2 Columns Roulette: How to Play, Rules & Payouts Explained
Roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with its own style and potential payout. One choice that some players find appealing is the 2 columns bet, which lets you cover more numbers with a single stake. This bet is a popular topic for those getting familiar with outside bets.
Understanding how the 2 columns bet works can help you navigate the roulette table more easily, whether you’re playing online or in a physical casino. The rules are straightforward, but it might be beneficial to see where this bet fits among the different roulette versions and how you can place it.
In this blog post, you’ll discover what a 2 columns bet involves, how to make one, the payouts you can expect, and how it stacks up against other outside bets. We’ll also explore how this bet works in both European and American roulette, as well as in live and online settings. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is 2 Columns Roulette and How Does It Work?
The main betting area in roulette is made up of numbers 1 to 36, arranged in three columns of twelve. Placing a column bet means putting your chips on one of these columns, hoping a number from that column is the winner.
A 2 columns bet involves staking on two of these columns at the same time. This covers a total of 24 numbers, more than half the numbers on the wheel, except for zero (and double zero in American roulette).
If you choose two columns instead of one, you give yourself wider coverage on the table. There are still some numbers you aren’t covering (the third column and zero/double zero), so it’s possible not to win on any spin.
This bet is simple to place and spot on the layout. It’s popular with those who like covering more numbers at once, but just as with any roulette bet, winnings can never be certain.
How Do You Place a 2 Columns Bet in Roulette?
If you choose to place a 2 columns bet, you’ll start by selecting any two of the three columns on the roulette layout. Each column has a space at the bottom marked “2 to 1”—this is where you place your chips for the columns you’ve picked. You can place the same amount on each column if you like, but it’s not necessary.
By doing this, you’re covering every number in those two columns, except for zero (or double zero in American roulette). If the ball lands on any number within your chosen columns, your bet wins. However, if it lands in the third column or on zero, your stake is lost.
You’ll find the 2 columns bet available whether you’re playing at a physical casino or on an online roulette table.
2 Columns Bet Odds, Payouts and House Edge
For players placing a 2 columns bet, the coverage varies slightly depending on the version of roulette. On a European roulette table, the bet covers 24 out of 37 numbers, while on an American table, it covers 24 out of 38. Covering more numbers naturally increases the chances of a winning outcome on each spin.
The typical payout for a column bet is 2:1. When betting on two columns, if the ball lands on any number within either column, players receive double their wager for the winning column, but the stake placed on the other column is lost. If the result is zero, or lands in the third column not covered by the bet, both parts of the wager are lost.
The house edge is affected by the number of zero pockets on the wheel. In European roulette, this edge stands at about 2.7%, while the addition of a double zero in American roulette increases it to roughly 5.26%.
How Is a 2 Columns Bet Different From Other Outside Bets?
A 2 columns bet is considered an outside bet because it covers groups of numbers along the edge of the roulette betting layout.
While a single column bet covers 12 numbers, a 2 columns bet increases coverage to 24 numbers at once. This differs from even-money outside bets like red or black, odd or even, and high or low, which each cover 18 numbers and pay out at 1:1.
Dozens bets are another type of outside bet, covering 12 numbers arranged in blocks (1–12, 13–24, or 25–36) rather than in columns.
The main differences between these bets lie in the payout and the specific pattern of numbers covered. By choosing a 2 columns bet, players cover more numbers than with a single column or dozens bet, which can affect the potential winnings.
Is 2 Columns Roulette Available in Live and Online Games?
Players can find the 2 columns bet option at most live and online roulette tables offered by licensed operators. In online games, placing a bet simply involves clicking or tapping the relevant area on the screen, while live dealer games use the familiar traditional layout, allowing players to select columns through the on-screen interface, much like they would in a physical casino.
Both live and online versions provide the same betting options for columns, with consistent rules and payouts across the board.
Should You Use 2 Columns Bets on European or American Roulette?
One key difference between European and American roulette is the presence of the double zero on the American wheel. This increases the total numbers from 37 to 38, which slightly raises the house edge in American roulette.
If you choose to place a 2 columns bet, your chances of winning are a little better on a European table, since there’s one fewer losing pocket and the overall house edge is lower.
These factors are worth considering when deciding which version to play. It’s always a good idea to use licensed and regulated operators and to set your own limits before playing.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.