Demystifying Roulette’s Street Bets
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, recognizable by its spinning wheel marked with numbers 1 through 36, alternately coloured red and black. Players can bet on a single number or a range of numbers, as well as the colour outcome – red or black. While seasoned roulette players may be intimately familiar with the various bet types available, new players often find themselves puzzled by the ‘street bet’. This beginner’s guide will explain what exactly a street bet is in roulette, how it works, the payout, and when you may want to use it. With a better understanding of the street bet, new roulette players can make informed betting decisions and diversify their gameplay.
What is a Street Bet?
A street bet, also sometimes called a row bet or trio bet, is a bet placed on a horizontal row of 3 consecutive numbers on the roulette table layout. For example, a bet can be placed on the numbers 1, 2 and 3 by placing a chip on the edge line between 1 and 4, thus covering all 3 adjoining numbers. This allows players to bet on multiple connected numbers with a single bet.
Street bets are typically placed on the outside of the number map on the table, but can also be made on rows within the map. On an American double zero wheel, there are 12 possible street bets – 11 regular streets and 1 double street covering 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. European wheels have 11 street bet options.
The street bet is popular among new and recreational players as it allows them to cover a range of numbers without needing to place multiple split bets to cover the same numbers. It provides a balanced risk-reward ratio.
How Does a Street Bet Work?
When the ball lands on any of the 3 numbers covered by a street bet, the bet wins. For example, if a player places a bet on the street covering numbers 4, 5 and 6, and the roulette ball lands on the number 5, the street bet wins.
The payout for a winning street bet is 11:1. This means for a $1 bet, the player would win $11 (get back their $1 bet plus $10 profit). The house edge or mathematical advantage to the casino on street bets is slightly higher than even-money red/black or odd/even bets.
Street Bet Payout and House Edge
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge (European Wheel) | House Edge (American Wheel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Bet | 11:1 | 5.26% | 5.40% |
Compared to the 2:1 payout for a straight-up bet on a single number, the street bet offers lower risk and a higher probability of winning, albeit with a lower payout.
When to Use a Street Bet
Street bets can be a good option when you want to cover a range of adjoining numbers without placing multiple split bets. It allows you to bet on 3 numbers for the price of 1 chip.
Some players utilise street bets as part of a strategy to cover a section of the wheel. For example, betting on 0,00,1,2,3 and then on the adjacent streets can cover over 20 numbers with just 7 chips.
Street bets work well when you have a hunch about a section of the wheel but are unsure about a single winning number. It provides a balance of risk versus potential reward.
They are also useful when playing with a small bankroll, as you can cover more numbers for fewer chips compared to straight-up and split bets.
Tips for Making a Street Bet
- Look for any patterns or wheel biases that increase certain sections of numbers coming up as winners. Use a street bet to cover these numbers.
- Bet on streets covering your favourite numbers or birthdays to add fun and personal significance.
- Manage your bankroll and betting amounts carefully as the higher house edge means potential faster losses.
- Mix up bet types – occasionally use street bets between straight-up, split, corner and other bets to diversify your gameplay.
- Consider the announced winning numbers on previous spins and how they relate positionally to identify potential patterns.
In closing, a street bet in roulette is a bet placed on a horizontal row of 3 consecutive numbers. It allows players to cover a range of adjoining numbers with a single bet. With a payout of 11:1, street bets offer a balanced risk-reward ratio. Keeping the bet types varied and using street bets selectively as part of a managed betting strategy can make roulette more engaging. Understanding the street bet provides new players with more options and flexibility at the roulette table. While no strategy can overcome the house edge in the long run, street bets are one tool that can make playing roulette more enjoyable.