If you usually place roulette bets on red or black, or odd or even numbers, you might be interested in exploring a different approach. One option is to learn about the dozens and columns bets in roulette.
This blog will explain what dozens and columns mean when playing roulette at a licensed UK casino. You will also find out how the dozens and columns betting strategy works and what you might want to consider before using it.
It’s important to remember that roulette is a game of chance, and outcomes are always random. No strategy can change the way the ball lands. However, understanding the different types of bets available can help you make more informed choices based on how you prefer to play.
In this guide, you will get clear information about dozens and columns bets, how the related strategy may be used, and whether it suits the style of play you enjoy.
What Are Dozens & Columns In Roulette?
In this guide, we will be talking about European Roulette, which is the most common version played in the UK. European Roulette uses a wheel, numbered from 0 to 36.
Most roulette strategies are based on even money bets, such as red or black, or odd or even. However, if you are looking for a different type of bet, you may be interested in dozens and columns bets.
To understand dozens and columns, it helps to first know how the roulette table is set out. The numbers 1 to 36 are arranged into 12 rows and 3 vertical columns. The first row has the numbers 1, 2, and 3. The next row has 4, 5, and 6, and so on, up to 36.
The numbers are grouped in two different ways:
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Dozens: These are sets of 12 numbers each.
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1st dozen: Numbers 1 to 12
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2nd dozen: Numbers 13 to 24
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3rd dozen: Numbers 25 to 36
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Columns: These are vertical lines of numbers running down the table. Each column has 12 numbers that are spaced three apart.
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1st column: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 and 34
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2nd column: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32 and 35
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3rd column: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36
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When you place a bet on either a dozen or a column, you are betting on 12 numbers at once. If one of those numbers comes up, you win a payout of 2:1. This means that if you bet £1 and one of your numbers wins, you would be paid £2 in winnings, plus your original £1 bet would be returned.
It is important to remember that European Roulette also includes the number 0, which is not part of any dozen or column. If the ball lands on 0, any bets placed on dozens or columns lose.
As with all casino games licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), roulette is a random game of chance. No betting strategy can change the outcome of where the ball will land.
Roulette Dozens & Columns Strategy
The Roulette Dozens & Columns strategy is commonly used by many players on European roulette tables. European roulette has 37 numbers in total, ranging from 0 to 36.
When you look at the betting table, you'll notice numbers grouped into dozens. Each dozen includes 12 numbers. If the ball lands on any number within your chosen dozen, the casino pays you 2 to 1. For example, if you bet £10 on the second dozen (13 to 24) and the ball lands on number 17, you receive £30 (£20 profit plus your £10 stake back).
The Columns bet works similarly. The betting layout has three columns of 12 numbers each. A successful column bet also pays out at 2 to 1. For instance, if you place £5 on the third column and the ball lands on 24, you'll get £15 back (£10 profit plus your original £5 stake).
Both dozens and columns bets cover roughly a third of the wheel. They offer higher potential payouts compared to even-money bets like red/black or odd/even, but lower chances of winning.
Remember, roulette outcomes are completely random. No strategy can reliably predict future results, and the casino always maintains a small advantage known as the "house edge".
Always stick to your budget and consider roulette as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
Does The Roulette Dozens & Columns Strategy Work?
Roulette is purely a game of chance. This means no betting system, including the Dozens & Columns strategy, can guarantee any winnings, or consistently influence outcomes. Every spin of the wheel is independent, and past results do not affect future spins.
However, using this strategy has some potential advantages. It can add structure to your gameplay by covering multiple numbers with each bet. Compared to betting on single numbers, bets placed on dozens or columns have higher probabilities of potentially winning, as they cover about one-third of all possible outcomes.
On the other hand, there are some clear disadvantages. While your chances of winning each bet are somewhat higher than betting on single numbers, the possible payout is lower (2 to 1) compared to single-number bets (35 to 1). Additionally, losing streaks can quickly impact your bankroll because each unsuccessful spin results in the loss of your full stake.
Another disadvantage is the built-in house edge. European roulette includes a single zero (0), which slightly reduces your probability of winning over time. This means that while your bets cover several numbers, you are still statistically likely to lose more than you win in the long run.
Ultimately, the Dozens & Columns strategy can provide structured gameplay, but it cannot change the random nature of roulette or remove the casino's advantage. Play responsibly and only wager amounts you are comfortable losing.
*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.