The five-number bet: 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 in one chip
The five-number bet, also called the top line or basket, covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 on an American wheel. It pays 6 to 1. Its house edge is 7.89%, the highest on the layout, while every other bet carries 5.26%.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Bet | Numbers | Pays | House edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-number | 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 | 6 to 1 | 7.89% |
| Six line | 6 | 5 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Corner | 4 | 8 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Red or black | 18 | 1 to 1 | 5.26% |
Key numbers
The basket in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- Only American double-zero wheels have a five-number bet.
- It costs about 50% more per dollar than any other roulette bet.
- A corner or six line gives similar coverage at the normal 5.26% edge.
- On a single-zero wheel, the edge on all bets is 2.70%.
On the wheel
What the basket covers
Five-number bet
Pays 6 to 1 — 7.89% edge
Six line instead
Pays 5 to 1 — 5.26% edge
Corner instead
Pays 8 to 1 — 5.26% edge
One chip on the line between the zeros and the first row.
Five-number vs alternatives
| Bet | Covers | Chance | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-number | 5 | 13.2% | 7.89% |
| Corner 1-2-4-5 | 4 | 10.5% | 5.26% |
| Six line 1–6 | 6 | 15.8% | 5.26% |
| Trio 0-1-2 | 3 | 7.9% | 5.26% |
Any bet except the basket has the standard edge.
Why the math is worse
For a fair payout, a 5-number bet would pay 6.6 to 1. The casino rounds down to 6 to 1. That shortfall is larger, in percentage terms, than on any other bet.
On a $10 chip, the average cost is about 79 cents a spin, against 53 cents elsewhere.
Cost at the table
| Bet | Stake | Average loss per 40 spins |
|---|---|---|
| Five-number | $10 | About $31.56 |
| Corner | $10 | About $21.04 |
| Red | $10 | About $21.04 |
At about 40 spins an hour.
How to place it
Set one chip on the outside corner of the line between the zeros and the 1-2-3 row. Some layouts mark it clearly; others need a dealer’s help.
Call your bet if you are unsure, and the dealer will place it.
Sequence
Choosing a better bet
Step 01
Check the wheel
Single zero is far better.
Step 02
Skip the basket
It has the worst edge.
Step 03
Use a six line
Covers 6 numbers at 5.26%.
Step 04
Set a budget
Every bet still has an edge.
Other names
Dealers may call it the top line, the basket or the beast. On single-zero wheels, a "first four" bet covers 0, 1, 2 and 3 at 8 to 1 with the standard 2.70% edge.
There is no five-number bet on European or French wheels.
Your turn
Bet names
Basket
Another name for the five-number bet.
Top line
The line above the 1-2-3 row.
First four
0-1-2-3 on a single-zero wheel.
Six line
Two rows of three numbers.
A $5 example
A $5 basket bet wins $30 on 0, 00, 1, 2 or 3. That happens about once every 7.6 spins. Over 100 spins, you would expect to lose about $39, against about $26 on any other bet.
Common mistakes
- Betting the basket on an American wheel
- Pick any other bet.
- Thinking it covers more value
- Coverage does not cancel a higher edge.
- Missing single-zero tables
- The edge drops to 2.70%.
- Placing it on the wrong line
- Ask the dealer.
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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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 the five-number bet?
A single bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, found only on American double-zero roulette. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
What does it pay?
6 to 1. A fair payout would be 6.6 to 1. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
What is the house edge?
7.89%, compared with 5.26% for every other bet on the same wheel. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
02Alternatives
Is there a better bet nearby?
A six line on 1 to 6 or a corner bet both carry the standard 5.26% edge. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Does single-zero roulette have it?
No. The similar first four bet on 0, 1, 2 and 3 pays 8 to 1 at 2.70%. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Is it on online roulette?
Most online American roulette games include it, with the same 7.89% edge. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
03At the table
How do I place it?
Put one chip on the corner where the zero row meets the 1-2-3 row, or ask the dealer.
Why do casinos keep it?
Some players like covering both zeros; it earns the casino more. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Is it ever a good bet?
No. In math terms it is the worst standard bet on the layout. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
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, 2026Payouts and house edge
- Wizard of Odds — Roulette basics 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, 2026Bet layout
- 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