Calculating the Odds in Roulette

Here’s a simple way to calculate how much a winning straight bet will pay off (thirty-five to one odds). If the bet is an even number of chips, divide the number of chips by two, multiply by seven, and add a zero to your answer. So, for 8 chips, you calculate 4 x 7 = 28, then add a zero for 280 chips in winnings.

If the bet is an odd number of chips, subtract one, then divide by two, multiply by seven, add the zero, and add thirty-five to your answer. (It’s easier if you bet even numbers!) So, for 15 chips, you calculate 15 - 1 = 14, 14/2 = 7, 7 × 7 = 49, add a zero, then 490 + 35 = 525 chips in winnings.

Why not just carry around a pocket calculator? You might attract unwanted attention in Nevada. It’s a felony to use computers to beat casino games. Calculating odds is legal, of course.