The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in existence. A croupier spins a wheel containing numbered pockets, then rolls a small ball in the opposite direction. When the wheel slows, the ball settles into one pocket — and all bets are settled based on where it lands. Simple in concept, rich in betting variety.
European vs. American Roulette
There are two primary versions of roulette, and the difference is crucial:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets numbered 0–36. House edge of approximately 2.7%.
- American Roulette: 38 pockets numbered 0–36 plus an additional 00. House edge of approximately 5.26%.
Whenever possible, choose European Roulette. The single zero gives the house a much smaller advantage.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the numbered grid on the table layout.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | A single number | 35:1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 |
| Corner (Square) | Four numbers forming a square | 8:1 |
| Six Line | Six numbers across two rows | 5:1 |
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer more frequent wins, but at lower payouts. They are the safest bets for beginners.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | All red or all black numbers | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | All odd or all even numbers | 1:1 |
| Low / High | 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 |
| Dozens | 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 | 2:1 |
| Columns | One of three vertical columns | 2:1 |
Note: Zero (and double zero in American Roulette) is not covered by any outside bet. If the ball lands on zero, all outside bets lose.
Special Rules That Help Players
La Partage (French Roulette)
Under this rule, if the ball lands on zero and you've placed an even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, etc.), you get half your stake back. This effectively halves the house edge on those bets to around 1.35%.
En Prison
Similar to La Partage, but instead of getting half back, your bet is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back (no profit). This is another player-friendly rule in some European casinos.
Call Bets (Announced Bets)
These are special bets based on sections of the physical roulette wheel rather than the table layout. Common in European and French roulette:
- Voisins du Zéro – Covers 17 numbers around zero on the wheel.
- Tiers du Cylindre – Covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero.
- Orphelins – Covers the 8 numbers not included in the above two bets.
How the House Edge Works in Roulette
Every bet on the roulette table has the same house edge (in European Roulette: ~2.7%), regardless of which type of bet you place. This is because all payouts are calculated as if there are 36 numbers, while the wheel actually has 37. That extra pocket (the zero) is where the casino's edge comes from.
Key Takeaways for Players
- Always prefer European Roulette over American Roulette.
- Seek out tables with La Partage for the best odds on even-money bets.
- Inside bets offer higher payouts but win less frequently.
- Outside bets are ideal for beginners wanting more consistent results.
- No betting system can overcome the house edge — enjoy the game responsibly.