Roulette Snake Bet – What It Is & How It Works
Ever wondered why some bets in roulette slither across the setup like a snake? The Snake Bet is one of those quirky patterns that look cool, feel a bit strange, and could definitely be your new trick – if you know how it works.
If you’re here, chances are you’ve seen a player next to you at the online roulette table throwing chips in a zig-zag pattern and thought to yourself, “What’s this guy doing?”. Well, buddy, you witnessed the Roulette Snake Bet in full action.
No, it ain’t your average straight-up or red/black bet. And yes, this bet might look fancy, but it has a specific purpose. So, let’s finally see what that Snake Bet is, how it works, and whether it’s worth it, or if it’s just another way to drain your bankroll even faster.
Oh, and by the way, I’ll walk you through the odds and the sneaky pros and cons you won’t see in casino ads.
Ready to find out if the Snake Bet is a smart one – from someone who’s dealt these bets for a living back in the day?
So… What Is a Snake Bet in Roulette (and why Snake)?
That weird pattern zig-zagging across the roulette numbers that only real roulette fans seem to chat about – might be the Snake Bet, and here’s how to know for sure.
No, it won’t hiss at you, but it will definitely make the numbers form a shape that literally slithers across like a snake, hopping over pockets in a very, very specific way.
This special bet’s been around, like, forever – mostly used in European roulette. And players with a taste for patterns have been using it for decades. While some say it’s lucky, others think of it as a fun way to spice things up.
Something to chew on while you sip on your Timmy’s: the Snake Bet covers roulette numbers spread across two colours. BUT it skips zero. And yes, it’s about bragging rights at the table rather than expecting a big pay.
Next up, I’ll break down exactly how the Snake Bet works.
How to Place a Snake Bet
Picturing some fancy magic move? Chill. It’s just a quirky bet.
First off, the Snake Bet is all about inside numbers – no neat outside bets like red/black.
Now, let’s take it step by step.
#1 Know Your Numbers
A classy Snake Bet would hit numbers in the following order (European roulette): 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34. If you trace those numbers, you’ll get a wiggly snaky shape. Pretty visual, huh?
#2 Grab Your Chips
To cover all those numbers, you’ll absolutely have to place corner and split bets:
Split bets: 1/4, 5/6, 14/15, 16/19, 23/24, 27/30, 32/33
Corner bets: 12/14/15/16, 19/20/22/23, 30/31/32/34
I know, looks like a mess at first. But once you have a glance at it on the table, everything clicks.
#3 Place Your Bet
First of all, start at one end of your snake. It’s usually 1 or 5. Then, work your way along those numbers with corners or splits, as listed above.
Oh, and you don’t wanna leave gaps. So, make sure to cover every single number.
#4 Spin the Wheel
Once all your bets are set, watch the wheel spin and your snake do its own thing. Just don’t go thinking it’s a golden ticket.
There you go, a step-by-step on how to place your first Snake bet in roulette. You can give it a try in demo mode first and see how those numbers line up.
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How Likely Is That Snake Bet to Hit?
Let’s get straight to it. The Snake Bet ain’t some kind of magical jackpot shortcut. It’s just a clever little way to cover numbers like a snake. So yeah, it’s all about higher coverage and style points.
What about payouts? First off, Snake Bets pay out the same as straight-up bets – 2:1 on average and 35:1 if a single number hits. BUT, don’t forget that you’re spreading your bet over 12 numbers. So, the 35:1 is technically there, but your actual revenue is watered down cuz your cash is covering a bunch of pockets instead of doubling down on one lucky number.
Now, odds in a nutshell. With a standard European wheel (with a single zero), your chances of hitting with a Snake Bet are 12/37 (which is roughly 32.4%). If you’re playing American Roulette (double zero), the odds drop to 12/28 (meaning about 31.6%).
Found a relatable quote on Investopedia that says: “No matter what game you choose to play, the odds of the casino winning your money are greater than the odds of you winning the casino’s money.”
And here’s a Canadian reality check on the Snake Bet house edge: In European roulette, it stays at 2.7% (looks like the same as any other straight-up bet). But as soon as you hit a US wheel, it easily jumps to 5.26%.
Bottom line? While the Snake Bet looks cool, it still can’t outsmart the house. It’s more of a visual flex rather than a guaranteed win. I’d play it when I wanna have a bit of fun or when I’m bored with plain red and black.
Rookie Mistakes with Snake Bets
Oh, trust me, if you’re not careful enough, that snaky bet might bite back. Here’s what to avoid:
Having it all wrong about the Snake Bet. It won’t tip the odds in your favour, so don’t mistake style for substance.
Ignoring the house edge. Just because you’re covering 12 numbers all at once, it doesn’t mean the house edge will vanish.
Overbetting cuz it’s fun. Throwing big money at it looks cool? Rookie move. Fun over frenzy, ok, guys?
Not understanding payouts. No, it ain’t some high roller jackpot just because it’s spread over the wheel. Don’t toss your chips around before you know the real payout.
Not thinking of it as a single bet type. It’s a single inside bet, meaning it can have the same swings as any other.
No plan. Mixing patterns to outsmart the house? Yeah, sure. You may end up juggling a dozen strategies that will eventually cancel each other out.
Playing for real money right away. Don’t hit the live table first, then panic. Try a few rounds in demo mode first to learn the pattern.
My Take as a Former Croupier
From my time dealing at the table, the Snake Bet is one of those wagers that look clever, but it actually got a higher house edge than any other standard straight-up bet. So, yes, the odds aren’t exactly in your favour.
Why play it, then? It’s more for that artsy vibe. Or, for when you wanna mix your usual routine. But you’ll wanna skip it if you want consistent wins or look for ways to stretch your bankroll. So, yeah, know what you’re getting into.
After all, it’s about fun. Don’t let a clever pattern like the Snake Bet make you forget the basics of safe gambling – set limits and keep it chill. And don’t forget – the house always has that last chuckle.
FAQ
How much can I actually win with a Snake Bet?
The standard payout is 2:1. So, if you bet $10, and it lands in your snake, you’ll pocket $20. Not huge, but neat when it hits.
Can I use the Snake Bet as a winning strategy?
Not really. It’s just a way to enjoy the game differently. The numbers are chosen for the aesthetics, not cuz they’re luckier. So, you definitely shouldn’t treat it as a guaranteed-win plan.
Can I play the Snake Bet at online casinos?
Yes. Most European roulette tables will let you use it, with some even having a snake button to make it super easy.
How to use the Snake Bet correctly?
Start by treating it as a side bet, not your main strategy. Then, mix it in with your other bets. Not least, play smart and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
This article is written by Mary, a seasoned professional with a rich background as a casino croupier now transitioned into a digital publisher with a keen focus on the online casino scene. With years of firsthand experience on the casino floor, Mary offers her unique perspective to the digital world of gambling.
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