Roulette Expected Value Calculator: Easily Calculate Your Roulette Bets EV

Understanding Expected Value in Roulette

The expected value (EV) isn't just a boring mathematical concept - it's the cold, hard truth about roulette that casinos don't advertise.

Think of expected value as the average amount you'll win or lose per bet if you played the same bet thousands of times. In roulette, this number is always negative, which means that for every dollar you bet, you can expect to get less than a dollar back in the long run.

What Makes Expected Value So Fascinating?

The expected value as a percentage is simply the house edge. This means:

• European Roulette (single zero): -2.70%
• American Roulette (double zero): -5.26%
• Triple Zero Roulette: -7.69%

The actual money value of this edge depends on how much you bet. For example, if you place a $100 bet on red in European roulette:

• Your expected value is -$2.70
• This means that, on average, you'll lose $2.70 for every $100 you bet
• Over 100 spins betting $100 each time, you'd mathematically expect to lose around $270

What's particularly interesting is that the house edge remains the same regardless of which bet you make within the same roulette version. Whether you bet on a single number (straight-up), a dozen, or red/black, the mathematical edge for the casino stays constant:

This consistency exists because while the payouts increase for less likely bets, they increase proportionally to maintain the same house advantage. The only exception is the five-number bet in American roulette (0, 00, 1, 2, 3), which carries an even worse house edge of 7.89%.

French roulette offers a slightly better deal with its "La Partage" rule, which returns half your stake on even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. This effectively cuts the house edge in half to 1.35% for those specific bets - the best odds you'll find on any roulette table.

How to Use the Expected Value Calculator (Quick Guide)

Our tool makes it easy to visualize the mathematical cost of each bet you place. 

Here's how to start using the EV calculator:

Step 1. Select Your Roulette Version 

Choose between European (single-zero), American (double-zero), or Triple 0 roulette from the dropdown menu.

Step 2. Choose Your Chip Value (1-500)

Click on one of the colored chips displayed above the roulette table to select your betting denomination.

Step 3. Place Your Bets 

Click directly on the roulette table to place your chips, just as you would at a real casino:

• Click on individual numbers for straight-up bets
• Click on the line between two numbers for split bets
• Click at the end of a row for street bets
• Click at the intersection of four numbers for corner bets
• Use the sections outside the number grid for outside bets (red/black, odd/even, etc.)

Step 4. Add multiple bets if desired

You can place as many different bets as you like to test complex betting strategies.

Step 5. View your bet summary

The calculator automatically shows:

• Your overall expected value (the mathematical average loss)
• Hit probability (combined chances of winning at least one bet)
• Maximum possible win
• Total amount bet

Step 6. Analyze expected value per bet

For each wager you've placed, you'll see:

• The bet type
• Amount wagered
• Expected value for that specific bet
• Potential win if successful

If you want to start over, simply click the "Clear All" button to reset the table.

Why Smart Players Use the Expected Value Calculator

I've watched countless players walk away from roulette tables, wondering where their money went. 

Here's why understanding expected value gives you an edge (even when the math says you don't have one):

1. It cuts through gambling myths: Many betting systems claim to beat the odds, but the expected value calculator reveals the mathematical impossibility of overcoming the house edge. This helps you avoid falling for strategies that don't work.
2. It spotlights the best game version: The substantial difference between American roulette's -5.26% expected value and European/French roulette's -2.70% becomes crystal clear. This knowledge alone can significantly extend your bankroll.
3. It enables smart bankroll decisions: By knowing your expected loss per bet, you can accurately budget for your gambling session. For example, if you plan to make 100 bets of $10 each on European roulette, you can reasonably budget for around $27 in expected losses.
4. It identifies the worst bets: The five-number bet in American roulette stands out with its unusually high house edge of 7.89%. The calculator helps you avoid such costly wagers.
5. It provides a reality check: Gambling should be entertainment, not an investment strategy. The expected value calculator reminds you that roulette is designed to favor the house, helping set realistic expectations.
6. It improves your understanding of probability: Using the calculator helps demystify gambling math, making you a more informed player across all casino games.

By using the calculator before hitting the casino, you'll develop a clearer understanding of roulette's mathematical realities. While this won't help you win more often, it will help you lose less over time by making smarter game choices.