Rules of Roulette

Roulette is one of the most iconic, elegant games ever held within the walls of a casino. The name Roulette is literally translated from French as “little wheel.” Picture smartly dressed people standing around the spinning wheel and placing their bets with fingers crossed. Everything in the game circulates, literally, around a wheel, with a small ball and a table marked by numbers and colors. Knowing how to play involves, therefore, understanding the rules and various betting options, as well as a few nuances for a player to have fun playing this timeless classic.

The Roulette Wheel and Table

Alright, let’s talk about the wheel and table. A standard roulette wheel has either 37 or 38 pockets, depending on whether it’s European or American. The European wheel has numbers from 1 to 36 plus a single zero, while the American one has an extra double zero. Each number alternates between red and black, except for the green zeros.

The table mirrors the numbers on the wheel, where you place your bets. Two main categories exist for these bets: inside bets and outside bets.

Types of Bets

Inside Bets

Inside bets are placed directly on specific numbers on the table. They have higher payouts because they are harder to win. Here’s a quick example:

• Straight Up: Bet on a single number, and if you win, the payout is 35 to 1.
• Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers. The payout is 17 to 1.
• Street: Bet on three consecutive numbers. The payout is 11 to 1.
• Corner: Bet on four numbers that form a square. The payout is 8 to 1.
• Line: Bet on six numbers or two adjacent rows. The payout is 5 to 1.
• Five Number (Basket): This one’s only in American roulette, covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Payout is 6 to 1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table and are easier to win but with lower payouts. These include:

• Red or Black: Bet on the color. The payout is 1 to 1.
• Odd or Even: Bet on whether the number will be odd or even. The payout is 1 to 1.
• High or Low: Bet on whether the number will be in the lower half (1-18) or upper half (19-36). The payout is 1 to 1.
• Dozens: Bet on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). The payout is 2 to 1.
• Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. The payout is 2 to 1.

Special Bets

Some roulette variants, especially French roulette, have special bets:

• Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): Bet on numbers around zero.
• Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel): Bet on twelve numbers opposite zero.
• Orphelins (Orphans): Bet on numbers not covered by Voisins or Tiers.

The Game Process

To play roulette, you first place your chips on the table. Next, when everyone has finished placing their bets, the croupier sets a wheel spinning and subsequently releases a ball into it in the other direction. As the wheel begins to slow down, the ball drops into one of its numbered pockets. The croupier announces the number and its color and subsequently pays out accordingly.

Placing Bets in Online Roulette

Online roulette makes it super convenient. You just drag and drop chips where you want to bet. It’s very straightforward, with no time limits, unlike in live games. Plus, you can clear, redo, or double your bets with a simple click.

Odds and House Edge

Knowing the odds is always important. On that note, the house edge of European and American roulette is different. European Roulette is single zero-based and has an approximately 2.7 percent house edge, making it player-friendly compared to its American version. With American roulette having both single and double zeros, the house edge became around 5.26%.

Variations of Roulette

• European Roulette: One zero, 2.7% house edge.
• American Roulette: Single and double zero, 5.26% house edge.
• French Roulette: Like European, but with the La Partage and En Prison rule, making the house edge 1.35%. If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money bets. The En Prison rule applies to even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. The bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin, giving the player a chance to win it back. If the next spin results in a win, the original bet is returned; if not, it is lost.
• Live Dealer Roulette: Play online against a real dealer. It’s like being in a real casino but from your home.

Etiquette and Tips for New Players

Roulette has a rich tradition. Respecting the game’s etiquette enhances the experience:

• Know the Basics: Understand the rules and types of bets.
• Place Bets Timely: Follow the croupier’s cues and place your bets promptly.
• Respect the Croupier: They manage the game. Follow their instructions.
• Observe Table Limits: Each table has betting limits. Choose one that fits your budget.

Pros and Cons of Roulette

Pros

• Easy to learn and play.
• Available in most land-based and online casinos.
• Offers a variety of betting options.
• High payouts for certain bets.

Cons

• Higher house edge compared to some other games.
• American Roulette has worse odds due to the double zero.

Understanding the rules and nuances is key, whether you enjoy high-stakes bets or the strategic depth of different betting systems. If you're just looking to enjoy the game, approach it with a sense of fun and a good understanding of the odds.