Definition
A Street Bet is a roulette wager that covers three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row on the table layout (e.g., 1-2-3 or 22-23-24). It is placed by putting a chip on the outer edge of the row you wish to bet on.
In context
If you want to bet on the numbers 7, 8, and 9, you place your chip on the vertical line that separates the “inside” numbered area from the “outside” betting area (like the Red/Black or Dozens boxes), right at the start of the row containing 7. If the ball lands on any of those three numbers, you win.
Why it matters
The Street Bet offers a payout of 11 to 1, providing a middle ground between the high-risk “Straight Up” bet (35:1) and the lower-risk “Outside” bets (1:1 or 2:1). It allows a player to cover more of the wheel with a single chip while still maintaining a relatively high payout.
Related terms
In detail
The Street Bet, sometimes called a “Trio Bet” or “Three-Number Bet,” is a staple of roulette strategy. It’s an “Inside Bet,” meaning it focuses on the specific numbers rather than broad categories like “Even” or “High.”
The Layout and Placement
To understand the Street Bet, you have to look at the roulette table as a grid. The numbers 1 through 36 are arranged in 12 horizontal rows of three numbers each. Each of these rows is a “Street.”
- Placement: You place your chip on the boundary line of the row. For example, if you are looking at the row [10, 11, 12], you place your chip on the line at the very edge of the 10.
- The Zero Exception: In some variations, you can also place a “street-style” bet on the 0, 1, 2 or 0, 2, 3 combinations, though these are technically called “Basket” or “Trio” bets depending on the casino.
The Payout and Odds
A winning Street Bet pays 11 to 1.
- Example: If you bet $10 on a street and one of your numbers hits, you keep your $10 and the dealer gives you $110 in winnings.
- The Probability: On an American Roulette wheel (38 total numbers), your chance of winning a Street Bet is 3 in 38, or approximately 7.89%.
- The House Edge: Just like the Straight Up bet, the house edge on a Street Bet in American Roulette is 5.26%. Even though you are covering more numbers, the payout is mathematically adjusted so the casino maintains the same long-term advantage.
Strategy: Why use Street Bets?
Street bets are popular among players who like to “blanket” the table. Instead of picking one number and hoping for a miracle, a player might bet on four different streets. This covers 12 numbers (the same amount as a “Dozen” bet) but allows the player to pick specifically which areas of the grid they want to cover.
- Volatility Management: Street bets have lower volatility than Straight Up bets. You will win more frequently, which can help keep your bankroll stable while you wait for a bigger win.
- Combining Bets: Many “system” players combine Street bets with “Corner” bets or “Split” bets to create a complex web of coverage. For example, you might put a Straight Up bet on your favorite number, and then put a Street bet on the row that number belongs to. If your number hits, you win both bets. If the numbers next to it hit, you still make a profit on the Street.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake with a Street Bet is poor chip placement. If a player places the chip too far to one side, it might be mistaken for a “Split” bet (covering two numbers at 17:1) or a “Corner” bet (covering four numbers at 8:1). In a crowded, loud casino, the dealer might not have time to ask for clarification before the ball drops. If your chip is “sitting on the line” between two streets, it’s a “Line Bet” (covering 6 numbers), which pays only 5:1. Always ensure your chip is clearly placed on the outer edge of the specific row you want.
The “Double Street”
Players often confuse the Street Bet with the Double Street (or Line Bet). A Double Street covers two adjacent rows (six numbers total) and pays 5 to 1. While related, the single Street Bet is favored by those looking for that double-digit 11:1 payout.
In the grand scheme of roulette, the Street Bet is the “professional’s choice” for adding targeted coverage without diluting the payout too much. It offers enough of a “pop” to be exciting but enough coverage to keep you in the game.