Introduction to Roulette
| Updated: Roulette – One of the Most Iconic Casino Games
Roulette has been played since ancient times, and it is still one of the greatest games in casinos around the world. As proof, a substantial portion of casino revenue is generated specifically by this game. With numerous betting options available, roulette offers a style of play that is unmatched by most other popular titles. The thrill, excitement, and complexity of the game make it not only fascinating but strategic as well. For these reasons, roulette has grown to become one of the preferred choices in the online gaming industry. It also offers several variants, catering to the preferences of different players.
The game itself was developed by two French brothers who popularized it throughout Europe. It became a real sensation among gambling communities, which is why roulette remains popular to this day. Roulette is still played according to the original rules, with only slight changes. Thus, the game evolved into three main variations – European, French, and American. Of course, each casino can offer all three versions or select the one it prefers. Every player should be familiar with the specific rules of the table before starting to play.
The rules are easy to understand, and their essence is the same across the three variations. The main goal of every player is to correctly predict the numbered pocket in which the ball will land. To determine the winning number, the croupier tosses the ball in the direction opposite to the spinning wheel. There is much speculation, however, about the way the ball is tossed. Naturally, each croupier has their own distinctive style, known as the dealer’s signature. To avoid speculation, dealers are rotated at regular intervals. The material from which the ball is made also affects its liveliness.
Seemingly simple yet hard to master, roulette reveals deeper levels of intricacy the more you study it. Therefore, we have compiled this general guide to roulette, covering the most popular variations of the game and the types of bets in each, as well as the additional wagering options available at the French table.
Variations of Roulette
The primary difference between the three variants of the game stems from the wheel itself. In the French and European variants, there are 37 numbered pockets containing the numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero pocket. The color pattern is well known— the pockets alternate between black and red, with the single-zero pocket colored green. This design results in a relatively low house edge of only 2.70%. Historically, American casino managers were dissatisfied with the low house profit. Therefore, they modified the game by adding a double-zero pocket. This change increased the house edge to 5.26%.
Furthermore, the French and European wheels are identical—they present the same order of numbers. Aside from the additional zero pocket, the American wheel arranges the numbers differently. Some amateur gamblers consider the American version to be more systematic because two consecutive numbers are placed diametrically opposite each other. Conversely, the European wheel may appear random, but a closer look reveals a pattern: a high number (19-36) is placed next to a low one (1-18), with the only exception being 5 next to 10.
Many people assume that European and French roulette are the same. Although they follow the same basic rules, there are some differences. The layout on the French table is entirely in French. However, even if you are not fluent in French, you can still play at a French table. The bets themselves remain the same. The French version even offers an additional type of bet placed on a specific section of the wheel. Moreover, two extra rules govern the French table, both of which greatly benefit players. Many people consider the French variant more advantageous for the player precisely because of the La Partage and En Prison rules. These rules apply when the ball lands on the zero pocket and reduce the house edge to 1.35%. It should be noted that some European tables also apply these rules.
The two zero pockets on the American wheel reduce the player’s chances of beating the house and also provide a higher house edge. This is why the American variation is not among the most preferred. As you can see, American roulette is more challenging because the additional zero pocket increases the chance of losing.
Variety of Bets
The game starts when all players place their bets on the table. For that purpose, players use the table layout. The inside part is made up of small squares that correspond to every numbered pocket on the wheel. Here, you can bet on a particular number or group of numbers. Consequently, the wager is called an “inside” bet. Depending on how the numbers are combined, there are various types.
Inside Bets in All Variations of Roulette
Straight-up bets are placed on a single number, and the player must predict the exact numbered pocket in which the ball will land. Because the probability of success is low, the payout is 35:1.
As mentioned earlier, players can place bets on more than one number. One such option is the split bet, in which you wager on two neighboring numbers. You win if the ball settles in a pocket containing either of the two numbers. The payout is 17:1.
To increase your chances of winning, you can place a bet on three numbers in a horizontal row, also known as a street bet. Place the chips on the outer line of the first number in the row. The payout is 11:1.
To cover an even larger portion of the layout, the corner bet may be a good choice. It covers four adjacent numbers that form a square. Place the chips at the intersection of all four numbers. The payout is 8:1.
The line bet covers six numbers arranged in two adjacent rows on the layout. To make this bet, place the chips at the end of the two rows. You win if the ball lands in a pocket containing any of the six numbers. The payout is 5:1.
American roulette offers one additional type of bet that is not very advantageous for players because the house edge rises to 7.90%. This is the five-number bet, placed only on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The payout is 6:1.
Outside Bets in All Variations of Roulette
To enhance their chances of winning, players can place bets on the outside part of the layout, where the numbers are grouped in larger categories. For example, the pockets on a roulette wheel are either red or black, and the player can place a bet on the colors. This means that if the player bets on red, they win only if the ball lands in a red pocket. This wager is known as the red/black bet. The payout is 1:1.
Similarly, players can bet on either odd or even numbers. The payout is again 1:1, or even money. To make this bet, place your chips on the corresponding section of the layout.
Another outside bet is known as high/low. Here, players predict whether the winning number will be in the range 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). This wager also pays even money.
The 36 numbers on the wheel are grouped into three dozens on the layout. Each dozen contains 12 numbers, and players can bet on any of the three dozens. This means that the bet covers all 12 numbers in the chosen dozen, and the payout is 2:1.
The betting section is divided into three main columns, each consisting of 12 numbers. For example, players can bet on the first column, which includes the numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34. If the ball lands in a pocket containing any of these numbers, the player wins the bet. The payout is 2:1.
Additional Bets on the French Table
In some cases, particularly at most French-style roulette tables, call bets are also allowed. Generally speaking, call bets include the Voisins du Zero (neighbors of zero), the Tiers, and the Orphelins. Similar to inside and outside bets, call bets have different payouts based on the number of pockets associated with each bet. Many believe that call betting can increase the player’s advantage because it allows more variety in an overall betting strategy.
In short, the Voisins du Zéro bet covers 17 numbers that lie next to the zero pocket on the wheel. These numbers form the first section of the wheel, stretching from 22 to 25. The wager is a combination of split, trio, and corner bets and costs 9 chips.
Tiers du Cylindre is a bet that costs 6 chips and covers the section of the wheel between 27 and 33. It is a series of split bets on all the numbers located directly opposite the Voisins du Zéro section.
So far, we have two opposing sets of numbers. All the remaining numbers found on both sides of the wheel are called Orphelins. They are not included in either of the two main sets, which is why their name literally means ‘orphans’. The wager can be placed as a series of split bets, costing 5 chips, or as straight-up bets, which require 9 chips.
A Game of Chance
No matter what strategy you use, luck is the most important factor in this game. The rules are simple, which is why roulette attracts so many people all over the world. Over the years, people have developed numerous theories aimed at beating the wheel. But the truth is that you will fare better if you can manage your bankroll. Thus, the best strategy is to control your money, remain disciplined, and wager only amounts you can afford to lose.