What Is a Neighbour Bet In Roulette?

Roulette, with its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and a myriad of betting options, remains a cornerstone of both online and brick-and-mortar casinos across the globe, including the UK. Among the plethora of wagering possibilities, one that consistently piques the interest of many players is the neighbour bet. 

This form of wagering, while not as straightforward as a simple red or black bet, introduces an additional layer of entertainment to the game. In this King Casino blog, we’ll delve into what a neighbour bet in roulette entails, examine the potential payout odds and guide you on how to place these bets in online settings.

Neighbour Bets Explained

At its core, a neighbour bet in roulette involves placing a wager not just on a single number, but also on the numbers adjacent to it on the roulette wheel. It’s crucial to note that this differs from betting on numbers next to each other on the roulette table’s layout. The concept hinges on the wheel sequence and understanding that numbers which appear to be neighbours on the wheel can be far apart on the table layout.

For instance, if you decide to place a neighbour bet on the number 15 on a European roulette wheel, you’re not only betting on 15 but also on the numbers directly next to it on the wheel. The standard neighbour bet covers a total of five numbers: the chosen number and two neighbours on either side. However, the flexibility of this bet allows players to decide how many neighbours they wish to include, adjusting the breadth of their wager.

This betting strategy is favoured for several reasons. It allows players to cover more of the wheel with a single bet, potentially increasing their chances of winning. It also introduces an element of strategy, as players can choose numbers they believe are ‘hot‘ or likely to come up based on past results. Moreover, neighbour bets can add a fun twist to the game, offering a different experience than traditional bets.

What Is The Payout For The Neighbours Bet? 

The payout for a neighbour bet in roulette hinges on the standard payout for a straight-up bet, as essentially, you are placing several straight-up bets simultaneously. In the UK, as in most places where European roulette is played, the potential payout for a straight-up bet is 35:1. This means if any of your chosen numbers hit, you get your original bet back plus 35 times that amount.

Given that a neighbour bet involves placing multiple straight-up bets, your total possible payout if one of your numbers wins will be 35:1 for the winning number, minus the amount wagered on the other numbers in the neighbour bet. For example, if you place a £1 bet on each of the five numbers in a neighbour bet and one of your numbers wins, you would receive £36 (£1 original bet + £35 winnings) for the winning number, but since you placed £5 in total bets (£1 on five numbers), your net win would be £31.

It’s paramount to understand that while the potential payout is enticing, the more numbers you include in your neighbour bet, the more you have to wager. Thus, while your chances of hitting a winning number increase, so does your overall risk.

Roulette Neighbour Bet Odds

The odds of winning a neighbour bet in roulette are intrinsically linked to the number of numbers you choose to cover. The more numbers you bet on, the higher your chances of potentially winning, but this also means you’re spreading your bet thinner across multiple numbers.

In the context of European roulette, which features a single zero and 36 numbered slots, the probability of winning on a single number bet is around 2.7% (1 in 37). Consequently, if you place a neighbour bet covering five numbers (the chosen number plus two on either side), your odds of winning increase to approximately 13.5% (5 in 37). It’s a significant jump in probability, but it’s important to keep in perspective that roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win.

The house edge, or the advantage the casino has over players, also plays a crucial role in understanding the odds. For European roulette, the house edge is fixed at 2.7% across all types of bets, which means that over time, the casino expects to keep £2.70 of every £100 wagered. This constant remains regardless of the betting strategy employed, including neighbour bets.

How Much Do Neighbour Bets Cost?

The cost of placing a neighbour bet in roulette depends on two primary factors: the minimum bet allowed by the casino and the number of numbers you wish to include in your bet. Most casinos require a minimum bet for each number covered by a neighbour bet. So, if the minimum bet is £1 and you want to place a neighbour bet on five numbers, you would need to wager at least £5.

It’s vital for players to consider their bankroll when deciding on the breadth of their neighbour bets. While it might be tempting to cover a large portion of the wheel to try and increase your chances of potentially winning, this approach can rapidly deplete your funds. Prudent bankroll management is key to enjoying the roulette experience without risking financial strain.

Roulette Neighbour Bet Strategy

Adopting a strategy for neighbour bets in roulette might enhance your playing experience, but it’s important to remember that no strategy can overcome the house edge. Some players prefer to watch the wheel for a while and place neighbour bets on numbers that seem to be coming up frequently, subscribing to the ‘hot numbers‘ theory. Others prefer to bet on numbers that haven’t come up for a while, believing they are ‘due’ to hit soon.

Another approach is to combine neighbour bets with other betting strategies, such as the Martingale system, where you double your bet after every loss in anticipation of potentially recouping previous losses and gaining a profit with a win. However, this can be risky, particularly with the table’s maximum bet limit potentially thwarting the strategy before a win occurs.

The most effective neighbour bet strategy might simply be to set a budget, choose your numbers based on personal preference or a pattern you like on the wheel, and enjoy the game without expecting guaranteed wins. Roulette is, after all, a game of chance, and the neighbour bet is just one of many ways to participate.

How To Play Neighbour Bet Online

Playing a neighbour bet in an online roulette game is quite straightforward, thanks to the intuitive design of most online casinos. First, ensure you’re playing a version of roulette that allows neighbour bets; most European roulette games do. You’ll typically find a racetrack icon on the screen, representing the sequence of numbers on the roulette wheel. Clicking on this will enable you to place your neighbour bets easily.

Select the number you wish to bet on, and then choose how many neighbours you want to include in the bet. The online interface will automatically place your chosen bets on the numbers you’ve selected, including your chosen number and the neighbours on either side, based on how many you’ve chosen to include. Confirm your bet, and then watch the wheel spin and hope your numbers come up.

Online casinos often offer features like repeating your last bet, making it easy to stick with a neighbour bet strategy over multiple spins. Just remember to manage your bankroll wisely, keeping track of your bets and ensuring you’re not risking more than you’re comfortable with.

Play Real Money Roulette Games at King Casino

Ready to put your newfound knowledge of neighbour bets to the test? King Casino offers a wide array of roulette games, including European roulette, where you can try out this betting strategy. Whether you’re new to roulette or a seasoned player looking for a new tactic, neighbour bets offer a fun way to engage with the game.

At King Casino, you’ll find a user-friendly platform that makes placing neighbour bets simple, whether you’re playing on a desktop or mobile device. Plus, with top-notch customer support and a variety of other casino games at your fingertips, you’re in for a royal gaming experience.

Remember, roulette is a game of chance, and no betting strategy can guarantee wins. The most important strategy is to play responsibly, setting limits for yourself and enjoying the game for the fun and entertainment it provides. 

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*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.