Roulette Side Bets Explained and Odds
Let’s be honest — roulette is a game of pure chance. You spin, the ball bounces, and you either win or you don’t. But somewhere between the red-and-black chaos, you’ll find side bets. These are the little extras, the “why not?” wagers that can make your heart race or drain your stack faster than you’d expect. I’ve seen players toss chips on them like they’re throwing confetti. And honestly? Sometimes it works. But mostly, it’s about understanding what you’re actually betting on.
What Exactly Are Roulette Side Bets?
Side bets are — well — optional wagers that sit outside the main game. You’re not just betting on red or black, odd or even, or a single number. Instead, you’re betting on things like “the ball will land in a specific row” or “three numbers in a row will hit.” They’re often found in European roulette, American roulette, and even some live dealer games online. Think of them as the game’s quirky cousins — fun, flashy, but not always the smartest choice.
Here’s the deal: side bets usually have worse odds than the standard bets. But they also offer bigger payouts. That’s the trade-off. You’re trading a higher chance of losing for a shot at something bigger. It’s like ordering a mystery box at a restaurant — you might get a steak, or you might get a soggy pickle.
Common Roulette Side Bets (And Their Odds)
Not all roulette tables offer side bets. But when they do, you’ll usually see these. Let’s break ‘em down, one by one. I’ll include the odds — because that’s why you’re here, right?
The “Neighbors” Bet
This one’s popular in European roulette. You’re betting on a number and its two neighbors on each side — so five numbers total. For example, “17 and the neighbors” covers 16, 17, 18, and a couple more (depends on the wheel layout). The payout? Usually 1:8 or 1:9, but the house edge hovers around 2.7% — same as a standard single-zero game. Not terrible, but not great either.
Odds: About 13.5% chance to hit (5 out of 37 numbers). Payout: 8:1. House edge: ~2.7%.
The “Orphelins” (Orphans) Bet
This one sounds fancy — it’s French for “orphans.” You’re betting on the numbers that aren’t covered by the “Voisins du Zéro” or “Tiers du Cylindre” bets. It covers eight numbers total, split into two groups. Honestly? It’s a bit of a mess to explain, but the payout is 1:35 for a single number hit, or 1:17 for a split. The house edge? Still around 2.7%. But the complexity? High. I’ve seen dealers roll their eyes when someone asks for it.
Odds: 8 numbers out of 37. Payout varies. House edge: ~2.7%.
The “Voisins du Zéro” (Neighbors of Zero)
This bet covers 17 numbers around the zero on the wheel. It’s a big chunk — nearly half the wheel. You’ll need a bigger chip stack, though, because it’s actually multiple smaller bets combined. Payouts range from 1:35 to 1:11, depending on which number hits. The house edge? Still 2.7%. But here’s the catch: you’re covering a lot of ground, so you win more often — just not big wins.
Odds: 17 numbers out of 37. Payout: mixed. House edge: ~2.7%.
The “Tiers du Cylindre” (Thirds of the Wheel)
This one covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero. It’s a single bet, but you’re actually placing six split bets. Payout is 1:17 if any of the splits hit. The odds? About 32.4% chance to win (12 out of 37). House edge? Yep, 2.7% again. It’s a solid middle-ground bet — not too risky, not too safe.
Odds: 12 numbers out of 37. Payout: 1:17. House edge: ~2.7%.
American Roulette Side Bets: A Different Beast
Now, American roulette has that extra zero — the double zero. That changes everything. The house edge jumps to 5.26% on standard bets. And side bets? They’re even worse. You’ll sometimes see “basket bets” (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) with a house edge of 7.89%. Ouch. Or “five-number bets” — same thing. Honestly? Avoid these if you can. They’re traps.
Key stat: The five-number bet in American roulette has a house edge of 7.89% — the worst in any standard roulette game.
Online Roulette Side Bets: The Wild West
Online casinos love side bets. They’re a way to keep you entertained — and keep you betting. You’ll see things like “Racing 7s” or “Lucky Lucky” in some live dealer games. These often have house edges north of 10%. I mean, sure, they’re fun. But treat them like a slot machine — not a strategy.
For example, one popular online side bet is “Super Seven” — you bet that the number 7 will hit within a certain number of spins. The payout can be 100:1, but the odds are abysmal. Like, less than 1% chance. That’s not a bet; that’s a prayer.
How to Use Side Bets (Without Losing Your Shirt)
Alright, so you’re still interested. Good — I get it. Side bets add spice. But here’s my advice: use them as a small percentage of your bankroll. Like, 5% or less. And never chase losses with them. That’s a fast track to an empty wallet.
Also, stick to European roulette if you can. The single zero gives you a fighting chance. And if you’re playing American roulette, just skip the side bets entirely. Seriously. The math is brutal.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Side Bet | Numbers Covered | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighbors | 5 | 8:1 | ~2.7% |
| Orphelins | 8 | 1:35 or 1:17 | ~2.7% |
| Voisins du Zéro | 17 | Mixed | ~2.7% |
| Tiers du Cylindre | 12 | 1:17 | ~2.7% |
| Five-Number Bet (US) | 5 | 6:1 | 7.89% |
See that last row? That’s the one to avoid. It’s like ordering a salad and getting a plate of iceberg lettuce — technically edible, but why bother?
Why Do Casinos Offer Side Bets?
Simple: they make money. The house edge on side bets is often higher than standard bets. And players love them because they feel special — like you’re in on a secret. But the secret is, the casino knows you’ll lose more over time. That’s not a conspiracy; it’s just math. I mean, think about it — if side bets were profitable, they wouldn’t exist.
That said, they’re not all evil. Some players enjoy the thrill. And if you’re playing for fun — not for profit — then go ahead. Just know what you’re getting into.
Final Thoughts (No, Really)
Roulette side bets are like the dessert menu at a steakhouse — tempting, but not the main course. They can be a fun diversion, but they’re rarely the smartest play. If you’re looking to stretch your bankroll, stick to even-money bets. If you’re looking for a story to tell, throw a chip on a side bet and see what happens.
Just remember: the ball doesn’t care about your strategy. It bounces where it bounces. And that’s the beauty — and the cruelty — of the game.
So next time you’re at the table, take a breath. Look at the wheel. And maybe — just maybe — skip the five-number bet. Your wallet will thank you.
