Roulette is a game with many betting options: you can go for a simple fifty-fifty bet, but you can also choose more challenging bets covering multiple numbers. A popular option is the column bet.
But how exactly does a column bet work? Which numbers do you bet on, how do you place your chip and how much can you win? In this article, we explain everything step by step.
What Is a Column Bet in Roulette?
A column bet is a bet that covers twelve different numbers at the same time. On the standard European roulette layout, the numbers 1 to 36 are divided into three vertical columns. Each column contains twelve numbers.
The three columns are arranged as follows:
- The first column contains 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 and 34.
- The second column contains 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32 and 35.
- The third column contains 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36.
If the ball lands on one of the twelve numbers in your chosen column, you win the column bet. If the ball lands on a number in another column or on zero, you lose your bet.
How Do You Place a Column Bet?
You do not place a column bet directly on one of the twelve numbers. At the bottom of the roulette layout, below the three columns, there are special betting areas. These areas are usually marked with ‘2 to 1’.
If you want to bet on the first column, place your chip in the betting area below the first column. You therefore do not need to place twelve separate chips on the individual numbers.
The same applies to the second and third columns. You can also play multiple columns at the same time. For example, if you place one chip on the first column and one on the third column, you are making two separate bets.
How Many Numbers Are in a Column?
Each column contains twelve numbers. Since European roulette has 37 possible outcomes (the numbers 1 to 36 plus zero), a column bet covers twelve of these 37 possible outcomes.
The chance of the ball landing on a number in one specific column in European roulette is 12 out of 37, or approximately 32.4%.
The chance of the ball not landing on your chosen column is higher. The ball can land on one of the twelve numbers in either of the other columns or on zero.
This means that a column bet does not win every round. Roulette is a game of chance, and each spin is independent.
What Is the Payout for a Column Bet?
The standard payout for a column bet is 2 to 1. This means that with a winning bet, you receive twice your stake as winnings.
For example, if you bet €10 on a column and the ball lands on a number in that column, your winnings are €20. You also get your original €10 stake back. You therefore receive €30 in total.
If the spin loses, you lose the €10 you wagered. The 2 to 1 payout is lower than the payout for a single-number bet. A straight-up bet on one number in European roulette typically pays 35 to 1. In return, a column bet covers twelve numbers at the same time.
Do All Three Columns Have the Same Chance?
Yes. In European roulette, each column contains twelve numbers. As a result, every column has the same chance of being hit by the ball.
The previous result also does not change the probability of the next spin. For example, if the third column has landed several times in a row, this does not mean that the first column is now ‘due’.
Does a Column Bet Have a House Edge?
In European roulette, the theoretical house edge is approximately 2.7%. This also applies to a standard column bet.
The reason is the zero. The three columns contain 36 numbers in total, while the roulette wheel has 37 possible outcomes. Zero does not result in a winning column bet.
American roulette has two green pockets: 0 and 00. As a result, the theoretical house edge for a column bet is higher, at approximately 5.3%.
When comparing roulette rules and probabilities, you should therefore always consider which roulette variant is being played.
When Should You Choose a Column Bet?
A column bet can be interesting if you want to bet on multiple numbers at the same time without placing twelve separate chips. You play with one chip on a complete group of numbers and know in advance that a winning bet pays 2 to 1.
A column bet is therefore one of the simplest bets on the roulette layout. You only need to choose a column and decide how much to stake. After that, the croupier, ball and wheel take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Combine a Column Bet With Other Roulette Bets?
Yes, you can place a column bet at the same time as other bets. For example, you can combine a column bet with a bet on red or black, or with a bet on an individual number. Each bet stands on its own and is settled separately.
How Much Does a Column Bet Pay?
A winning column bet typically pays 2 to 1. If you bet €10, you receive €20 in winnings plus your original €10 stake.
What Is the Chance of Winning With a Column Bet?
In European roulette, a column bet covers twelve of the 37 possible outcomes. The chance of your chosen column landing is therefore 12/37, or approximately 32.4%.
Can You Bet on Multiple Columns at the Same Time?
Yes. You can place separate bets on two or even all three columns. Each bet is settled separately based on the column in which the ball lands.
Is There a Difference Between a Column Bet in European and American Roulette?
No. Both roulette variants have three columns containing 12 numbers each. Zero, and in American roulette also 00, do not belong to a column. The payout for a winning column bet is 2:1 in both variants.