What are the worst bets in online roulette?

There are many ways to bet on a roulette wheel. How you like to play will influence how you bet. For example, risk-takers may focus on straight-up numbers with high payouts. Conservatives will stick to the red and black. No matter your betting style, some bets put you at an instant disadvantage.

In our tips for online roulette beginners, we talk about optimal wheel betting. In this article, we are going to look at the worst bets in online roulette - and explain why they should be avoided.

The worst bet in roulette is the Basket Bet, which can only be made on an American Roulette wheel. 

This bet covers a total of five numbers: 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. Playing on an American wheel, you already face a disadvantage. The house edge is 5.26% compared to 2.70% on a European wheel.

But by placing your money on the Basket Bet, you increase the house edge to 7.89%. For every  $/£100 you bet on these numbers, the casino can expect a rake of $/£7.89. It is better to do straight-up bets on the 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 - than actually taking the Basket bet.

It is by far, the worst bet to take in roulette.

Playing American Roulette - In Las Vegas, it's hard to find a single zero table with reasonable betting limits. But online, you have plenty of choices for European Roulette. There's no reason to play an American Roulette wheel. By playing this game, you immediately put yourself at a handicap.

Reverse Martingale - Use this betting strategy is like getting into a speeding car with no brakes. With each win, you double your bet - and you continue to double it until you lose. Of course, the smart play is to get out while the going is good. But it can be hard to say no to just one more double up, which can result in a nasty defeat.

Single Number - Statistically, the straight-up number bet has the worst odds in roulette. On an American Roulette wheel, you have a mere 2.63% chance of this bet succeeding. If you must stick with a single number playing style, consider betting on sections or areas of the betting table. This way, you cover your bases - at the cost of an increased bet.