Ever wondered why some players seem to know the perfect spot for their chips on the roulette table, confidently placing bets that yield the highest payouts? It isn't guesswork — it comes down to understanding the full range of bets and what each one pays.
Roulette can look straightforward, yet the variety of betting options quickly complicates decisions. Should you choose red or black, back a single number, or try a combination? Knowing the payouts for each move helps turn choices into informed ones.
This guide explains complete bets, the payouts behind every bet type, how returns are calculated and the practical differences between single- and double-zero wheels, so you can follow the maths and see how coverage affects cost and return.
Understanding Complete Bets in Roulette
A complete bet, sometimes called a full or maximum bet, is placing every possible bet that includes a particular number. Instead of just staking that single number, you also cover every split, street, corner and six line that contains it. That approach captures the greatest possible return when the chosen number comes up.
For example, a complete bet on 17 means chips on the straight-up 17, all adjacent splits, the street that contains 17, any corners that include it, and the six line where relevant. Each of those bet types has its own payout, so the total return on a successful spin is the sum of all those individual wins.
Players use complete bets to see every possible return for one number and to simplify chip placement when a number is particularly favoured. Complete bets increase the number of chips in play and therefore the cost per spin, so knowing the payout structure and the expense involved is essential before committing. Next, we’ll look at what those individual bet types are and how they fit together in a complete bet.
All Types of Roulette Complete Bets Explained
Complete bets are built from several inside-bet types, each with a distinct payout and coverage. These are most commonly seen in European-style tables where the layout allows easy placement of multiple adjacent bets.
Below are the inside bets that form a complete bet, with brief descriptions and how they relate to a chosen number:
What Is a Complete Bet in Roulette?
A complete bet focuses on one number and simultaneously includes these bet types, all of which involve the chosen number:
- Straight up: A chip directly on the single number (for example, 17).
- Split bets: Chips placed between your number and any neighbouring number (for example, 17/14, 17/16, 17/18, 17/20).
- Street bet: A chip covering the three-number row containing your number (for example, 16/17/18).
- Corner bet: A chip shared by four numbers in a square that includes your target (for example, 14/15/17/18).
- Six line: A chip covering two adjacent streets for six numbers in total (for example, 16/17/18/19/20/21).
What Numbers Can a Complete Bet Cover?
Not every position on the table allows the full complement of inside bets. Numbers in the middle of the layout generally let you place the most splits, corners and a six line; edge and corner numbers cannot be paired on all sides and therefore require fewer chips.
Take 17 as a clear example of a centrally placed number that supports a full set of bets:
- Straight up: 17
- Splits: 14/17, 16/17, 17/18, 17/20
- Street: 16/17/18
- Corners: 14/15/17/18 and 16/17/19/20
- Six line: 16/17/18/19/20/21
Because complete bets can be costly, it is sensible to count the chips required for your chosen number before placing them. The next section turns those bet types into concrete payouts so you can see the returns each one offers.
Roulette Payout Table: Full Winnings Breakdown
Each inside bet in a complete bet carries a specific payout. The amounts paid for winning bets are the same across European (single-zero) and American (double-zero) wheels, but the chance of success differs because of the extra pocket on the American wheel. The tables below show the standard payout for each bet type per £1 staked.
European Roulette Payouts (Single-Zero)
| Bet Type | Covers | Pays | Odds (to 1) | Example: Bet £1, Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 35 to 1 | £35 |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 17 to 1 | £17 |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 11 to 1 | £11 |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 8 to 1 | £8 |
| Six Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 5 to 1 | £5 |
A complete bet on a central number like 17 typically consists of:
- 1 Straight Up
- 4 Splits
- 1 Street
- 2 Corners
- 1 Six Line
If you placed £1 on each of those nine positions and 17 came up, the payouts would sum to the amounts shown above for every winning bet, producing a substantial combined return on that spin.
American Roulette Payouts (Double-Zero)
| Bet Type | Covers | Pays | Odds (to 1) | Example: Bet £1, Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 35 to 1 | £35 |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 17 to 1 | £17 |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 11 to 1 | £11 |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 8 to 1 | £8 |
| Six Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 5 to 1 | £5 |
Though payout figures match the European table, remember that the additional double-zero pocket affects the likelihood of any given number winning. The next section explains how to calculate the total cost and returns for a full bet so you can see the overall numbers behind a busy-looking layout.
How Are Wagers and Returns Calculated?
Calculating the cost of a complete bet is a straightforward count of the chips needed to cover every position that includes your chosen number. Each position is a separate wager that pays independently if relevant, so the total stake equals the number of bets multiplied by your chip size.
For a typical complete bet on 17 using £1 chips the breakdown is:
- 1 x Straight up = £1
- 4 x Splits = £4
- 1 x Street = £1
- 2 x Corners = £2
- 1 x Six line = £1
Total stake per spin = £9.
When 17 wins, each of those wagers pays according to the payout table. For the £1-per-position example, winning returns would be:
- 1 x £35 (straight up)
- 4 x £17 (splits)
- 1 x £11 (street)
- 2 x £8 (corners)
- 1 x £5 (six line)
Those payouts add up to £135 in winnings, plus the original stakes returned on each winning bet where applicable, producing a substantial gross return for that spin. Bear in mind the full cost is taken every spin whether or not the chosen number appears, so multiply the per-spin stake by the number of spins to plan your budget. The following section covers how the choice of wheel affects the probability side of the equation.
Single-Zero vs Double-Zero Roulette Payouts: Key Differences
Although payout amounts for individual bets are the same on both wheel styles, the wheel design changes your chance of winning. European roulette has 37 pockets (1–36 plus a single zero), while American roulette has 38 pockets (1–36 plus single zero and double zero). That extra pocket increases the house edge.
For a straight-up wager the comparison is:
- European roulette (single zero): probability 1 in 37
- American roulette (double zero): probability 1 in 38
Both pay 35:1 for a straight-up win on a single winning chip, but the slightly lower probability on the American wheel makes hitting that win less likely over time. For players concerned with the maths behind expected returns, European single-zero tables usually represent better long-term value because of the smaller house advantage. With that context, the final section offers practical advice on managing the higher cost of complete bets so play stays sustainable.
Maximising Value with Complete Bets: Setting Limits & Bankroll Advice
Complete bets can make a session feel fast because each spin involves several wagers. Controlling the cost per spin starts with setting a clear spending limit for the session and choosing a chip size that fits that limit.
For instance, if the per-spin cost of a full bet is £9 and the session budget is £40, that gives space for about four spins at that stake. Knowing this before placing chips prevents chasing losses and keeps the experience intentional. Some players find it helpful to also set a winnings target at which they stop, preserving gains rather than risking them straight back on the table.
Use available casino tools to manage deposits and betting limits and take regular breaks to avoid hurried decisions. Above all, treat roulette as entertainment: outcomes are determined by the spin and cannot be influenced by bet patterns, so focus on playing within means and enjoying the process. With sensible limits in place, complete bets can be an engaging, contained way to explore the table without losing sight of cost.
Final thought: understanding the bets, their costs and payout maths gives a clear picture of what a complete bet really delivers, so you can decide whether that style of play suits your budget and objectives.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.