Roulette: wheels, bets and payout trade-offs
Distinguish single-zero wheels, inside bets and outside bets.
Original editorial illustration; not a screenshot of the game.
The wheel and the wager
A standard single-zero wheel has 37 pockets: 1–36 and zero. A straight-up wager covers one number; outside bets cover groups such as red or black. Check for extra zeros and special rules in the variant you are reading.
A worked probability example
On a fair single-zero wheel, red covers 18 of 37 pockets: about 48.65%. At an even-money payout, the zero creates an advantage for the house. Previous outcomes do not make the next red, black or number due.
Format preferences and limitations
A simple layout can suit readers who prefer visible, fixed bet types. Multiplier variants require extra attention: an enhanced maximum payout may come with changes elsewhere in the paytable. A staking progression does not change the wheel probabilities.