Roulette Rules
Roulette rules are simple to learn but full of surprises once the wheel starts spinning. From the way the ball moves to how you place your chips, every round blends chance with quick decisions. You’ll see how basic guidelines change slightly across tables and why even the layout matters. Stick around to learn how to play roulette and what every number, bet, and spin means at the table!
Overview of Roulette Rules
Roulette rules define how the wheel, table layout, and bet types work together during each round. Players place betting chips on numbers, colours, or ranges using options like inside bets, outside bets, and features such as La Partage or En Prison. To place the right bet, it helps first to understand what the game is aiming for.
Objective
The goal of the session is to predict the pocket where the roulette ball will land after the wheel spins. To do this, participants make wagers on one number, a group, or options like red numbers, black numbers, odd, or even. Each outcome has fixed payout odds, which depend on the type of bet and its risk level. Once the ball settles, the dealer announces the result, pays winners, and clears the table.
Roulette Wheel Layout
The roulette wheel features a circular layout with numbered pockets that decide the outcome of each spin. These numbers link directly to sections on the roulette table, where the player positions their chips. The arrangement follows specific roulette game rules, connecting colours, numbers, and patterns into a structured system. While the croupier manages the spin, the pit boss ensures everything follows standard procedures.
Numbered Pockets
The roulette wheel includes either 37 or 38 pockets, depending on the game version used at the table. Each one of them is numbered and plays a direct role in determining the winning result once the roulette ball stops.
Numbers run from 1 to 36 and are split evenly between red numbers and black numbers. In addition, wheels include one or two green zero pockets. Because these extra zeros shift the payout odds, it’s essential to know how different wheel types affect your chances.
European vs. American Casino roulette rules
European wheels have 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 plus a single zero. In contrast, American wheels add a double zero, raising the total to 38. This small change increases the house edge from 2.7% to 5.26% and slightly alters the roulette table layout.
European versions, especially with French rules, include zero house edge bets like La Partage and En Prison. These apply to even money bets when zero lands, letting you recover half or all of your stake. Because of this, knowing the wheel type is key to applying the correct rules and learning how to bet on roulette strategically.
Colours and Number Arrangement
Numbers 1 to 36 appear in alternating red numbers and black numbers, split evenly across the roulette wheel. Rather than following a numeric sequence, the layout balances high and low values on opposite sides. Meanwhile, green pockets for 0 or 0 and 00 break this pattern and impact even money bets. Each number’s exact placement influences roulette betting rules and affects payout odds across the table.
Types of Bets according to Roulette Rules
All roulette rules group bets into three main formats: inside, outside, and call bets. Each comes with different payout odds, risk levels, and betting spots on the roulette table. Some options qualify as even money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low), while others offer higher risk but better Return to Player percentages.
Next, you’ll learn how each format works and when zero house edge bets (French roulette la partage/en prison) can tip the odds.
Inside Bets
For starters, inside bets cover individual numbers or small groups on the table, offering higher return rate but lower chances. Bettors can choose straight-up bets (1 number), split (2 numbers), street (3), corner (4), or line (6). Each type has fixed odds and must meet the minimum stake set by the house.
Since these bets target fewer outcomes, wins are less frequent but pay more when successful. This format attracts players using risk-based strategies like the Martingale system or Fibonacci system. Compared to outside bets, inside wagers carry more volatility but greater potential per spin.
Outside Bets
On the other hand, outside bets cover larger areas of the roulette table, including columns, dozens, or even money bets like red or black. These options have a lower win ratio yet offer higher winning chances, so they suit players seeking steady results.
In French variations, zero house edge bets such as la partage or en prison reduce losses on even-money wagers. Consequently, this can increase the Return To Player, making these bets appealing for consistent and strategic play.
Call Bets
Call bets are announced wagers that cover set pocket sections on the track, such as Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, or Orphelins. Unlike standard bets placed directly on the cloth, they follow roulette betting rules tied to the wheel’s sequence of numbers.
Because these bets involve multiple splits and streets, they must be declared clearly and settled immediately under casino roulette rules. Furthermore, some venues limit or ban credit-based call bets, so players should check house terms before choosing this format.
Payouts and Odds
If you want to master how to play roulette, you must know what each winning bet pays and how likely it is to hit. The RTP usually ranges from 97.3% on European layouts to 94.74% on American layouts, while French formats with zero house edge bets can slightly improve your chances. So, before placing your chips, compare these payouts with your risk tolerance and playing style:
- Inside Bet Payouts – Straight pays 35:1, Split 17:1, Street 11:1, Corner 8:1, Six-line 5:1, and the American five-number 6:1.
- Outside Bets – Dozens or Columns pay 2:1, while even money bets (red, black, odd, even, low, high) pay 1:1, excluding 0 and 00.
- House Edge – European edge is 2.7% (RTP 97.3%), American edge is 5.26% (RTP 94.74%), with French La Partage or En Prison lowering it.
Although payouts show potential returns, the casino roulette rules ensure the house always has an advantage.
Special features like lightning multipliers or bonus pockets may change both payouts and probability, so always verify the table’s rules before betting.
How a Round works according to Roulette game rules
A game round begins once the dealer (croupier) clears the table and opens wagering. Players use betting chips to stake on inside bets, outside bets, or other allowed wagers according to requirements. Once all wagers are placed, play moves toward the decisive stage, where timing and position can influence strategies for how to win at roulette. The sequence is quick, so every action must follow the established casino roulette rules to count.
Placing Bets
Before the spin begins, you choose where to position your chips according to the roulette game rules. Accuracy matters because every marked area on the table corresponds to a different payout. Here’s how the process works:
- Select a chip colour to keep your wagers distinct from other players. For example, you might choose blue chips while another player uses green.
- Decide the value of each chip during buy-in. A $5 chip could be worth $5 or $25, depending on your choice.
- Place chips on the exact area matching your intended wager, such as a single number like 17 or a colour space like black.
- Ensure your total wager meets the table’s posted minimum. For instance, a $10 minimum means you can’t bet $5 on one number and $5 on another unless allowed.
- Confirm your placement before betting closes. If you try to move a chip after “No more bets” is called, it will not count.
Spinning the Wheel
Once all wagers are locked, the dealer begins the spin, and the outcome is determined entirely by the ball’s final position. The process is precise and follows strict timing to ensure fairness. Here’s what happens next:
- The dealer rotates the wheel in one direction, then launches the ball the opposite way for maximum randomness.
- The ball makes several revolutions along the outer track before losing speed.
- As momentum fades, the ball drops toward the numbered pockets, bouncing unpredictably between separators.
- It finally comes to rest in a single pocket, such as black 17 or red 32, deciding all results for that round.
Where can People put to use the Roulette Rules
We’ve reviewed multiple trusted platforms where players can apply their knowledge of roulette rules. After comparing features, game selection, and fairness, we identified reputable options offering smooth gameplay, clear terms, and secure transactions.
When you choose a casino yourself, always check licensing, payout speed, and available table limits. Compare the game variations and betting options before committing funds. For a reliable starting point, see our recommended list:
Roulette Rules: Conclusion
Roulette rules explain how bets connect to the table layout, wheel type, and payout odds, so understanding them is essential. Knowing RTP differences, 97.3% for European, 94.74% for American, and slightly higher with French La Partage or En Prison, helps you select tables wisely. Since pocket arrangement affects even-money bets, adjusting your approach can improve risk control. With these details, you can choose licensed casinos confidently and apply rules for informed, strategic play.