As you probably know by now, roulette is strictly a game of chance.
While some players may feel that they have a perfect betting system, there is no way to guarantee a win when playing this classic casino game.
Although you can't guarantee to win in roulette, you can definitely increase your chances. It comes down to two things: knowing which bets to place and knowing why you're placing them in the first place.
This is why it is essential for any player to be aware of the best and worst bets that can be placed. By knowing the worst bets, players can avoid making choices that lose often and eat away at the bankroll. Every player wants to be a winner, so avoiding poor bets and trying to extend the life of the bankroll is always a good idea. Even if it means placing bets where your winnings will not be as impressive.
Learning about the worst bets at the table can benefit any player of any experience level, which is what we'll be discussing today.
Worst Roulette Bets
There are many betting options and combinations that are offered but some are either too risky or statistically sub-optimal. By steering clear of the wagers listed below, players can play and win more and not have to worry about quickly burning through their bankroll.
Here are the top 4 roulette bets to avoid and why we consider them to be bad.
1. The Basket Bet. This is a five-number bet that's only available when playing American Roulette. It covers numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. This bet has a massive house edge of 7.89% and it is the worst possible bet that can be placed by any real money player. We'll try not to bore you with the math, but it comes down to the fact that it covers only 5 numbers but pays as much as a 6-number Line bet. That's why it's technically the only roulette wager that has a higher house edge than all of the others. Avoid it at all costs.
2. Straight Bets. These are bets that are placed solely on a single number on the table. These bets do not have a high chance of winning; however, they do offer a remarkable 35:1 payout. Technically, Straight-Up bets have the same house edge as any other option. However, you should be aware that they almost never win and should not be used unless they're a part of a wider strategy. Of course, they are also viable in variants of roulette that can increase their value even further such as Lightning Roulette, but that's a different story.
3. Split Bets. This is a bet that is placed on two single numbers. The payout is half of the straight bet, but again, the odds of winning are very low. Experience tells us that wagering more conservatively is the way to go if you actually want to hang on to your bankroll for any extended period. While technically safer than a Straight Up number, Split bets are still extremely risky while also being simultaneously dull. They also never benefit from multipliers or other special features, making them an ever worse choice.
4. Any Bet at American Roulette Tables. Any player who has experience with the game of roulette will completely avoid placing any bet on an American Roulette game. The reason for this is that there is an extra number in play, the 00. The simple addition of this spot on the wheel increases the house edge to 5.26% from the 2.7% you'll find with European Roulette. There is absolutely no reason to every play American Roulette because it decreases the chances of winning across the board while offering no benefits in return.
That pretty much covers the “what to avoid” part of roulette strategies. Now, if you want tips on what you should do instead, check out the best roulette strategies here!
In Conclusion
Placing bad bets does not mean that players will always lose, but it does mean they will have a worse chance of winning.
The single worst bet in roulette is the basket bet and regardless of the attractive payout, this bet should be avoided by any real money player. In fact, the same can be said about American roulette as a whole.
Each and every bet on the game will have different risks and rewards and for players to understand the best and worst bets, they need to consider the house edge, the payout and the actual chance of winning that bet enough times to make a profit.
The mentioned worst bets are those that should be avoided, especially by any player that is new to the game. Some, like the Straight Up wager, can be good for big risk-takers or veteran players with a long-term plan. But for the casual player, extremely risky and volatile options are best avoided. Though they do offer better payouts overall, they are seldom won and will destroy a small bankroll very quickly.
Read Also:
The Best Bets to Make in Roulette
Playing Low Stakes Roulette Online
Top 7 Tips for Playing Online Roulette
