Using Mathematics to Play Roulette

Playing roulette can be as simple as picking any number that one fancies and hoping that the ball lands on it after the roulette wheel stops turning. However, using math principles can help improve a player’s chance of winning. Moreover, the math used in a roulette strategy does not have to be complicated. Plus, it does not take a long time to learn.

By incorporating math when learning how to play roulette, gamblers already take a significant step when it comes to getting better at the game. And in doing so, they become closer to understanding how to win at roulette.

The Relationship Between Roulette Math and Odds

Roulette odds are based on how many spaces or numbers are on the roulette wheel and how many of those numbers win on the player’s bet. These odds are among the key elements of a roulette game that players can learn.

One example would be that a player has a 1 in 37 or 1 in 38 chance of wining if he or she wagers on the number 23. Depending on the roulette wheel in play, it will have either 37 or 38 numbers or spaces. When betting on red, the odds are 18 in 37 or 18 in 38. The odds may seem to favor hitting red over 23; however, red pays a mere 1 to 1. On the other hand, 23 has a payout of 35 to 1.

Translating Roulette Odds into Return and Edge

When a player acquires knowledge about how roulette odds function, it’s easy to see that the house edge and the return are identical on a bet placed on 23 and a bet placed on red.

The only bet that does not offer the same edge and return is a basket bet placed on numbers 00 to 3. This bet option has a lower RTP and a higher house edge compared to other wager options.

What can happen, on average, over a span of 37 spins on a roulette wheel having 37 spaces if a player bets on $20 on red on each spin? That’s a total bet of $740. If the player wins 18 out of 37 times, he or she gets $40 for each winning spin. So, 18 wins out of 37 would pay out a total of $720.

European vs. American Roulette

When playing roulette online or in land-based casinos, players will most often come across the most common variations: European and American. European roulette games usually have 37 numbers or spaces while American roulette has 38.

One of the important roulette tips to remember is that playing roulette on tables having 37 numbers or spaces offers a higher chance of winning in the long-term. Therefore, many savvy players often choose European roulette.

Taking Advantage of the En Prison Rule

En prison is called one of the most important roulette rules to remember, and for good reason. It can improve roulette odds significantly and enable players to get optimum returns. The en prison rule is available on French Roulette and other types of roulette tables.

This is how the rule works. When a player loses a wager on red or any other bet that pays 1 to 1, the money he or she loses is placed in prison until the next bet. If the player wins the subsequent bet, they receive the imprisoned money back in addition to their winnings on the current bet. Losing two bets in a row is the only way to lose an even money bet.