Roulette betting explained

A comprehensive guide to understanding and exploring roulette betting options

Roulette betting explained

Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, allowing you to tailor your strategy and approach to your preferences and risk tolerance. From the classic inside bets that offer high payouts but lower odds of winning, to the outside bets that provide higher chances of winning with lower payouts, we'll explore each bet type in depth. By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid understanding of the different roulette bets available, empowering you to make informed decisions and enhance your enjoyment of this captivating casino game. Let's dive in and explore the fascinating world of roulette bets together!

Roulette inside bets

An inside bet in roulette refers to placing a wager on specific numbers or combinations of numbers within the inner section of the roulette layout. Inside bets generally offer higher payouts compared to outside bets but have lower odds of winning. Here are the common types of inside bets:

  • Straight Bet: Placing a bet on a single number by placing your chip directly on that number. Payout is 35 to 1.
  • Split Bet: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line separating them. Payout is 17 to 1.
  • Street Bet: Betting on a row of three numbers by placing your chip on the outer edge of the row. Payout is 11 to 1.
  • Corner Bet: Betting on a block of four numbers by placing your chip at the intersection of those numbers. Payout is 8 to 1.
  • Six Line Bet: Betting on two adjacent rows of numbers by placing your chip at the intersection where the rows meet. Payout is 5 to 1.
Straight roulette bet

Straight bet

Split roulette bet

Split bet

Street roulette bet

Street bet

Corner roulette bet

Corner bet

Six line roulette bet

Six line bet

Roulette outside bets

In roulette, an outside bet refers to placing a wager on the outer section of the roulette layout, which includes larger groups of numbers or characteristics of the numbers. Outside bets generally have lower payouts compared to inside bets but offer higher odds of winning. Here are the common types of outside bets:

  • Red or Black: Betting on the ball landing in either a red or black pocket. Payout is 1 to 1.
  • Even or Odd: Betting on the ball landing in either an even or odd number pocket. Payout is 1 to 1.
  • High or Low: Betting on the ball landing in either the low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36). Payout is 1 to 1.
  • Dozens Bet: Betting on the ball landing in one of three consecutive dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Payout is 2 to 1.
  • Columns Bet: Betting on the ball landing in one of the three vertical columns on the layout. Payout is 2 to 1.

Roulette call bets

A roulette call bet, also known as an announced bet or a special bet, is a type of bet that covers specific sections of the roulette wheel based on their position or relation to each other. These bets are not typically found on the standard betting layout but can be made by verbally announcing them to the dealer or croupier. Call bets are often available in European and French roulette games. Here are some common types of call bets:

  • Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): This bet covers a series of numbers on the wheel that are close to the zero. It includes the seventeen numbers located between 22 and 25 on the wheel, covering both sides. The bet requires at least nine chips and is placed on various combinations of numbers within this section.
  • Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel): This bet covers approximately one-third of the wheel opposite to the zero. It includes twelve numbers, starting from 27 and continuing clockwise to 33. The bet requires at least six chips and is placed on various combinations of numbers within this section.
  • Orphelins (Orphans): This bet covers the remaining numbers on the wheel not covered by the Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre bets. It consists of eight numbers, comprising 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, and 9. The bet requires at least five chips and is placed on various combinations of numbers within this section.
  • Jeu Zéro (Zero Game): This bet covers the zero and the numbers surrounding it. It includes seven numbers: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15. The bet requires at least four chips and is placed on various combinations of numbers within this section.
  • Neighbors: Betting on a specific number and the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel. You can select how many neighboring numbers to include.

Roulette odds and payout

Bet typePotential payoutEuropean roulette oddsAmerican roulette odds
Straight Bet35:12.7%2.6%
Split Bet17:15.4%5.3%
Street Bet11:18.1%7.9%
Corner Bet8:110.8%10.5%
Double Street Bet5:116.2%15.8%
Column2:132.4%31.6%
Dozen2:132.4%31.6%
Red or black1:148.65%47.37%
Odd or even1:148.65%47.37%
High or low1:148.65%47.37%

How to place bets on roulette

In online roulette, the timing of when you have to place your bets can vary depending on the specific online casino or platform you are using. Here are the common scenarios:

Standard Online Roulette: In most standard online roulette games, you typically have an unlimited amount of time to place your bets. The game interface will display the virtual roulette table, and you can choose your desired bet and place your chips on the corresponding areas of the layout. You can take your time to make your selections and finalize your bets before initiating the spin of the wheel.

Live Dealer Roulette: In live dealer roulette games, where you play with a real dealer via video stream, there is usually a specific time limit for placing bets. The dealer will announce when the betting period begins, and you need to make your bets within the allocated time frame, usually around 30 to 60 seconds. Once the dealer closes the betting, you won't be able to place any more bets until the next round.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and timing of the online roulette game you are playing. The interface will typically provide clear instructions and indicate when the betting period is open or closed. Pay attention to any timers or prompts to ensure you place your bets within the given timeframe.

Beginner's FAQ on roulette

Which is better, inside or outside roulette betting?

The choice between inside and outside roulette betting depends on your individual preferences and risk tolerance. Inside bets offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning since they cover fewer numbers. They are suitable for players seeking the excitement of chasing big wins. On the other hand, outside bets provide higher odds of winning with lower payouts. They offer more consistent and frequent wins, making them appealing to players who prefer a steadier approach. Ultimately, the decision should align with your playing style and objectives, keeping in mind that roulette is a game of chance, and there is no guaranteed winning strategy.

Do all casinos accept call bets in roulette?

Not all casinos accept call bets in roulette, as it varies depending on the specific casino and its rules. Call bets, also known as announced bets or special bets, are more commonly found in European and French roulette games. These bets involve verbally announcing the desired bet to the dealer or croupier, and they typically cover specific sections or combinations of numbers on the roulette wheel.

Red or black?

Choosing to bet on red or black in roulette is one of the most popular and straightforward betting options. n a standard roulette wheel with 36 numbered pockets plus a single zero (European roulette), the red and black pockets alternate. This means that there are 18 red pockets and 18 black pockets, excluding the green pocket(s) for the zero(s). Therefore, the probability of the ball landing on red or black is close to 50% in the long run.

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