How To Play European Roulette
Play european roulette casinoWatch the video on the link below, where I earned $181,920 in 2 hours and 25 minutes!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0-p6T6QeDM. Or you can just play Live French Roulette online and let your mouse do the work. As we’ve seen, French roulette is almost identical to European roulette except for the La Partage rule. This means it has the same house edge or Return To Player (RTP) for most bets except evens. Even Money Bets = 98.65%. All Other Bets = 97.30%.
Roulette is a game of luck, which has acquired great popularity over the years. It is played practically in every casino. The history of the exciting casino game can be traced as far back as the 17th century in France. Nowadays it is so widely-spread, that it is played even online. There are three main variations of the game – European, French and American. But the European one is the most played all over the world. Even though the basic rules are the same, there are few main differences, which every gambler should take into account.
In all three variations, there is a wheel and a ball, which the croupier tosses. The players make their bets on which numbered pocket the ball will fall. Depending on the bet they make, gamblers do not necessarily need to guess the exact number. Unlike the modified American roulette with two zero pockets, the European one has only one zero pocket on the wheel. This leads to some differences in the betting section, also known as the table layout. But it is safe to say that the European version of the game is way more advantageous to the player than the American one. It is all hidden in the zeroes, so keep on reading to learn more.
Differences between European and American Roulette
What is roulette without a wheel?! So, let’s start with the emblem of the game. As mentioned above, American roulette is modified in order to increase the casino profit and decrease the players’ chances of winning. Thus, European roulette is preferred all over the world, because it gives higher chances for the player to win. The additional zero pocket in American roulette boosts the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%. While the American wheel has 38 pockets (1 to 36, plus zero- and double-zero), the European one has 37 numbered pockets (1 to 36, plus zero). The common feature, which both wheels share, is that the numbers alternate between black, red and green for the zero-numbered pocket(s). Odd and even numbers alternate as well.
The order of the pockets on the wheel appears to be random, but is actually arranged in a mathematical order in a specific way so that the chances of each number coming up are equal. An interesting fact is that if you sum up all the numbers on the wheel, you will get 666 in total (aka “The Devil’s Number”).
With the American wheel, numbers seem to be more structured. On it, the opposite numbers are two consecutive ones. Even though there is no discernible pattern on how the numbers are structured on the European wheel, it can be easily spotted that they are almost perfectly alternating between high (19 to 36) and low (1 to 18). The only exception is where 5 is neighbouring 10. There is also one more subtle difference between the arrangement of the numbers on the two wheels. On the American wheel, the numbers face outside, while on the European one – the numbers are facing towards the center of the wheel.
When it comes to colors, both wheels have 18 red and 18 black numbered pockets. Odd numbers from 1 to 10 and from 19 to 28 are colored in red, while even numbers are colored in black. Then, from 11 to 18 and from 29 to 36 the pattern is just the other way around – odd numbers are in black and even numbers – in red.
The table betting section is also different, because the position of the croupier is different in the American and the European versions of the game. In the American version the outside bets are placed alongside the table, while on the European one, the outside bets are made on the two sides of the betting layout.
Even though both games are played in accordance with similar rules, it is impossible to miss the fact that there is still one great difference. In American roulette, when the ball lands on a zero-pocket, then all outside bets are lost. But in accordance with the European rules, when the ball falls in a zero-pocket, then the cause is not entirely lost. The player has the chance to get back the money, or at least half of them.
The other significant difference comes from the chips. The European Roulette uses regular casino chips, instead of the special roulette chips in the American variant. This makes keeping track of your bets a bit more difficult, so each player should pay attention where his wagers were placed. All bets are handled by the croupier with the aid of a special stick.
Possible Bets in European Roulette
The game starts with placing your chips on the different betting section of the table. Bets are allowed till the croupier tosses the ball and couple of seconds after that for last wagers. Once the winning number has been announced, the croupier starts to pay out the winning bets, while all the lost ones will be taken off the table. After that, gamblers may start to bet again. Players have various options when it comes to the bets. Each table has a different minimum and maximum limits and players can make as many bets as they want, but only if complied with the limits. The betting layout is not much different than those of other roulette variations and the bets fall into two major groups – “inside” and “outside” bets.
Placing Bets on the Inside
Inside bets have a smaller chance to win, but the payout is way higher. There are six subtypes of the inside bets:
Straight Bet
It is placed on one number. You put your money only on one particular number and you win if the ball lands namely on the particular numbered pocket. The payout is 35:1.
Split Bet
It is placed on two adjoining numbers on the betting area by setting the chips on the line in-between the numbers. For example, you bet on 17 and 18 and you win only if the ball lands on one of these two. The payout is 17:1.
Street Bet
It is placed on three numbers positioned in a row on the betting area by setting the chips on the edge line at the end of the row. This means that you are betting on all the three numbers, which are in a single horizontal line. The payout is 11:1.
Corner Bet
It is placed on four adjoining numbers on the betting area by setting the chips on the intersection part of the four numbers. Visually, the four numbers form a square such as the numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5. The payout is 8:1.
Sixline Bet
It is placed on two “streets” (six numbers) on the betting area by setting the chips on the intersection of the edge lines at the end of the both rows. For example, you bet on the numbers 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The payout is 5:1.
Straight Bet
Split Bet
Street Bet
Corner Bet
Sixline Bet
Placing Bets on the Outside
With the outside bets, it is just the opposite – you have better chances to win, but this offers you a lower payout. These type of bets include also six subtypes:
Column Bet
It is placed on all numbers included in one of the three columns on the betting area by setting the chips on the box at the end of the column. For example you bet on the numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34. The payout is 2:1.
Dozen/ Group Bet
It is placed on all numbers included in the first (1-12), second (13-24) or third (25-36) group by setting the chip on the dozen bet box. The payout is 2:1.
Black/ Red Bet
It is placed on black or red color to win by setting the chips on the color bet box. The payout is 1:1, also known as even money.
Odd/ Even Bet
It is placed on the winning number to be odd or even by setting the chips on the odd or even box. The payout is even money.
High/ Low Bet
It is placed on the winning number to be low (1-18) or high (19-36) by setting the chips on the low or high box. The payout is again even money.
Column Bet
Dozen Bet
Black/Red Bet
Odd/Even Bet
High/Low Bet
The Exotic Call Bets
Every gambler knows that the European betting section provides one more additional option, which represents the wheel. It is called a racetrack, also known as call bets. Here, only the croupier is allowed to place the bet upon the player’s request. There are three major types, which are included in this type of bets:
Voisins du Zero
It is placed on numbers, which are neighbours of zero. You place your bet on 17 numbers, which are in proximity to zero. On the European wheel, this is namely the section between the number pockets of 22 and 25. The section comprises all the following numbers: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2 and 25. It is a 9 chip bet, where you place 2 chips on the 0, 2 and 3 trio, 2 chips on the 25, 26, 28, 29 corner and all the rest is a split bet with only one chip.
Tiers du Cylindre
It is placed on the numbers, which are exactly the opposite of the numbers covered by Voisins du Zero. It is a split 6 chip bet, which covers the 27 to 33 section of the wheel. In other words, it includes the following numbers: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33.
Orphelins
Free European Roulette For Fun
It is a bet, placed on the remaining 8 numbers of the wheel. On the two sides of the wheel, there are 2 sets of numbers, which are included in this type: 17, 34, 6 and 1, 20, 14, 31, 9. The bet is usually with 5 chips.
The importance of the zero(es)
The reason for the American wheel to have a second double-zero pocket is that it increases the chances for the casino to profit. Mathematically, zero is neither even nor odd, neither high, nor low and it is neither red or black on the wheel. That is why it represents the casino’s play. In the American variation of the game, the zero pockets eliminate all the bets and you lose. Even though European roulette also has the zero-pocket, it is way more soothing to play with a smaller chance to lose. Moreover, the rules are more favorable to the player, who has the chance to get back the wagered money, even if the ball lands on the zero-pocket.
No matter if you play roulette online or in a real casino, you may either win or lose. To enhance your chances, just follow the rules of the game and apply some strategies. Don’t get disheartened if you lose, because that’s how real experience comes. And don’t forget: if there is no risk, there is no gain!
Considered to be around ever since the 18th century, roulette is one of the most longevous and popular casino games. Many historians consider Blaise Pascal as the father of the roulette mechanism, while the casino games itself appeared by mixing the wheel with the Italian game of Biribi. Even though it’s around for over 200 years, the question of How to play roulette? will always pop-up since new players want to learn the rules and enjoy the thrills offered by this casino game. Therefore, we invite you to explore a thorough guide to roulette covering the bets available, game mechanics, roulette types, and answers to the most frequent questions.
How to Play Roulette at the Casino?
Before jumping into types of bets, differences between various roulette versions, and more intricate matters, let’s start with the basics of how to play roulette at the casino. The action to start a roulette game is quite simple. You have to place chips on various numbers or bet types before the dealer starts to spin the ball on the roulette table.
How To Win European Roulette
Outside Bets
The outside bets are the simplest types of wagers a player can use in a roulette game. That’s what makes them ideal for beginners and we’re starting this casino roulette guide with them.
- Red or Black – just like the name suggests, this bet type means you will wager on the outcome that the ball will stop on either a black or red pocket, no matter the number on it. You can easily spot this bet type on the roulette table looking for a red and black rectangle or even the words “black” and “red”. A red or black bet comes with odds of almost 50% and pays 1:1, or even money.
- Odd or Even – playing such a bet means that you can predict if the ball will land on an odd or even number on the roulette wheel. The “Odd” and “Even” spots on the roulette table are usually located on the right and left sides of “Black”/“Red”, and this bet also has odds close to 50% while paying 1:1.
- Low/High – another 50/50 split of the numbers on the roulette table sees them split into Low and High categories. 1 to 18 are considered Low while 19 through 36 are referred to as High numbers. Just like the bet types discussed so far, this one has an odd of around 50% and pays even money as well.
- Dozens – another type of roulette bet that means pairing the numbers into groups. This time, it’s in batches of 12. So, you have the 1st Dozen ( 1 through 12), 2nd Dozen (13 through 24), and the 3rd Dozen (25 through 36). The odds for this bet type are slightly lower (around 32%) and it pays 2:1, meaning that you will win €20 for a €10 wager placed on dozens.
- Columns – the numbers on a roulette wheel can be divided into three columns as well. So, the 36 numbers are split into three columns that you can bet on by placing a chip on the far-right side of the table, above the three rows of 12 numbers. Just like the Dozens bet, this one pays 2:1 for a winning wager
Inside Bets
We’ve seen how you can place bets on larger groups of numbers on the roulette wheel through outside bets. On the other hand, inside bets offer a closer look at how to play roulette numbers in smaller clusters and even single-number bets.
- Straight up – this is the definition for placing your chips on a single number of the roulette table. You should place your chip on the center of the spot you feel the ball is going to stop on. Betting on a single number is the wager with the highest payout, at 35:1 but with odds of just 2.70% as well.
- Split – these bets are placed on the border of two adjacent numbers on the roulette table. Since you’re betting on two numbers at once, the odds increase slightly to a 5.4% odd while the payout gets cut in half for a 17:1 for a winning bet.
- Street – moving on to an inside bet type that involves three numbers, we have street wagers. You can place such a bet by putting your chips on any of the three-number rows on the table (similar to what you’d do for a Column bet, but on a row). The odds for such a wager are 8.1% and you’ll get 11 times your stake if the wager wins.
- Corner – also known as “square bets” these wager types mean placing your chip on a square of four numbers. To correctly place a corner bet, you need to place the chip on the intersection of the vertical and horizontal borders of the four numbers. The payout for such a wager is 8:1 while the odds grow to 10.8%.
- Line – this type of bet is placed on two adjacent rows, so it’s like placing two street bets with a single chip. Place your chip on the intersection of two rows to place a line wager and expect a payout of 5:1 for a successful prediction. Also, the odds jump to 16.2% for this one.
- Five numbers bet (basket) – roulette players can only place one five-number bet, which can only occur in American roulette. By placing your chips on the left border intersection of 0 and 1, you wager on 00,0,1,2, and 3 for a payout of 6:1 and odds of 13.5%
- Snake – here’s one very interesting roulette inside bet. Placing a Snake bet ( also called a red snake since all the numbers are red) means putting your chips on 12 adjacent red numbers on the table. Drawing a line across these numbers creates an S shape, hence the “Snake” nickname. The odds stand at a little over 32% while the payout for such a wager comes out to 2:1.
European Roulette
No guide on how to play roulette for beginners is complete without exploring the various types of roulette tables as well. So, let’s start with European Roulette’s particularities and how it compares to the American one.
The main difference between European and American roulette comes from the absence of the “00” pocket on the wheel, present in the latter. While playing with a total of 37 numbers instead of 38 may not seem like such a big deal, if you go into details, this difference is quite an important one. First of all, the extra “00” pocket means the odds for each type of bet are lower. However, the most important aspect is the difference in vig for the two roulette types. While for the European Roulette the vig (or house edge) is 2.7%, the extra pocket on American Roulette takes the edge to 5.26%.
French Roulette
Very similar to European Roulette, the French version of the game can seem identical to the untrained eye. The pockets are identical and, apart from the different language on the table layout, things don’t seem to be one bit different. However, the “En Prison” and “La Partage” rules of French Roulette make it a very advantageous version for players. With “En Prison”, if you placed an “Even” bet and the ball stops on 0, you have the chance to get half of your stake back. There’s also the option of leaving your stake untouched for the following round. However, if it hits 0 again, the “Even” wager is lost. The “La Partage” rule doesn’t give players the option to withdraw half their wager if the ball lands on 0, 50% of the stake is automatically returned to them in this situation.
These two extra rules of French Roulette makes it the best type out there. However, the downside is that you’ll rarely find it at online casinos. Even so, it’s good practice to go through these online roulette tips for beginners and be prepared in case you do find such an opportunity.
American Roulette
With the extra 00 pocket, the American roulette should usually be avoided when playing online. Sure, you have one extra number that can give you a 35:1 payout. However, because of that extra pocket, the odds of that happening are lower, and the house edge is higher compared to European Roulette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum amount you can bet in roulette?
It all depends on the type of roulette table you join. The minimum bet on a standard roulette game is usually €0.20 or the equivalent in other currencies. However, VIP or high-stakes tables can start with a €5 minimum.
What is the maximum amount you can bet?
Free European Roulette Game
Once more, it’s all about the type of table you join. While regular roulette tables cap maximum bets at €500 or €700, high roller games can accept wagers as high as €75,000.
How many numbers are there in a roulette wheel?
The European and French Roulette wheels have 37 numbers – from 1 to 36 plus 0 – while American also features the 00 pockets taking the total to 38.
What do the 0 and 00 pay?
Betting on 0 or 00 at a roulette table generates the same payout as any other straight bet – 35:1. So, while the 0 and 00 pockets have a special feel to them, the payout is identical.
Do any numbers win more frequently in roulette?
There’s no statistic or pattern out there supporting the idea that the ball lands more frequently on certain numbers. However, some dealers tend to send the ball on specific number tiers.
Do casinos cheat players in roulette?
There’s no reason for casinos to cheat players in roulette. The law of large numbers, together with the house edge, guarantees a profit for the dealer. However, illegal casinos may resort to cheating as well, to boost that profit.