Red or Black bet

The Red/Black Bet is one of the simplest and most popular bets in roulette. With this bet, you’re wagering that the next winning number will be either red or black. It’s an even-money bet, meaning the payout is 1:1, but while it offers good odds, the house edge still applies due to the green zero (and double zero in American roulette).

Key Details of the Red/Black Bet

Here’s a quick look at the essential aspects of the Red/Black Bet:

• Odds: 18 out of 37 (European roulette) or 18 out of 38 (American roulette).
• House Edge: 2.70% (European roulette) or 5.26% (American roulette).
• Payout: 1:1 – You double your bet if you win.

How the Red/Black Bet Works

The Red/Black Bet is an outside bet in roulette, placed on either the red or black section of the table. You’re betting that the winning number will be one of the 18 red numbers or one of the 18 black numbers. If the ball lands on the color you chose, you win an even-money payout, but if it lands on a different color or on 0 (or 00 in American roulette), you lose.

For example, if you bet $20 on red and the ball lands on 7 (a red number), you win $20. However, if the ball lands on 10 (a black number) or 0, you lose.

Odds, House Edge, and Payout

The Red/Black Bet is one of the safest bets in roulette, but here’s a breakdown:

• Odds: 18/37 (48.6%) in European roulette and 18/38 (47.4%) in American roulette.
• House Edge: 2.70% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette.
• Payout: 1:1 – If you bet $10, you win $10.

The house edge is due to the green zero (and double zero in American roulette), which means that red or black doesn’t cover all possible outcomes.

Examples of Red/Black Bet in Action

Example 1: You place a $50 Red Bet, and the ball lands on 32 (red). You win $50, doubling your bet.
Example 2: You bet $20 on black, but the ball lands on 0. Since 0 is neither red nor black, you lose your $20.

Red/Black Bet FAQs