Roulette is a classic casino game, well known across the UK for its spinning wheel and simple rules. Among the many betting styles, the “2 columns” approach stands out as a way some people like to place their bets at the roulette table.
This guide will help you understand how the 2 columns system works, what the bets involve, and what the odds look like when using this method. If you’re interested in learning some of the basics of roulette, keep reading.
What Is 2 Columns Roulette and How Does It Work?
The 2 columns roulette strategy is a way of placing bets on the roulette table, focusing on two of the three “column” options available. On a standard European roulette table, numbers 1 to 36 are set out in three vertical columns, each containing twelve numbers.
If you use the 2 columns method, you place a bet on two out of these three columns. For example, you might put £1 on the first column and another £1 on the third column. This means you have a stake covering 24 numbers out of 37, as European roulette includes a single zero, which is not in any column.
If the ball lands on a number in either of your chosen columns, you receive a payout of 2 to 1 on that bet. If the ball lands on the numbers in the column you did not select, or on the zero, you lose your bets. The 2 columns approach covers many numbers, though there will still be spins that fall outside your selections.
Where Do You Place 2 Columns Bets on the Table?
On a European roulette table, you place a column bet by putting your chips in the box at the bottom of one of the three marked columns.
Each column bet space is marked with the words “2 to 1” and is located at the far end of each vertical column of numbers. On a European roulette table, these boxes sit along one of the long edges of the main betting grid, directly below the last number in each column.
With the 2 columns method, you put one bet in the “2 to 1” box for your first chosen column and a second bet in the “2 to 1” box for your other selected column. Each column contains twelve numbers, running vertically up the table.
It is important to note that the single zero, shown as a green space, does not belong to any of these columns. If the ball lands on zero, column bets lose. The layout and markings on the table follow the standard European format, but it may be helpful to check the rules for the version you are playing.
How Much Can You Win with 2 Columns Roulette?
With the 2 columns approach, each winning column bet pays out at 2 to 1.
For example, if you bet £1 on two columns and one column wins, you receive £2 in winnings for that column, plus your £1 column bet back. You lose your stake on the other column. If the number drawn is not in your two columns or is zero, both bets lose.
Potential returns depend on your stake and whether one of your selected columns wins on that spin. Payouts and table limits can vary by casino or online operator, so it may be worth checking the game rules where you are playing.
What Are the Odds on 2 Columns Bets?
When you use the 2 columns approach in European roulette, your bets cover 24 out of the 37 possible outcomes. That is a 24 in 37 chance, about 64.8%, that the ball will land in one of your chosen columns.
Only the column that contains the winning number pays, as column bets are settled individually. If the result is zero or in the remaining column, both bets are lost.
The house edge for European roulette is around 2.7%. This reflects the built-in advantage of the casino, created by the single zero.
Exact rules and payout handling can vary by casino, so a quick review of the game’s information page can be useful before you start.
How Does 2 Columns Roulette Compare to Other Bets?
The 2 columns method covers more numbers than most single bets, but offers lower possible payouts than betting on a single number.
Here is a quick comparison with other common bet options in European roulette:
- Straight up bet, betting on one number: Pays 35 to 1.
- Red/Black or Odd/Even bets: Cover nearly half the numbers and pay 1 to 1.
- Single column bet: Covers 12 numbers with a 2 to 1 payout.
- 2 columns bet: Covers 24 numbers and pays 2 to 1 if a selected column wins.
- Dozen bet: Covers a group of 12 consecutive numbers with a 2 to 1 payout.
Each bet type offers a different chance of winning and a different potential payout. The best option depends on how you like to play and the budget you have set for yourself.
Can You Use 2 Columns in European and American Roulette?
In many European and American roulette games, you can place bets on two columns at the same time, as both layouts have three vertical columns of numbers.
However, this option is not guaranteed in every game. Some casinos or online roulette tables may have specific betting limits, restrictions, or rules that prevent placing two column bets in one spin. So, you may want to check the game’s rules before you start.
European roulette wheels have 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 plus a single zero). American roulette wheels have 38 pockets (numbers 1–36, a single zero, and a double zero). The extra double zero slightly increases the house edge compared to European roulette, although the potential payout for a winning column bet remains the same.
What Happens If the Ball Lands on Zero?
In European roulette, the number zero sits on its own and is marked in green. It does not form part of any column or row bets. If you have used the 2 columns approach and the ball lands on zero, both your column bets will lose, as zero is not covered by these bets.
This is one reason the house edge exists in standard roulette. Some tables or online casinos may offer special rules, such as La Partage or En Prison that can change how stakes are handled on a zero result. These features are not available everywhere, so it can be sensible to check the rules section before playing.
2 Columns Roulette Table Layout Explained
On a European roulette table, you will see the numbers 1 to 36 arranged in three long vertical columns. Each column is made up of twelve numbers, with each number having a dedicated square on the felt.
At the bottom of each column, there is a rectangle marked “2 to 1”. This is where you place your column bets. The single zero, 0, sits at the top of the table in its own separate space, not attached to any column.
The layout is designed to make column selections clear. If you bet on two columns, you cover 24 numbers in total. Most online games include a virtual table and a rules section, so you can get familiar with the layout before placing any bets.
Understanding the Payouts for Column Bets
In both European and American roulette, a successful column bet pays at 2 to 1. If you place £5 on a column and one of its twelve numbers wins, you receive £10 in winnings plus your original £5 stake back.
If the ball lands outside your chosen column, the column bet does not win and your stake is lost. The presence of the zero, and the double zero in American roulette, slightly reduces your overall chance, as these are not included in any column.
Always check the minimum and maximum bet limits for your table, and review the rules before you play. Gambling should be affordable and enjoyable. Set a budget you can comfortably stick to, and take a break or seek help if it ever stops being fun.
*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.