Roulette is arguably the most iconic and thrilling casino game, with its spinning wheel and bouncing ball captivating gamblers for generations. It's also considered to be one of the easiest games to learn, and its simple gameplay and straightforward nature add to its overall appeal.

While the game is based on chance, strategic bettors often seek ways to maximize their odds and minimize risks. However, not all bets on the roulette table are created equal. That's why, in this article, we'll take some time to distinguish the best and worst roulette bets you can make in roulette.

Whether you're playing online, live dealer or on the casino floor, understanding which roulette strategies and bets can make or break your bankroll is crucial. So, let's not waste any more time and dive right into the worst and riskiest choices you can make at the roulette wheel!

Top 5 Worst Bets You Can Make in Roulette

Based on the inherent nature of the game and the odds involved, there are certain bets in roulette that are widely regarded as the riskiest and least favorable for players. Here are the top 5 worst bets you can make in roulette:

1. Straight Up Bet (Single Number)

Betting on just one number in roulette might seem tempting because it pays a lot (35 times your bet), but it's known as one of the riskiest bets. The chance of actually hitting that one number is really low, like 1 in 37 (in European roulette) or 1 in 38 (in American roulette).

This bet has a high house edge, meaning you're more likely to lose. Even though winning big sounds great, it's tough to do consistently, making this bet not so great overall.

2. Five-Number Bet (American Roulette)

In American roulette, the five-number bet involves betting on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Despite the 6:1 payout, this bet has a high house edge of 7.89%, making it one of the less favorable choices. Adding both 0 and 00 reduces your chances of winning, so it's better to skip this bet if you want a more sustainable strategy.

3. Basket Bet (European Roulette)

Similar to the American five-number bet, the basket bet in European roulette involves betting on 0, 1, 2, and 3. Though it has a lower house edge than the American version, it's still not the best choice. Be careful with this bet because the presence of the zero lowers your overall chances of winning, making the odds not so great.

4. Any 7 Bet

Betting on the outcome being a 7 might seem simple, but the any 7 bet has a high house edge of about 16.67%. Even though it pays 4 times your bet, the chances of rolling a 7 in one spin are lower than it seems, making it a risky choice. Smart players often avoid this bet due to its high house edge, opting for better options on the roulette table.

5. Split Bets

Split bets offer a moderate payout and better odds than riskier single-number bets, but they have their drawbacks. Placing chips between two neighboring numbers may seem balanced, but the house edge remains relatively high.

The casino still has an advantage, and the potential win might not be worth the risk. Despite the improved odds, split bets carry uncertainty, prompting strategic players to consider other, more favorable options on the roulette table for better chances of success.

More Roulette Bets & Risky Strategies To Avoid

In addition to the top 5 worst roulette bets included in the previous section, here are a few other risky strategies and bets that players should be cautious about:

• Progressive Betting Systems: Progressive betting systems, like Martingale or Fibonacci, might seem smart, but they can be risky. Doubling your bets after losses or following specific sequences doesn't guarantee success, and you could end up losing a lot. Casinos have limits, and if you keep losing, you might run out of money.
• Betting on Red/Black and Odd/Even Simultaneously: Trying to cover both red and black or odd and even numbers at the same time may seem safe, but it's not. The presence of the green zero(s) makes it riskier, increasing the house edge and making it less likely to win consistently.
• Pattern Betting: Some players believe in spotting patterns or trends in the outcomes of roulette spins. However, roulette is a game of chance, and each spin is independent of the previous ones. Relying on patterns or trends can be misleading, as there is no inherent logic or predictability in the roulette wheel.
• James Bond Strategy: Named after the famous fictional spy, this strategy involves placing specific bets to cover a large portion of the roulette wheel. While it may seem sophisticated, it doesn't guarantee consistent wins and requires a significant initial investment. The James Bond strategy can be risky, especially if the ball lands on numbers outside the selected range.
• Biased Wheel Betting: Some players believe in the existence of biased roulette wheels, where certain numbers come up more frequently due to imperfections in the wheel. While this might have been true in the past with mechanical wheels, modern casinos regularly maintain and inspect their equipment to minimize biases.

What Is the Riskiest Bet on Roulette?

The riskiest bet in roulette is placing your chips on a single number. This high-stakes gamble offers a thrilling 36:1 payout ratio, but the odds of winning are slim, standing at just 2.70%.

With 37 possible outcomes on the roulette wheel, picking a single number may seem tempting due to the allure of a significant payout, but it comes with a considerable risk.

This bet is not recommended for risk-averse players looking for more strategic and sustainable options on the roulette table. Exploring safer betting strategies can enhance your overall experience and increase the likelihood of consistent wins.

What Are the Best Roulette Bets?

In roulette, the best bets are typically those that offer a higher probability of winning, although it's important to note that roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee consistent success. That said, here are some strategies and bets that players commonly use to improve their odds in roulette:

• Outside Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low): These bets cover large groups of numbers, providing almost a 50% chance of winning. While the payouts are lower, the probability of hitting a winning number is higher.
• Column & Dozen Bets: Betting on entire columns or dozens increases the coverage on the table, offering a 1 in 3 chance of winning. The payouts are moderate, striking a balance between risk and reward.
• En Prison and La Partage Rules: In some variations of roulette, the En Prison and La Partage rules can be advantageous. These rules apply to even-money bets (e.g., red/black). With En Prison, if the ball lands on zero, your bet is 'imprisoned' for the next spin. In La Partage, you lose only half of your bet.
• Combination Bets: Combining bets on specific numbers with bets on larger groups can create a balanced strategy. For example, placing chips on a single number along with an outside bet increases the chances of some return.
• Neighbor Bets: Betting on a specific number and its neighbors on the wheel can provide a broader range of potential wins. While the odds remain relatively low, a straight-up bet yields a more substantial payout.
• Street Bets: Betting on a row of three numbers (a street) by placing chips on the outer edge of the row offers a higher probability of winning than single-number bets. The payout for a successful street bet is typically 11 to 1.

What Is the Smartest Bet in Roulette?

The Paroli Betting System stands out as a smart approach to roulette, offering a unique strategy for players. Unlike the Martingale Strategy, where bets are increased after a loss, the Paroli system focuses on capitalizing on winning streaks.

In essence, when you win a round in roulette using the Paroli method, you double your next wager. This positive progression system aims to maximize profits during favorable runs while limiting potential losses during less fortunate times. The key principle is to ride the wave of success and reset the betting sequence after three consecutive wins.

Which Bet Pays the Most in Roulette?

In roulette, the highest-paying bet is placing a wager on a single number. According to the roulette payouts chart, this bet offers an impressive 35:1 payout. However, it's essential to note that the odds of winning on a single number bet are relatively slim.

As you expand the range of numbers included in your bet, the payout decreases in comparison to the size of your wager. In summary, while the 35:1 payout for a single number bet is the highest, players should consider the trade-off between potential winnings and the likelihood of success.

Is There a Trick To Winning Roulette?

When aiming to improve your chances at roulette, consider focusing on strategic bets. A key tip for casino newcomers is to adhere to the table minimum and concentrate on playing outside bets. Opt for black or red with each spin, providing a 1:1 payout and covering 18 out of 38 potential outcomes. This approach helps manage risk and offers a straightforward strategy for roulette success.

Conclusion: Make Smart Roulette Bets at These Online Casinos!

Now that you know all of the best and worst types of bets you can make in roulette, it's time to put what you've learned to the test!

If you live in a state where online casino gambling is currently legal (like Michigan, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania), then we encourage you to check out our list of the best U.S. online casinos in 2026. Here, you'll find reputable platforms that offer a variety of roulette games, catering to both beginners and seasoned players.

On the other hand, if you're in a state like California, Texas, or Florida that has not yet legalized real-money online casinos, then you're not out of luck!

You can still sign up at social casinos and sweepstakes casinos, play roulette and other casino-style games from the comfort of your own home, and have a chance to win real cash prizes through sweepstakes-style promotions. Just check out our list of the top social casino sites and apps to find some of the best options currently available!