When it comes to casino games, roulette is one of the most popular and exciting games, with a rich history that goes back to the 18th century. Nonetheless, every game in the casino has a pre-determined house edge that makes the house, and not the player, the winner, most of the time.
However, not all bets and strategies are equally advantageous for the player. In this sense, American Roulette, which has both the zero (0) and double zero (00) slots, has a higher house edge compared to other variations, such as European or French Roulette. In addition, some betting options should be avoided, especially those marked as worst bets.<
Worst bets in roulette and the house edge
Basket bet or five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, and 3) is a typical example of the worst bet in American Roulette. You cover fewer numbers than straight bet (single number), yet you have a 7.9% house edge – 3.65 times more than the overall house edge. Why? It happens because the double zero slot (00) dramatically increases the odds in favor of the house, going from 1 in 38 or 1 out of 37 (0) chances (European Roulette) to 1 in 39 opportunities for either zero or double-zero.
Thus, playing American Roulette is not encouraged if you wish to decrease the house's advantage while some other bets in roulette should also be ignored, even in so-called favorable versions (e.g. European Roulette): Basket bet.
The top 5 worst bets in roulette
- Five-number bet in American Roulette (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) – house edge is 7.9%
- Single zero (0) and double-zero (00) in American Roulette – respective house edges 5.26% and 7.69%
- Line bet (six numbers with six chips) on two adjacent rows neighboring the green slots in European Roulette – house edge is 5.4%
- Five chip column bet (both zero and double zero covered and other three columns) on the table layout in American Roulette – house edge for the bet is 7.9%
- Eight chip first four bet (both zero and double zero, as well as four consecutive numbers below) in American Roulette – house edge is 7.9%
Strategies that let the Casino win
The following strategies help increase the house edge, putting players in further disadvantage: