Roulette is one of the most iconic and enduring games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its spinning wheel, the anticipation of the bouncing ball, and the wide variety of betting options make it a favourite for newcomers and seasoned gamblers alike. Whether you’re playing at a traditional casino or exploring online platforms like those featured on betting sites not on gamstop, understanding the betting rules is crucial for an enjoyable and informed experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential rules of casino roulette betting, explore the types of bets you can make, and explain key concepts that every player should know before taking a seat at the wheel.
Roulette Basics: The Game at a Glance
Roulette is a game of chance played on a wheel divided into numbered pockets. Players place bets on where they think a small ball will land after the wheel is spun. The main components of the game include:
- The roulette wheel, featuring numbered slots (either 37 or 38, depending on the version)
- The betting table, where players place their chips to indicate their wagers
- A croupier (dealer) who spins the wheel and manages bets in a physical casino, or a digital interface in online versions
The two main versions of the game are European Roulette (with a single zero) and American Roulette (with both a single and double zero). The rules for placing bets are largely the same, but the odds and house edge differ.
The Layout: Wheel and Table Explained
The roulette wheel is numbered from 1 to 36, with alternating red and black pockets. European wheels have a single green zero (0), while American wheels add a green double zero (00). The table layout mirrors these numbers and includes sections for various types of bets.
Understanding the layout is key to making informed bets:
- Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid.
- Outside bets are placed on broader categories, such as colour, odd/even, or high/low numbers.
Knowing where to place your chips on the table is the first step to mastering roulette betting rules.
Types of Roulette Bets
Roulette offers a wide array of betting options, each with its own odds and payouts. These can be divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the table. They usually offer higher payouts but come with lower chances of winning.
- Straight Up: Betting on a single number by placing your chip directly on it. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Betting on three numbers in a row by placing your chip at the end of the row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner (Square): Betting on four numbers that form a square by placing your chip at their intersection. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line (Double Street): Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers) by placing your chip at the intersection of the two rows. Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed on areas outside the main number grid. These have higher chances of winning but lower payouts.
- Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1:1.
- Odd or Even: Betting on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Pays 1:1.
- High or Low: Betting on whether the winning number will be in the range 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Pays 1:1.
- Dozens: Betting on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Pays 2:1.
- Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Pays 2:1.
Each bet type offers a distinct balance between risk and reward, allowing players to tailor their strategy to their preferences.
The Betting Process: Step by Step
Whether you’re playing at a physical casino or online, the process of placing bets follows a clear sequence:
- Players place their chips on the desired area(s) of the betting table before the wheel is spun.
- The croupier (or digital dealer) announces “no more bets” as the ball is released onto the spinning wheel.
- Once the ball lands in a numbered pocket, the winning number and colour are declared.
- Bets placed on the winning outcome are paid out according to the odds, while losing bets are collected by the house.
In online roulette, the interface typically highlights valid betting areas and prevents bets after the spin has started, making the process straightforward even for beginners.
Table Limits and Minimum Bets
Every roulette table has minimum and maximum bet limits, which are clearly displayed. These limits apply to both individual bets and total bets per spin.
- Minimum bet: The lowest amount you can wager on a single bet.
- Maximum bet: The highest amount you can place on a single bet or across multiple bets, depending on the casino’s rules.
It’s important to be aware of these limits before playing, as they can affect your betting strategy and session duration.
Special Betting Rules and Variations
Some casinos and online platforms offer additional betting options and special rules that can influence the game’s dynamics.
Call Bets and Announced Bets
In European and French roulette, you might encounter call or announced bets. These bets cover specific sections of the wheel rather than the table, such as:
- Voisins du Zéro: Covers 17 numbers near the zero pocket.
- Tiers du Cylindre: Covers 12 numbers opposite zero.
- Orphelins: Covers the remaining 8 numbers not included in the other two bets.
These bets are typically made by announcing your intention to the dealer or selecting the option in online versions.
La Partage and En Prison
Some French roulette tables offer rules like La Partage or En Prison, which apply to even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low):
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money bet; the other half is returned.
- En Prison: If zero comes up, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next spin, you get your original bet back; if not, you lose it.
These rules reduce the house edge and are popular among strategic players.
Odds, Payouts, and House Edge
Understanding the odds and payouts associated with each bet is key to making informed decisions at the roulette table. Generally, inside bets have higher payouts but lower odds, while outside bets offer better chances of winning but smaller rewards.
- Straight Up: 35:1 payout, 2.7% chance (European), 2.63% (American)
- Split: 17:1 payout, 5.4% chance (European)
- Street: 11:1 payout, 8.1% chance (European)
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 1:1 payout, 48.6% chance (European)
The house edge varies by roulette type:
- European Roulette: 2.7% house edge (single zero)
- American Roulette: 5.26% house edge (double zero)
- French Roulette with La Partage/En Prison: 1.35% on even-money bets
Choosing the right version and bet types can significantly impact your long-term results.
Roulette Etiquette and Responsible Play
If you’re playing roulette in a land-based casino, certain etiquette rules help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Wait for the previous round to finish before placing your bets.
- Use only the chips provided by the table.
- Don’t touch your bets once the dealer announces “no more bets.”