Straight Up Bet Roulette: Single Number Odds Explained
If you have looked at a roulette table and wondered what the different bets mean, you are not alone. The single number, or straight up, bet is one of the simplest to recognise and often draws the most attention.
You will find it in both land-based and online games. It appears straightforward, yet a few important details shape how it works.
Here’s how the straight up bet works, how the odds and payouts are set, and what to potentially consider when comparing it with other betting options on the table. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Straight Up Bet in Roulette?
A straight up bet is the most direct wager in roulette. You place your chips on a single number, such as 7, 22 or 36, and you’re backing only that outcome. You are not covering groups of numbers or a colour; it’s one number, one result.
On a European wheel there are 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 plus a single zero. On an American wheel there are 38 pockets, as it adds a double zero. Your chosen number can be any of those listed on the layout.
Every number is treated the same way, whether it’s low or high, red or black. Online, the layout may look slightly different, but the placement is identical in principle and clearly labelled on reputable platforms.
If you decide to try your hand at straight up betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Do Single Number Odds Work in Roulette?
If you select one number on a European wheel, you are choosing 1 outcome from 37 possible results. This gives a chance of 1 in 37, or about 2.7%. On an American wheel, it becomes 1 in 38, or around 2.63%, due to the extra double zero pocket.
The payout for a straight up bet is 35 to 1. If you place £1 and your number wins, you receive £35 in winnings plus your £1 stake. The payout is the same on both European and American tables, even though the chance of landing the number is slightly lower on the American wheel.
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed online casinos display their paytable and game rules clearly. Checking these details before you start could help you understand the version in play.
Single Number Roulette Betting Strategy (Straight Up Bet)
A straight up approach means choosing a number and placing your stake. Each spin is independent, and the outcome is random. Some players pick the same number repeatedly, while others vary their selections from spin to spin.
Another approach is to place several straight up bets on different numbers at once. This increases the chance that one of the chosen numbers might appear on a spin, though it also increases the total amount staked. For example, if you place £1 on eight different numbers, the total stake is £8. A single win would return £35 in winnings plus your £1 stake on that number. The total return would be £36, resulting in a net gain of £28.
Many players decide their budget and time limit in advance and keep their stakes modest. Online layouts often allow you to repeat previous bets or save preferred patterns, which could make it easier to follow a consistent approach during play.
What Are the Payouts for Straight Up Bets?
A straight up bet pays 35 to 1 if the ball lands on your chosen number. For every £1 staked, £35 in winnings are returned, plus your original £1. The total return is £36.
The payout scales as follows:
- £2 on a single number returns £70 in winnings, plus your £2 stake.
- £5 returns £175 in winnings, plus your £5 stake.
- £10 returns £350 in winnings, plus your £10 stake.
Table limits set the minimum and maximum amounts you can place on each number. These limits are displayed on both physical and online tables so you can select a game that suits your preferences.
House Edge and Probability of a Single Number Bet
The probability of a single number landing is 1 in 37 on a European wheel and 1 in 38 on an American wheel. Written as percentages, this is roughly 2.7% and 2.63%.
The house edge explains why the payout is 35 to 1 instead of matching the true odds. On a European wheel, if payouts matched the true odds, a winning number would pay 36 to 1. The difference produces a house edge of about 2.7%. On an American wheel, the extra double zero increases this edge to around 5.26%.
Some roulette versions include French rules such as La Partage or En Prison, which can potentially reduce the house edge on even-money bets. These rules do not affect straight up bets. Checking the rules of the version you are playing may show which bets, if any, are affected.
Is Betting on One Number Worth It?
Betting on a single number is a higher variance choice in roulette. The chance of a win is low on any given spin, but the payout is the largest available for a standard inside bet when it does occur.
Some players prefer the simplicity of this option, while others choose to cover more numbers in exchange for smaller, more frequent wins. The probability of a win does not change regardless of betting method. It depends on your own preferences and methods of managing play.
Comparing Straight Up Bets to Other Roulette Options
Roulette includes a range of inside and outside bets, each with its own trade-off between payout size and frequency of wins. Straight up bets cover one number and pay 35 to 1. By comparison:
- A split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17 to 1.
- A street covers a row of three numbers and pays 11 to 1.
- A six-line covers six numbers and pays 5 to 1.
- Even-money bets, such as red/black or odd/even, pay 1 to 1.
The more numbers covered by a single bet, the more often that bet can win, though the payout will be lower. Many players mix inside and outside bets to balance potential outcomes over a session. Online tables list all available options clearly for easy reference.
Play Roulette Online at Red Casino
If you want to put these ideas into context, you can explore a range of roulette tables at Red Casino. Each game lists its rules and payouts clearly, so you can see exactly how straight up bets sit alongside other options.
Red Casino is licensed and regulated by the UKGC, with secure payments, clear limits and accessible help pages. Alongside roulette, we also offer a wide range of casino games such as blackjack and online slot games.
Browse the lobby, pick a table limit that feels right for you, and take a closer look at how a single number bet fits into your playing style. However you choose to play, always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
