The red snake bet in roulette is a betting pattern that covers 12 specific red numbers arranged in a zigzag shape across the roulette table. This bet includes the numbers 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34, which form an S-shaped pattern that looks like a snake winding across the betting layout. The name comes from this distinctive visual pattern that appears when you place chips on these numbers.
You might have seen other players making this bet or heard about it at the casino. Unlike simple bets on red or black, the snake bet targets specific numbers rather than covering all numbers of one color. This makes it a unique middle-ground option between betting on individual numbers and placing broader outside bets.
Understanding how the red snake bet works can add a new option to your roulette strategy. You’ll learn exactly how to place this bet, what your odds and payouts look like, and whether this betting pattern makes sense for your playing style.
Understanding the Red Snake Bet in Roulette
The Red Snake bet covers 12 specific red numbers arranged in a zigzag pattern across the roulette table. You place this bet by positioning chips on numbers that create an S-shaped line on the betting grid.
Definition and Basic Concept
The Red Snake bet is a unique betting pattern in roulette that targets 12 red numbers forming a diagonal zigzag shape. You might also hear it called simply the “Snake Bet” at some casinos.
This betting arrangement gets its name from the S-shaped pattern your chips create when placed on the table. The shape resembles a winding snake moving across the betting grid. You’re essentially placing 12 separate bets at once, but the visual pattern makes it easier to remember which numbers to cover.
The Snake Bet functions as a combination bet rather than a single wager. Each chip you place counts as an individual bet on that specific number. This means if you bet $1 on the Snake, you’re actually wagering $12 total across all positions.
How to Place a Red Snake Bet
You place the Red Snake bet by putting chips directly on each of the 12 numbers that form the pattern. Start with the number 1 and work your way through the sequence.
Place one chip on each number in the snake pattern. You need to physically position chips on all 12 spots to complete the bet. Some casinos allow you to announce “Snake Bet” to the dealer, who will then place the chips for you.
Each chip must have equal value since you’re making 12 individual straight-up bets. If you want to bet $12 total, you place a $1 chip on each number. The dealer will help you if you’re unsure about the placement pattern.
Not all casinos recognize the Snake Bet as an official call bet. You might need to place the chips yourself rather than announcing it verbally.
Red Snake Numbers and Their Position on the Roulette Table
The Red Snake bet covers these 12 numbers: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. All of these numbers are red on both European and American roulette wheels.
These numbers form a distinctive zigzag pattern when you look at the betting layout. The pattern starts at number 1 in the bottom left and winds upward diagonally across the table.
Here’s how the numbers appear on the betting grid:
| Column Position | Numbers in Snake Pattern |
|---|---|
| Left Column | 1 |
| Middle Column | 5, 14, 23, 32 |
| Right Column | 9, 12, 16, 19, 27, 30, 34 |
The snake pattern alternates between columns as it moves up the table. You’ll notice the numbers don’t follow a sequential order. Instead, they create a visual path that makes the bet easy to identify and remember once you’ve seen it placed.
Significance and Strategy for the Red Snake Bet
The red snake bet offers the same mathematical odds as any straight-up bet in roulette, but understanding the specific payouts and how the bet performs across different roulette variants helps you make informed decisions at the table.
Payouts and Odds Analysis
The red snake bet pays 35:1 for each winning number since you’re placing 12 separate straight-up bets. If one of your 12 numbers hits, you win 35 times your bet on that number but lose the other 11 chips.
Your total cost for the complete snake bet is 12 units (one chip on each number). When you win, you receive 36 units back (your 35:1 payout plus your original winning chip). This gives you a net profit of 24 units on a winning spin.
The probability of winning on any single spin is 12/37 in European roulette, which equals roughly 32.4%. This means you have nearly a one-in-three chance of hitting one of your numbers. The house edge remains 2.7% on European wheels, identical to any other inside bet.
Red Snake Bet in European vs American Roulette
European roulette is the better choice for the snake bet. The single zero wheel gives you 12 winning numbers out of 37 total pockets.
American roulette adds a double zero, which changes your odds to 12/38 (31.6%) while keeping the same 35:1 payout. The house edge jumps to 5.26%, making each spin significantly less favorable. Your probability of winning drops by nearly 1% compared to European wheels.
You should avoid the snake bet on American tables when possible. The extra pocket doesn’t affect your payout but reduces your chances of winning on every spin.