Roulette dozens and columns: 12 numbers for 2 to 1
A dozen bet covers 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36. A column bet covers one of the three long rows on the layout. Both cover 12 numbers and pay 2 to 1, and both lose if the ball lands on zero.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Bet | Numbers | Pays | Win chance (0 / 00) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First dozen | 1–12 | 2 to 1 | 32.4% / 31.6% |
| Second dozen | 13–24 | 2 to 1 | 32.4% / 31.6% |
| Third dozen | 25–36 | 2 to 1 | 32.4% / 31.6% |
| Any column | 12 numbers | 2 to 1 | 32.4% / 31.6% |
Key numbers
Dozens and columns in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- Dozens and columns pay 2 to 1 and carry the same edge as every other roulette bet.
- Betting two dozens covers 24 numbers but wins only one unit net when it hits.
- The greens beat every dozen and column bet.
- Columns are the long rows on the layout; they mix low and high numbers.
On the wheel
What each bet covers
First dozen
1 to 12
First column
The long row starting at 1
Greens
Lose every dozen and column bet
Dozens run across the layout; columns run along it.
Two-dozen bet on $20 ($10 on each)
| Result | Net |
|---|---|
| Ball in a covered dozen | +$10 |
| Ball in the third dozen | −$20 |
| Ball on zero | −$20 |
Covering two dozens wins often but small, and loses big.
Dozens vs columns
A dozen covers a block of numbers. A column covers numbers spread across the layout, like 1, 4, 7 and so on. On the wheel itself, both groups are scattered, so neither favors any section.
The odds and payout are identical, so the choice is only about preference.
Expected cost per $100 bet
| Wheel | Dozen or column |
|---|---|
| Single zero | About $2.70 |
| Single zero, la partage | About $2.70 (rule does not apply) |
| Double zero | About $5.26 |
La partage covers only even-money bets.
Popular two-bet plays
Some players bet two dozens or two columns to cover 24 numbers, winning about 65% of spins on a single-zero wheel. Each win nets only one unit, and each loss costs two.
Over time it costs the same 2.70% or 5.26% per dollar bet.
Sequence
Making a dozen or column bet
Step 01
Find the boxes
Dozens are marked 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12; columns are marked 2 to 1.
Step 02
Place chips
In the box for your choice.
Step 03
Wait for the spin
The bet wins if the number falls in your group.
Step 04
Collect 2 to 1
Your chips stay up unless you remove them.
Mixing with inside bets
Some players combine a dozen with straight-up bets in another dozen. That spreads coverage but adds edge on every chip.
No mix of bets lowers the house edge below the wheel’s base rate.
Floor rules
Layout terms
Know before you sit
- Dozen
- A bet on 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36.
- Column
- A bet on one of three long rows.
- Outside bet
- A bet on the outer layout, like dozens and colors.
- 2 to 1 box
- The column bet spot at the end of each row.
Common mistakes
- Thinking two dozens is safe
- It loses two units each time it misses, which wipes out two wins.
- Chasing a cold dozen
- A dozen that has not hit is not due.
- Forgetting the greens
- Zero beats every dozen and column bet.
- Playing a double-zero wheel
- It nearly doubles the cost per bet.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, game mix, floor facts). Venues with this game in official counts, sorted high to low.
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Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
What is a dozen bet in roulette?
A bet on 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36. It pays 2 to 1 and covers 12 numbers. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
What is a column bet?
A bet on one of the three long rows of the layout, such as 1, 4, 7 up to 34. It also pays 2 to 1.
Do dozens or columns pay more?
Neither. Both pay 2 to 1 and have the same odds and house edge. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
02Odds
What is the chance of winning a dozen bet?
12 in 37, about 32.4%, on a single-zero wheel, and 12 in 38, about 31.6%, on a double-zero wheel.
Is betting two dozens a good strategy?
It wins about two spins in three but loses two units when it misses. The house edge does not change.
Does la partage help dozens?
No. La partage and en prison apply only to even-money bets. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
03At the table
Where are the column boxes?
At the end of each long row, usually marked 2 to 1. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Can I bet a dozen online?
Yes. Every online roulette game includes dozens and columns. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Are dozens good for beginners?
They are simple to place and understand, though they cost the same edge as any other bet.
Sources
- Wizard of Odds — Roulette Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 14, 2026Rules, odds and house edge
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 14, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER