Roulette is a well-known casino game that you might have seen featured in films, adverts or online gaming platforms. For those who are unfamiliar with it, the betting layout and number of options on the table can seem a bit overwhelming at first. This blog is here to help by taking a closer look at a straightforward approach known as the 1st and 3rd Column Strategy.
We'll break down what this strategy actually means, how column bets work, and what kind of outcomes you might encounter when using it. We'll also explain some basic betting terms along the way, so you won't need any prior knowledge to follow along.
The aim is to give you a clearer picture of how this particular strategy fits into the wider game of roulette, which is entirely based on chance. No strategy can predict or affect the outcome of a spin, but understanding how bets are placed and potentially paid out can make the experience easier to follow and more informed.
Whether you're just starting to explore roulette, or want to learn more about how different betting choices work, this guide is designed to explain everything in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What Are Column Bets In Roulette?
A column bet in roulette is what’s known as an "outside bet". That means you're placing a wager on a group of numbers, rather than just one. On a standard European roulette table, there are 36 numbered pockets, arranged in three vertical columns on the betting layout. Each column includes 12 numbers. For example, one column may include numbers like 1, 4, 7, and so on.
To place a column bet, you put your chip on the small box at the bottom of the column you're choosing. If the ball lands on any number in that column after a spin, your bet wins. The usual payout for this type of bet is 2 to 1. So if you place a £5 bet and win, you'd receive £15 in total: £10 profit and your original £5 back.
European roulette wheels also include a single zero (0), which is not part of any column. If the ball lands on zero, all column bets lose. If you’re playing American roulette, the wheel includes both a 0 and a 00. These are also not included in any column and slightly increase the house edge in that version of the game.
What Is The 1st and 3rd Column Strategy?
The 1st and 3rd Column Strategy is simply a way of spreading your bets across more numbers by covering two of the three columns instead of just one. In this approach, you place a bet on both the first and third columns. This leaves the middle column unselected.
By betting on two columns, you're covering 24 numbers out of the 36 on the wheel. That's two-thirds of the main numbers. Each column has 12 numbers, so two bets will give you coverage across a wider range of possible outcomes. It does not include the zero.
If you were to place £5 on the 1st column and another £5 on the 3rd, your total stake for that spin would be £10. If the ball lands on a number within either of those two columns, you would receive a payout of £15 for that column: £10 in profit and your original £5 stake back for the winning column. The losing column bet would not be returned.
It is worth knowing that if the number lands in the middle column or on zero, both bets lose. This approach does not increase your chances of winning, but it can potentially provide more frequent outcomes than single number bets because of the wider number coverage. However, roulette is a game based on chance, so any winnings can never be guaranteed.
1st and 3rd Column Strategy Example
Let’s say you’re playing European roulette and have decided to try this strategy. You place a £5 chip on the 1st column and another £5 chip on the 3rd column. The total you’ve wagered is £10 for that spin.
The dealer (known as the croupier) spins the wheel, and the ball eventually lands on number 25. If that number belongs to the 3rd column, that bet would pay out 2 to 1. You would receive £15: £10 in winnings and your original £5 stake returned. Your bet on the 1st column, however, would lose. So overall, you’d receive £15 back from your £10 total stake, making a net profit of £5 for that spin.
If the ball had landed on a number in the 2nd (middle) column or on zero, both of your bets would have lost. This is a key part of understanding the risks involved. Even though you're covering more numbers than some other betting types, the outcome is still based on chance, and the wheel can land on any valid number.
1st and 3rd Column Strategy Odds and Payouts
Each column on a European roulette table includes 12 numbers out of the 36 total (excluding zero), which gives a single column bet a probability of about 32.43%. When using the 1st and 3rd Column Strategy, you're covering 24 numbers out of the 36, giving you approximately 64.86% coverage on the number layout.
The payout remains 2 to 1 per winning column. So, if one of your two columns hits, that bet pays out accordingly. The other column bet, if it loses, is not returned. So your net profit from a potentially winning spin using this strategy would usually be equal to your stake on one column. For example, a £5 bet on each column would return £15 from the winning column, giving you a £5 profit in total.
This approach does not impact the house edge. In European roulette, the house edge remains around 2.7%. In American roulette, where there are two zeros (0 and 00), the edge increases to approximately 5.26%. This means over time, the casino will statistically take that percentage of all bets made.
Roulette tables can vary slightly between casinos, both online and in-person. You may want to check the specific table rules and payout structure before you begin. Some tables offer variations or extra rules such as "La Partage" or "En Prison", which can affect certain outcomes.
Play Roulette Online At Free Spins No Deposit Casino
If you're interested in trying out online roulette, consider visiting Free Spins No Deposit Casino. You have the opportunity to explore a variety of roulette games in a straightforward environment.
At Free Spins No Deposit Casino, you'll find different types of roulette, including popular versions like European and American. Each game provides clear rules, so you can select the one that suits your preferences.
Bear in mind, roulette is a game based on chance. The outcome of each spin is random, and any winnings are never guaranteed. As you browse through the options at Free Spins No Deposit Casino, take the time to understand the rules and potential payouts of each game.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.