Looking to add more to your roulette game and try something a little different at the table? Double Street bets could be just what you need.
Whether you’re new to roulette or want a quick refresher, understanding how Double Street bets work can change your approach. They sit between single-number and broader outside bets in terms of coverage and payout, so knowing how to place them and what you can expect to win matters. Read on to see how they work and what sets them apart.
What Is a Double Street Bet in Roulette?
A double street bet, often called a six-line bet, is an inside wager placed directly on the numbered area of the layout. It covers six numbers formed by two adjacent rows of three numbers each. By putting your chip on the common outer edge where those two rows meet, you stake on all six numbers at once.
This bet gives more coverage than a straight-up single-number wager while remaining focused compared with outside bets that cover large groups of numbers. That balance between coverage and payout is what attracts many players. Next, we’ll look at the practical way to make this bet at the table so you can be confident when placing your chips.
How Do You Place a Double Street Bet?
Placing a double street bet is straightforward. Identify two neighbouring horizontal rows of three numbers—for example, 7–9 and 10–12—and set your chips on the border line that runs along the end of both rows. That single placement represents a wager on all six numbers contained in those rows.
Make sure chips are clearly on the dividing line before the dealer closes betting, so there’s no uncertainty about which numbers are covered. This same chip placement applies whether you’re at a physical table or using an online layout, and the simple visual makes it easy for both player and dealer to confirm the bet. With placement clear, the next question many players ask is how those chances translate into odds and payouts.
Understanding Table Layouts and Chip Placement
The numbered section of a roulette table is a grid of twelve horizontal rows with three numbers each, running from 1 to 36. Outside areas of the layout hold broader bet options and aren’t used for inside bets like the double street.
When placing a double street, the relevant area is the thick line at the end of two adjacent rows. Setting chips on that line covers the six numbers across both rows. The visual is simple: a chip on the outer edge where two rows meet equals a six-number wager. Table designs vary slightly between casinos, but this placement principle stays the same on both European and American tables. Having established where to put your chips, we’ll now examine the odds and how payouts work.
Double Street Odds and Payouts
A double street covers six numbers, and the statistical chance to win depends on how many pockets the wheel has. On a European wheel with a single zero, there are 37 pockets, so the probability of hitting one of your six numbers is 6 in 37. On an American wheel with an extra double zero, the chance is 6 in 38. The standard payout for a winning double street bet is 5 to 1 on both versions, which means a successful £1 stake yields £5 in winnings plus the original stake.
It’s worth noting the house edge differs by wheel type: European wheels have a lower edge than American wheels because of the single zero versus double zero configuration. Those percentages reflect how the game favours the house mathematically over many spins and are the reason players consider wheel type when choosing where to play. With those figures in mind, the next section puts double streets in context alongside other inside bets so you can compare coverage and returns.
Comparing Double Street Bets to Other Inside Bets
Inside bets vary by how many numbers they cover and the resulting payouts. A straight-up bet targets one number and pays 35 to 1, while a split covers two adjacent numbers and pays 17 to 1. A corner bet covers four numbers and pays 8 to 1. Sitting between these is the double street, covering six numbers with a 5 to 1 payout.
Because it covers more numbers than split or corner bets, a double street offers a trade-off: broader coverage for a smaller per-unit payout than a single-number bet. Players choose between these options based on whether they prefer larger, less frequent wins or smaller, more likely returns. If you want to weigh those pros and cons more explicitly, the next section looks at the main advantages and drawbacks of using double street bets in your play.
Key Advantages and Drawbacks of Double Street Bets
Double street bets are useful when a player wants to increase the chance of a hit per spin without dispersing chips across many separate bets. Covering six numbers with a single chip simplifies play and can make bankroll tracking easier while still offering a reasonable payout compared with multiple single-number wagers.
On the downside, the payout is lower than a straight-up win, and the house edge remains unchanged by bet choice. That means no particular bet type, including the double street, alters the mathematical advantage the house holds. Players who prefer higher volatility and larger payouts may find double streets less appealing, while those favouring consistent coverage may prefer them. With those trade-offs clear, it’s useful to tackle common misunderstandings so players avoid mistaken beliefs about the bet’s nature.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Double Street Betting
Several misconceptions surround double street bets. One is the idea that covering more numbers guarantees a win; covering six numbers increases coverage but does not eliminate the chance of a loss. Another is the belief that a bet is more likely to win because it hasn’t come up recently—this is the gambler’s fallacy, the mistaken assumption that past independent spins change future outcomes.
There’s also a persistent notion that certain bet types can overcome the house edge. In reality, no bet or system alters the underlying probabilities; the house edge is inherent in the game’s design. Keep these points in mind when choosing how to play, and remember that clear expectations make for better decisions. The following section summarises how double street bets perform across the two main roulette variants so you can pick the table that suits your preferences.
Double Street Bets in European vs American Roulette
Placement and payout for double street bets are the same on both European and American tables, but the number of wheel pockets differs and so do the odds. European wheels have one zero and 37 pockets total; American wheels add a double zero for 38 pockets. This extra pocket slightly reduces the probability of a win on the American wheel, which is why the house edge is higher there.
For players prioritising marginally better odds, the European variant is the preferable choice. For those comparing game speed, table etiquette or atmosphere, other practical factors may influence the decision, but the mechanics of placing and resolving a double street bet remain consistent across both formats. To help with terminology you might encounter while playing, the next section defines key terms related to double street bets.
Roulette Glossary: Terms Related to Double Street Bets
Below are concise definitions of terms you’ll commonly see when dealing with double street wagers.
Double street bet: Also called a six line bet; an inside wager covering two adjacent rows of three numbers, for a total of six numbers.
Inside bet: Any wager placed directly on the numbered area of the layout, such as straight up, split, corner, street, and double street bets.
Street bet: A bet on a single horizontal row of three numbers, placed on the outer edge of that row.
Corner bet: A bet that covers four numbers meeting at a square; the chip goes on the intersection of those four numbers.
Split bet: A wager on two neighbouring numbers, indicated by placing the chip on the line between them.
House edge: The mathematical advantage the casino holds over players, expressed as a percentage.
Straight up bet: A single-number wager placed directly in the centre of a number’s square.
Payout: The amount awarded for a winning bet, usually shown as a ratio such as 5 to 1.
Having these terms handy makes it easier to follow table announcements and rules. If you still have specific practical questions, the short FAQ below addresses the most common queries players ask about double street bets.
How do I place a double street bet?
To place a double street bet, position your chip on the outer edge of the layout at the point where two rows of three numbers meet. This single placement covers six numbers across both rows.
What is the payout for a double street bet?
The standard payout is 5 to 1. A winning double street returns five times the stake plus the original wager.
Does the roulette wheel type affect double street bet odds?
Yes. European wheels have 37 pockets (including a single zero) and American wheels have 38 (including single and double zero), so the probability of winning is slightly lower on the American wheel.
Can I make more than one double street bet in a single game?
Yes; multiple double street positions can be covered in the same spin, subject to table limits.
Is there a way to improve my chances with double street bets?
No betting method changes the fundamental odds; double street bets should be treated as entertainment. Players are encouraged to set limits and manage their bankroll so play remains controlled and enjoyable. This guide has explained what a double street bet is, how to place it, how payouts work and how it compares with other inside wagers—use that understanding to make choices that suit your style and budget.
**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.