Single Number Roulette: Straight Up Bet Odds & House Edge
Roulette is one of the most recognisable casino games, and a straight up bet is its most direct option: a stake on one exact number.
In the blog post, you’ll find what a straight up bet is, how the odds and payouts work, and why the house edge matters. It also covers the key differences between European and American wheels and how these affect single number bets.
There is a simple look at betting approaches, plus a realistic view on whether the chances of a win can be improved. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect before placing this type of bet.
What Is a Single Number Bet in Roulette?
A single number bet in roulette is often called a “straight up” bet. It is a wager on one specific number on the layout. On a European wheel, that can be 0 to 36. On an American wheel, the options are 0, 00, and 1 to 36.
To place it, chips are set directly on the chosen number’s square on the betting layout. There are no splits or combinations with other numbers for this bet. The outcome is simple: the bet wins only if the ball lands on that exact number.
Because this bet covers just one pocket, it offers a higher potential payout than most other roulette bets. So, how do the odds and returns line up in practice?
How Do Straight Up Bet Odds Work?
With a straight up bet, the chance of winning depends on how many pockets are on the wheel.
- European roulette has 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 and a single zero), giving a 1 in 37 chance, or about 2.70%.
- American roulette has 38 pockets (numbers 1–36, a single zero, and a double zero), giving a 1 in 38 chance, or about 2.63%.
If the ball lands on the chosen number, the standard payout is typically 35 to 1, plus the return of the original stake. A £1 straight up bet would therefore return £36 in total if it wins.
There is a gap between the true odds of the outcome and the payout offered. On a European wheel, the chance of a hit is 1 in 37, which would correspond to a fair payout of 36 to 1 if it’s successful, yet the game pays 35 to 1. That difference is what creates the house edge, explained next.
Understanding the House Edge on Single Number Roulette
The house edge is the built-in margin that means, over many bets, the game keeps a small percentage of the total amount wagered. It comes from the difference between the chance of an outcome and the payout the game offers.
- In European roulette, the single zero gives a house edge of about 2.70%. Put simply, for every £100 wagered over time, the house is expected to retain around £2.70 on average.
- In American roulette, the extra double zero raises the edge to roughly 5.26%, as there is one more pocket where the ball can land without paying most bets.
These figures apply to straight up bets regardless of which number is chosen. Using any staking plan or pattern does not change this margin. Results can vary widely in the short term, but the edge is designed to show over longer play.
With that in mind, how do people approach single number betting in practical terms?
Single Number Roulette Betting Strategy Explained
A straight up bet is simple: pick a number and place the stake on it. Some players stick to one favourite, while others spread a budget across a small group of numbers or mix in different types of bets. These choices shape how often small returns may occur, but they do not alter the chance of hitting any specific number on the next spin.
Staking systems that raise or lower the amount after a win or loss change how fast a balance moves, not the underlying probabilities. Every spin is independent, and the odds and house edge stay the same each time.
A clear plan for spend, session length, and stake sizes helps keep play measured. Deciding in advance what is affordable, then stopping when that point is reached, is a responsible way to manage the natural swings of straight up bets.
European vs American Roulette Differences
European and American roulette differ in wheel layout and, as a result, in the chances for any single number bet. European wheels have one zero, so there are 37 pockets. American wheels add a double zero, making 38 pockets.
That extra pocket reduces the hit rate for any chosen number and increases the house edge on straight up bets, which is why many players prefer the European version when available. The table layout may look slightly different too, but the key point for single number betting is the number of pockets on the wheel.
Even with the better odds on a European wheel, can anything meaningfully improve the chance of a hit?
Can You Improve Your Chances With Straight Up Bets?
If you are thinking about whether there is a way to improve your chances when placing straight up bets, it is important to know that no betting strategy can change the likelihood of a single number coming up. Each spin of the roulette wheel happens independently, and the result is not affected by previous spins.
One practical option is to choose European roulette rather than American roulette, as the European version usually has a lower house edge, which means the odds are slightly better over time.
Some common ideas, such as increasing your stakes after losing, betting on numbers that have appeared frequently, or following patterns in recent spins, do not influence where the ball will land. In reputable casinos and licensed online games, wheels and Random Number Generators (RNGs) are regularly checked to make sure the outcomes are fair, so any bias is not something you can depend on.
If you decide to play, it is always a good idea to set limits for how long you play and how much you spend, and to keep to those limits. If you ever feel unsure about your gambling, confidential advice and support are available from organisations such as GamCare.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
