This is an educational guide to how casino games work. House edge and payout figures are typical values and vary by game, rules and operator. No casino game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, never as a way to make money, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
What Are Even-Money Bets in Roulette?
Even-money bets are where most roulette players start — the simplest wagers on the table, with the best chance of winning. Here’s how they work.
The options
Even-money bets are outside bets that pay 1:1 — you win the same as you stake. There are three pairs: red or black, odd or even, and low (1–18) or high (19–36). Each covers 18 of the numbers.
The best winning chance
Because they cover almost half the wheel, even-money bets have the highest probability of winning of any roulette bet — just under 50% on a European wheel (the zero is what stops it being a true coin-flip).
French rules help
On French roulette, the La Partage and En Prison rules apply specifically to even-money bets, returning part of your stake on a zero and cutting the house edge to around 1.35%. See what roulette is, European vs American roulette and a split bet in roulette.
Frequently asked questions
What are even-money bets?
Outside bets that pay 1:1 — red or black, odd or even, and 1–18 or 19–36.
Do they have the best odds?
They have the highest chance of winning of any roulette bet — just under 50% on a European wheel.
Are they affected by French rules?
Yes — La Partage and En Prison apply to even-money bets, lowering their house edge.
Related guides: what roulette is, European vs American roulette and a split bet in roulette.