Roulette is a well-known casino game enjoyed in both land-based venues and online casinos, offering a range of betting choices. One option that often stands out for beginners is the columns bet. Understanding how the two columns bet works could help you feel more comfortable before potentially placing your chips.
This guide explains the steps for making a two columns bet in roulette. You’ll learn about the main rules, table setup, and what makes this bet different from others. Want to know how to spot this bet and what results to expect? Read on for all the details.
What Is the 2 Columns Bet in Roulette?
The two columns bet lets you place chips on any two of the three columns found on the roulette table layout. Each column covers 12 distinct numbers. By betting on two columns, you’ll be staking on 24 numbers out of 37 in European roulette (or 38 in American roulette).
Your chips are placed at the end of your chosen columns in the areas marked for column bets. This bet does not cover the zero—if the ball lands there, the columns bet will not pay out.
Online casinos can sometimes present slightly different layouts or add extra rules, so take a moment to look at the game’s details before placing your bets. The standard payout is 2:1 for each winning column. If you play both at once, remember, only one of your bets can win per spin, meaning you can get back a portion of your total stake if either column hits. The RTP sits close to 97.3% with European roulette.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does the 2 Columns Bet Work on the Table?
Roulette tables display three columns of 12 numbers running vertically down the main betting area. At the end of each, you’ll see boxes marked “2 to 1” where your column bets go.
When placing a two columns bet, put a separate chip at the end of each selected column. You now cover all the numbers within those two columns, leaving only the remaining column and zero outside your bet. As was mentioned, zero is not included in any column, so it will not count for this bet.
Both online and physical tables generally follow the same design, though online versions may look a bit different or use enhanced graphics. To check exactly how a specific game works, you could review the game’s information or paytable options before playing.
2 Columns vs 1 Column: What’s the Difference?
A one column bet is placed on a single column—if one of its 12 numbers comes up, your wager pays 2:1. Your winning chances are roughly 32.4% on a European wheel.
A two columns bet has you placing bets on two columns at once, covering 24 numbers with two separate bets. With this method, you have more numbers working for you, but only one column can pay per spin.
Columns bets exclude zero by design. The appearance may change between online and land-based casinos, but the basic structure stays the same. You might want to check the table before placing your chips, as layouts and instructions can sometimes vary.
Which Numbers Are Covered in a 2 Columns Bet?
A two columns bet covers 24 out of 37 numbers on the European wheel—those located in the chosen two columns. The numbers 1-36 are included and are split between the three vertical sections on the table.
The first column (for example) starts with 1, then 4, 7, and continues with every third number up to 34. The other columns follow the same pattern, starting from 2 and 3. If you’d like to see which numbers are included in each, most online games offer a “help” or “information” feature near the table.
It might be helpful to keep in mind that the single green zero is not part of any column—it sits outside the main grid, so it can’t be included in this wager.
How Much Can You Win From a 2 Columns Bet?
Each column bet pays 2:1, so if you bet £1 on two different columns (for a £2 total stake), only the winning column gives you a return. A successful column pays your £1 chip plus £2 in winnings, returning £3 for that column. If you’d like a larger potential payout, you could increase your stake on each column—the maths stays the same.
Should the ball land in the third column or hit zero, both bets are lost. This bet covers about 64.9% of the European roulette outcomes. The payout system remains the same across all UK land-based and online casinos, but if you want more details for your specific game, you could check the paytable or rules.
Is the 2 Columns Bet Better Than Other Outside Bets?
The two columns bet forms just one of the “outside” bets at the table. Others include red/black, even/odd, and dozens. Each covers different numbers and offers different payouts.
With a two columns bet, you are staking on 24 numbers each round, which is more coverage than single red/black or even/odd bets (which cover 18 numbers for a 1:1 payout). Dozens bets also cover 12 numbers with the same payout as a single column. It's important to note that all of these bets have a similar house edge, usually around 2.7% in European roulette.
Where Do You Place a 2 Columns Bet on the Layout?
You’ll find three long rectangles below the number grid on the layout, each labelled “2 to 1.” To make your two columns bet, just put a chip in the boxes at the end of any two of those columns. Each rectangle applies to every number running down its column.
Land-based and online tables keep to this pattern, even if the design or colour varies. Games online often highlight your selected numbers, making it easier to see what’s covered.
If you’re unsure in a digital game, you might want to check the rules or scan any on-screen help. This ensures every bet you place is put down in the right spot.
Can You Combine 2 Columns with Other Roulette Bets?
You may combine a two columns bet with other types of roulette wagers—such as red/black, even/odd, or straight-up numbers. Each is placed separately and follows its own rules for pay-outs.
In practice, this means that you can back two columns along with other areas of the table on the same spin. UK land-based and online casinos allow this, and online versions often provide a simple way to review your bets or favourite certain combinations before confirming.
What Are the Odds and Payouts for 2 Columns in Roulette?
By betting on two columns, you cover 24 of the 37 numbers on the European wheel, giving you a chance of about 64.9% to hit a number in one of your columns. Each separate column pays 2:1, so, as mentioned, every £1 winning bet gets you £2 plus your original £1 back.
If only one of your columns wins, you’ll receive £3 total for that column. The losing bet is not returned. These payout terms are standard at licensed UK casinos but, for certainty, see the paytable linked to your chosen online or digital roulette game.
Is the 2 Columns Bet Available in All Roulette Variants?
The two columns bet is widely available in traditional roulette variants—European, French, and American. Each wheel and table has three columns on its layout, so the bet is straightforward to make wherever you play.
French tables might have labels in French, and American wheels carry an extra pocket for double zero, which changes the odds slightly, but the structure of the columns bet itself stays the same.
Some special or themed online versions may not feature columns bets, or may offer them in a unique way. To be sure, you could refer to the help or paytable before you start, especially when trying a new game or variant. That way, you’ll always know exactly how your chosen bet works.
**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.
*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.