On a standard double-zero roulette table, the five-number basket is a particularly costly ordinary bet. It covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, but its payout produces a 7.89% house edge. A straight-number bet and a red/black bet each have a 5.26% edge under the standard rules below, despite very different chances of winning a spin.
| Bet on a 38-pocket wheel | Winning pockets | Profit payout | Calculated house edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-number basket: 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 | 5 of 38 | 6:1 | 3/38 = 7.89% |
| One straight number | 1 of 38 | 35:1 | 2/38 = 5.26% |
| Red or black | 18 of 38 | 1:1 | 2/38 = 5.26% |
The payout and pocket definitions follow the Venetian’s roulette rules. The calculations assume equally likely pockets, the stated profit payouts and full loss of ordinary even-money bets when either zero lands. Check the actual layout: branded extra-zero games, multipliers, side bets and altered zero rules require separate calculations.
Why the five-number bet costs more
For each $1 basket wager, five possible outcomes win $6 in profit and 33 lose $1. The average net result is (5 × $6 − 33 × $1) ÷ 38 = −$3/38. That is the 7.89% expected loss on the money wagered.
A $1 straight-number bet wins $35 in profit on one outcome and loses $1 on the other 37: ($35 − $37) ÷ 38 = −$2/38. For red/black, 18 outcomes win $1 and 20 lose $1: ($18 − $20) ÷ 38 = −$2/38. Winning more frequently does not by itself establish a smaller house edge.
A $25 comparison covering exactly the same five pockets
This hypothetical comparison assumes the table permits these stakes. Both choices risk $25 and win when 0, 00, 1, 2 or 3 lands. A return includes the winning stake; net profit subtracts all $25 originally placed.
| How $25 is placed | Total returned on a hit | Net profit on a hit | Net result on a miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| One $25 basket at 6:1 | $175 | $150 | −$25 |
| Five $5 straight bets at 35:1, one on each same pocket | $180 | $155 | −$25 |
For the five straight bets, the winning $5 chip returns $180. The four other $5 bets lose, so the combined net profit is $180 − $25 = $155. The chance of a hit remains 5/38 for either arrangement; the basket simply returns $5 less when it wins.
The expected net results per $25 wager are (5 × $150 − 33 × $25) ÷ 38 = about −$1.97 for the basket and (5 × $155 − 33 × $25) ÷ 38 = about −$1.32 for the five straight bets. Both expectations remain negative.
Straight numbers are volatile, but their standard edge is not higher
A single-number wager has many more losing spins than a red/black wager. Its larger winning payout explains why their ordinary double-zero house edges can still match. Neither choice guarantees a longer session, a particular loss or a win before your spending limit is reached.
Over $1,000 in cumulative wagers, the calculated expected loss is about $78.95 for the basket versus $52.63 for the standard straight or red/black examples. This is money wagered across bets, including rebet winnings, rather than a prediction about bringing $1,000 to the casino. Actual results can differ substantially.
Check the wheel and the full amount at risk
The American-versus-European roulette comparison explains single-, double- and three-zero configurations. Use that separate wheel comparison before applying a percentage to a particular table. A lower percentage can still mean a larger expected dollar loss if you increase your stake enough.
List every chip you place for a spin, including overlapping bets. When a number wins, settle each individual bet under its own rules, then subtract the combined stakes. A split covering 17 and 20 wins when either of those numbers lands; it does not lose merely because the other covered number was missed.
Cold numbers and doubling systems do not remove the edge
MGM’s GameSense guide explains that past spins do not change the next random result. A run of red does not make black due, and changing tables after a losing run does not establish an advantage.
Our Martingale guide shows how a doubling sequence increases exposure and meets bankroll and table limits. Set a separate gambling spending limit before playing; keep hotel, meals and transport money outside it. Do not use a claim that an outside bet will make a budget last a fixed number of hours.
Rules checked October 16, 2026. Percentages and dollar figures are mathematical examples under the stated assumptions. Table availability, minimums and special-game rules need confirmation at the venue.
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