Roulette has remained one of the most recognisable casino games for generations. Its appeal lies in the spinning wheel, simple layout, and the chance for any number to appear. But many players wonder: is it possible to cover every single number on the table?
This guide explains how that works in European roulette and why the results may not turn out as some players might imagine. It also looks at how roulette payouts are structured, how the house edge influences every spin, and why responsible play is important when taking part in this game of chance.
What Does Covering the Whole Roulette Table Mean?
To “cover the table” means placing bets that include every possible number on the roulette wheel during a single spin. In European roulette, there are 37 numbered pockets — from 0 to 36.
Each number can be backed with a straight-up bet (a chip placed directly on one number). You could, in theory, place a chip on all 37 numbers. Some players may combine different bet types, such as splits (two numbers) or corners (four numbers), to achieve the same coverage using fewer chips.
Even if every number is covered, this does not mean you’ll make a profit. Straight-up bets pay 35 to 1, meaning a £1 bet on the winning number returns £36 in total — £35 in winnings plus your £1 stake. Because there are 37 possible outcomes, the odds are slightly worse than the payout, creating the casino’s advantage.
Can You Bet On Every Number In Roulette?
Yes, most European roulette tables allow you to place a bet on each number, but whether you can do so depends on betting limits. Every table or online roulette game has minimum and maximum limits, both per number and per spin.
For example:
- If the minimum bet is 20p per number, covering all 37 numbers costs £7.40 per spin.
- If one number wins, you receive £7.20 back (your 20p stake on that number plus £7 in winnings).
- That leaves a 20p loss for the spin.
These figures don’t change with larger stakes. If you place £1 on each number, you spend £37, win £36, and lose £1. The difference reflects the house edge, not the size of your bet.
Before playing, it can be worth checking the game rules and paytable, especially in online casinos. Some platforms might limit total stakes or restrict how many chips can be placed on one layout.
How Much Would It Cost to Bet on All Numbers?
In European roulette:
- There are 37 numbers (including zero).
- Each straight-up bet pays 35 to 1.
- The probability of any single number landing is 1 in 37, or about 2.70%.
If you bet £1 on all 37 numbers, your total stake is £37. When one number wins, your return is £36. That means you lose £1 per spin on average, or roughly 2.70% of your stake.
This calculation shows how the house edge works. It’s built into the payout structure, not the betting style.
Covering every number ensures that you’ll win something every spin, but the return never equals your total outlay. Over time, this consistent shortfall leads to an overall loss.
What Happens If You Place Chips on the Whole Table?
Placing chips on every number can change how roulette feels, not how it works. You’ll see regular small returns instead of frequent losses, but your overall result remains negative.
One straight-up bet wins, while the other 36 lose. The 35 to 1 payout doesn’t make up for all the losing bets, so you end up slightly behind after every spin.
For some players, this creates the impression of steady wins because there’s a payout each round. However, that sense of progress is misleading — the game’s structure ensures the casino retains its edge. Roulette outcomes are entirely random; no combination of bets or staking patterns can change that.
Some physical and online tables may also restrict total stakes or limit how many chips you can place. Checking these rules before playing can help avoid any unexpected bet rejections.
House Edge and Why Covering Every Number Does Not Remove It
The house edge in European roulette is about 2.70%. This percentage reflects the difference between the true odds and the payout odds.
Here’s why:
- The true odds of a single number winning are 36 to 1 (36 losing numbers for every 1 winning number).
- The payout is 35 to 1, which means the return is slightly lower than the mathematical probability.
- That one missing unit per 37 wagers represents the casino’s long-term advantage.
Covering every number doesn’t change those odds. You’ll still get 35 to 1 when one wins, and lose on the remaining 36. Whether you use single bets, splits, or combinations, the built-in margin remains.
Roulette is a random game of chance, and each spin is independent — meaning past results don’t affect future outcomes. There’s no reliable method or system that can predict where the ball will land or alter the edge the casino holds.
Whole Table Strategy: Why Players Try It
Some players like covering all numbers because it guarantees a payout every spin. However, the drawback is clear — you’re paying more than you receive back, which creates a small, but consistent loss.
Others might use this approach as a learning exercise to understand the layout before experimenting with different bet types, such as outside bets (red/black, odd/even, or high/low). These offer lower payouts, but cover nearly half the numbers, so they win more frequently without needing to cover the entire table.
If you decide to play roulette, it helps to:
- Keep stakes within an affordable amount.
- Use time and deposit limits if offered by the casino.
- Take breaks and treat each spin as separate from the last.
Roulette can be enjoyable when played sensibly, but it’s important to remember that no bet or system changes the odds. The best approach is to play for entertainment, not to chase outcomes.
*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.