Gaming Guru

Just Ask Scobe and AP (Even Money Bets - Roulette)

Dear Scobe and AP:

Settle this dispute for us. My wife says that the "even-money" bets in roulette are called "even money" because there is a 50/50 chance of winning them. I say, they are "even money" because the casino pays you $1 in winnings for every $1 you bet, when you win, of course. Who is right?

B.C.

Dear B.C.:

You are. The "even-money" bets pay $1 to $1 on a win. However, they are not 50/50 propositions. Your chances of winning are 18; your chances of losing are 20 on all the "even-money" bets at a double-zero, American wheel. This gives the casino a 5.26 percent edge on the bets.

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