Mini roulette — small wheel, big print
Thirteen pockets (0–12), straight-up pays 11:1 against true odds of 12:1 — edge 1/13 = 7.69% on every bet, triple-zero territory in a cute package. The saving clause some versions carry: half back on zero for losing bets, which halves the price to 3.85%. Check the rules panel before a single chip: same toy wheel, two very different bills.⚙ computed
The two rulebooks, exactly
| Rule set | Straight-up EV | Edge | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| No zero rule | (1/13)(11) − (12/13) = −1/13 | 7.69% | Worse than American — skip |
| Half back on zero | −1/13 + (1/13)(½) = −1/26 | 3.85% | Still pricier than any full EU wheel |
Why small wheels cost more
Payouts are set as if zero didn’t exist — so the zero’s share of the wheel is the price: 1/37 on European, 1/13 here. Shrinking the wheel while keeping “round” payouts concentrates the house pocket. The fair-looking 11:1 is the whole trick.
Faster rounds compound it: mini tables spin quickly, and cost per hour = edge × spins × stake. Cheaper fun at the same energy: any full European wheel.
Related
All variants pricedTriple zero (7.69%’s big brother)What zero really doesFree simulator
Frequently asked
What is the house edge in mini roulette?
7.69% with no zero rule (1/13 of every wager), or 3.85% where losing bets get half back when zero lands. Both exceed every standard European-wheel price.
Is mini roulette good for beginners?
It’s simple, but simplicity is the bait: the 11:1 straight-up short-pays a 12:1 shot. A beginner is better served by even-money bets on a full European or French wheel at a third of the price.
How many numbers does mini roulette have?
Thirteen — 0 through 12. Straight-up 11:1, evens/odds and colors 1:1, dozens replaced by 1–6 / 7–12 style groups depending on the version.