Gambling on red or black in roulette is one of the simplest wagers available in the popular game. You just place your bet on what color the next number will be and that’s it. However, should you pick red or black? It doesn’t actually matter because the risk and your potential returns are the same.
Let me explain why by showing you how roulette black and red odds and payouts work!
Roulette Red or Black: Odds and Payouts
Here’s a breakdown of the odds and payouts for red and black in roulette for the three most popular versions of the game:
| Roulette Type | Red/Black Odds | Red/Black Payout | Red/Black House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| European | 18/37 (48.65%) | 1:1 (Even money) | 2.70% |
| American | 18/38 (47.37%) | 1:1 (Even money) | 5.26% |
| French (Le Partage Rule) | 18/37 (48.65%) | 1:1 (Even money) | 1.35% |
As you can see from the table, the payouts are always the same for both red and black when you play roulette for real money. Your odds to win and the house edge vary depending on the roulette version you pick because the zeroes work against you.
Since European roulette only features one zero, you have a 48.65% chance of winning the bet, and the house edge is 2.70%. The second zero in American roulette decreases your odds of winning and boosts the house edge to 5.26%.
French roulette is the most favorable option. It only has one zero and the unique Le Partage Rule that states you only lose half of your stake if you bet on red/black and the ball goes to the zero.
That’s why you should always try to pick French Roulette when you can! Unfortunately, most casinos don’t offer this version of the game because it’s too favorable for the player for black/red and other even odds roulette bets.
There are exceptions, though, most notably Las Atlantis Casino. The site offers two digital roulette tables with the Le Partage rule that provide black or red roulette bets with the highest potential returns.
Red or Black Roulette Strategy: The Martingale System
Arguably, the most popular roulette strategy for betting on red or black is the Martingale System. You should know that no system for red/black wagers, including Martingale, can eliminate the house edge of the casino. With that in mind, here’s how the popular Martingale works.
It’s a red or black strategy that requires you to double down on your colored bet until you win. You do not deviate from red or black, just continue betting on your color until it wins.
For Example:
If you lose your first $5.00 bet on red, you would then wager $10.00 for the next bet on red. If this loses, then bet $20.00, $40.00, and so on until red is a winner.
This system assumes that players have an infinite bankroll and the casino has no limits. Unfortunately, the truth is that we all have a finite bankroll and all casino tables have limits. Ultimately, this means that the Martingale system is a losing proposition.
Should You Bet On Red or Black?
One of the most common questions from new roulette players is does red or black hit more on roulette.
Statistically speaking, betting on black or red has the same odds and payouts. In the short term, one color might have an advantage statistically if it’s on a hot streak. But this has no impact on what occurs for future bets. The odds of red or black in roulette are the same.
The best way to improve your returns from black/red bets on roulette is to play French roulette tables and go after nice bonuses. Las Atlantis Casino is where you will find both, so that’s the Sports Geek’s recommended site for red/black roulette wagers.
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