The name of this bet comes from the fact that it forms an “S” shape like a snake when you connect the numbers on the table you’ve bet on. As it only covers red numbers, some people call it the “red snake”.
It is comprised of 12 straight bets (single number). Along the snake, you won’t find any split bets. Typically, each bet is of the same unit, so no more bets are made on one number of the snake than on any other. For instance, a player wouldn’t bet 2 currency units on a straight bet and 5 on another, but just one on each.
Below is a list of the odds:
- Payout (single number) 35:1
- Payout (average) 2:1
- Probability 32.43% (European), 31.58% (American)
- Total Numbers 12
- Betting Units 12
- Numbers Covered 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34
Where can I place a snake bet?
The snake bet is completely legal, so you can place it practically anywhere. Usually, you’ll have to create it on your own. The option to place this bet quickly and easily like you could on an even or red does not exist.
Some casinos make it possible to place a snake bet by putting a chip on the corner of 34 red. This is the last number of the snake. This isn’t very common though. If it exists, the protocol for making or announcing it will differ from casino to casino. Ask your dealer when in doubt.
Origins of the snake bet
Bettors and venues all over the world claim to have invented the snake bet. It is nothing more than a series of red numbers forming a zigzag, starting with the number 1 and ending at the number 34. Most likely, this bet was placed in many different casinos and eventually became known as the snake or red snake. You can’t attribute it to a single country or casino.
The bet is very popular with Chinese roulette players because in China, the color red symbolizes fortune and happiness. Another reason is that the snake is one of the 12 Chinese zodiacs. They have the “Year of the Snake” once every 12 years. However, there is nothing to indicate the Chinese invented the bet or even came up with the name.
Snake bet pluses and minuses
Is the snake a lucky bet? Does it provide a higher house edge or have a higher probability of winning for another reason? No. Bettors have the same chance of a win with this kind of bet as they would with any 12 bets that were randomly placed and straight. There’s no difference between placing 12 units across a snake bet when it comes to the likelihood of hitting compared to placing 12 units on a dozen or column bet.
There’s no difference in the house edge either. It is 2.70% or 5.26% if you’re playing double-zero roulette.
This bet is the same as any other roulette bet from the viewpoint of winning odds. Still, it does have its pluses and minuses.
Pluses
- Looks good
- Can be more fun and exciting
Minuses
- Requires a large number of betting units
- Expensive unless your bankroll is big
- Takes a while to set up
Roulette is all about having fun, so bet in whatever pattern or shape you like. If you like the look of the bet then by all means go for it. The snake looks really cool without a doubt.
Do online casinos offer the snake bet?
We found no information about a specific “snake bet” option or button being offered by one or more online casinos, but that shouldn’t stop you from placing your chips manually to recreate the snake bet. This is possible at any online roulette table. However, having to place chips manually to create the snake may get a bit boring. It might be a better idea to sign up with a casino that offers a custom betting option. You only create the betting layout once and save it for the future, quick and easy.
If that isn’t possible, the “rebet” feature can be an amazing timesaver unless you don’t feel like placing the same bet over and over again.
