher.
Regarding American roulette, you have two betting options – inside bet and outside bet – compared to the European version, where there are three: inside bet, outside bet and call bet. For this article, we’re focusing on the American version.
An inside bet in American roulette focuses on specific numbers, whereas an outside bet relates to colors or groupings.
Inside Bet
If you’re looking at placing an inside bet, the highest payout is a straight up bet which offers 35:1 odds. The easiest bet to remember, all it requires is picking an individual number such as 12, 22 or 34.
Then there’s a split bet (17:1 odds,) which means choosing two neighborly numbers on the layout, such as 3 and 6 or 9 and 12. For beginners, be sure to familiarize yourself with the layout, which is the cloth-covered betting area where you’ll be placing your chips to bet. For instance, if you want to make a split bet on 9 and 12, you’ll need to place your chips on the line between them to signify to the dealer what bet you’re making.
The third highest payout is a street bet (11:1 odds,) which entails choosing a row of three like numbers, such as 4, 5, 6, or 7, 8, 9. Other inside bets include a corner bet (8:1 odds,) which is the act of placing your chips between four different numbers in a square formation. The lowest payout – but the highest probability of winning – is a line bet (5:1 odds,) which is similar to a street bet, but you bet on two rows of three rather than one row.
Outside Bet
The most popular choice when playing roulette, an outside bet (1:1 odds) offers five options: high or low (1-18 or 19-36,) odd or even, red or black, dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36,) and finally, the only outside bet that offers 2:1 odds, columns.
Overall, if you’re wondering how to increase your chances of winning at online roulette, an outside bet such as a red or black in roulette is the safest option. And for further guidance, be sure to take advantage of a roulette calculator guide, which provides you with real-time analyses to inform you of the best strategy available.
The Importance of Understanding Odds
Simply put, the importance of understanding the odds cannot be understated. Not only will it help you maintain a healthy bankroll, but it’ll also allow you to cope with the speed of the game. Similarly to other online casino games like poker and blackjack, understanding the rules and odds is the most effective way to ensure you’re making the best bet possible.
Otherwise, without knowing, you risk wasting your money on bets with high odds, such as a straight up bet or split bet. A good tip is starting off your game with outside bets, where traditionally, you’re more likely to win because the probability of it occurring is high. Take red or black roulette odds (1:1) for example. Although your payout will be low, the chances of it happening are high. And once you’ve built up a solid bankroll, you can begin to make riskier bets with higher payouts. By approaching the game with a cautious mindset, you’re more likely to gain confidence and enjoy the thrill of roulette, rather than make bad bets, tilt and never play again.
Simultaneously Betting on Red and Black
Before deciding to simultaneously bet on red and black, be sure to see if you’re allowed to as every casino is different. If you’re given the green light, it’s time to weigh up your options. If you were to ask a seasoned gambler whether this is a fruitful option, almost every player would say no, because, although you have a 94% chance of hitting either color, the impressively high win-rate means a depressingly low payout. In fact, breaking even is your best outcome.
Why? Because you cannot win both wagers at once. Combine this with red or black’s 1:1 odds and it’s easy to spot why it isn’t an economical option. For example, if you stake $20 on red and $20 on black, and it lands on red, although you’ve won, at 1:1 odds your winnings will be canceled out by the other bet made (black) – you’ll still be $20 poorer.
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