The objective of roulette is to predict and bet on which numbered pocket on the roulette wheel the ball will land in after the wheel is spun. First thing you need to know about roulette rules is the type of bets. The second one is the key timings and last but not least you need to learn the steps. Please keep reading to learn more about each.
Roulette Rules: Types of Bets
There are two main types of bets in roulette: inside bets and outside bets. We will explain the probability of winning for each betting option below. Please keep in mind that probability of winning will change depending on the roulette type since European Roulette and French Roulette have 37 numbers (numbers 1 to 36 plus a single zero) and American Roulette has 38 numbers (numbers 1 to 36 plus a single zero and a double zero). In addition, French roulette incorporates two special rules that can affect the outcome and reduce the house edge: “En Prison” and “La Partage.” These rules come into play when the ball lands on zero and the player has made an even-money bet (e.g., red/black, odd/even). The specific impact of these rules on the straight bet probability depends on the casino’s variation and whether the rules are applied.
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- Inside Bets: These bets involve wagering on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the grid. Inside bets include:
| Type of Bet | Winning Spaces | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | Any single number including 0 | 35 to 1 | 2.63% |
| Split | Any two adjoining numbers | 17 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Basket | 0,1,2 or 0,2,3 | 11 to 1 | 7.89% |
| Street | Any three numbers horizontal | 11 to 1 | 7.89% |
| Corner | Any four adjoining numbers | 8 to 1 | 10.53% |
| Six Line | Any six numbers from two rows | 5 to 1 | 15.79% |
- Outside Bets: These bets involve wagering on larger groups of numbers or characteristics. Outside bets include:
| Type of Bet | Winning Spaces | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Column | 1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25,28,31,34 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| 2nd Column | 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| 3rd Column | 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| 1st Dozen | 1 through 12 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| 2nd Dozen | 13 through 24 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| 3rd Dozen | 25 through 36 | 2 to 1 | 31.58% |
| Odd | 1,3,5,7…33,35 | 2 to 1 | 46.37% |
| Even | 2,4,6,8…34,36 | 2 to 1 | 46.37% |
| Red | Any Red | 2 to 1 | 46.37% |
| Black | Any Black | 2 to 1 | 46.37% |
| 1 to 18 | 1,2,3,4…18 | 2 to 1 | 46.37% |
| 19 to 36 | 19,20,21,22…36 | 2 to 1 | 46.37% |
Roulette Rules: Key Timings
In roulette, timing is not a direct factor that affects the game’s outcome since it is a game of chance. The timing of your bets doesn’t influence the winning numbers that the ball will land on. The betting period begins when the dealer or croupier announces “Place your bets” or opens the betting for the upcoming spin. This is the time when players can start placing their bets on the roulette table. In roulette rules, there is no defined duration for placing bets. It typically lasts until the dealer indicates that no more bets can be made. However, some key timings to keep in mind while playing roulette involve strategic aspects and responsible gambling:
- Betting window: In land-based casinos, there’s a specific time frame during which players can place their bets on the roulette table. The dealer will announce when the betting window opens and closes for each round.
- Spinning of the wheel: Once all bets are placed, the croupier (dealer) spins the roulette wheel. The timing of the spin is essential for maintaining fairness and preventing any suspicion of manipulation.
- Ball drop: After spinning the wheel, the croupier drops the roulette ball onto the wheel’s track in the opposite direction of the spin. The timing of the ball drop is also essential to ensure randomness.
- Betting time limit: Some casinos or online roulette games may have specific time limits for placing bets. It’s crucial to be aware of these limits to avoid missing the betting window.
- Your pace: As a player, it’s essential to control your pace and not rush your betting decisions. Take your time to consider your bets and set a budget for each session to ensure responsible gambling.
It’s crucial to be attentive to the dealer’s instructions and observe the betting timeframes to ensure that your bets are placed correctly and within the designated period so that you do not violate the roulette rules. Missing the betting cutoff may result in your bets not being accepted for the current spin.
How to Play Roulette
Once all bets are placed, the dealer or croupier spins the roulette wheel in one direction and then releases a small ball in the opposite direction along the ball track around the wheel. As the ball loses momentum, it eventually falls into one of the numbered pockets on the wheel. The winning number is the pocket in which the ball comes to rest.
Winning bets are determined based on the type of bet placed and the corresponding odds. The payouts vary depending on the specific bet and are typically displayed on the table. Please refer to the tables above for details. The dealer or the automated system will pay out the winning bets and collect the losing bets.
After payouts, a new round begins, and players can place their bets for the next spin.
It’s important to note that roulette may have additional rules or variations depending on the specific type of roulette game or casino. Understanding the specific rules and payouts of the roulette variant you are playing is essential for an enjoyable and informed gaming experience.
Diversify your bets
In roulette, diversifying your bets can help spread out your risk and potentially increase the likelihood of winning in the short term. However, it’s important to remember that roulette is fundamentally a game of chance, and the house always has a slight edge, especially in American roulette (with both 0 and 00 pockets). No strategy can guarantee consistent long-term profits. That said, here are some tactics that players commonly use to diversify their bets:
- Outside bets: These bets offer a higher probability of winning, though they pay out less than inside bets. Examples include betting on red or black, odd or even numbers, and high or low numbers (1-18 or 19-36). By placing outside bets, you cover a larger portion of the wheel and increase your chances of winning, but your potential winnings are lower.
- Combination bets: You can place bets on combinations of numbers, such as columns or dozens (betting on groups of 12 numbers), which provide better coverage of the wheel while still offering a reasonable payout.
- Split bets and street bets: These bets involve placing chips on the lines between numbers (split bets) or on a row of three numbers (street bets). They provide a compromise between covering more numbers and receiving a higher payout.
- Betting systems: Some players use betting systems like the Martingale or the Fibonacci system to diversify their bets systematically. However, it’s essential to understand that these systems don’t alter the odds of winning; they only dictate the size and progression of your bets.
- Combination of inside and outside bets: You can mix inside and outside bets to balance risk and reward. For example, you could place some bets on individual numbers for higher payouts and also place some outside bets to increase your chances of winning on each spin.
- Set a budget and stick to it: Regardless of your betting strategy, always set a budget for each session and avoid chasing losses. Responsible gambling is essential to ensure that you enjoy the game without risking more than you can afford.
Remember that diversifying your bets may increase your chances of winning on a single spin, but it won’t change the overall odds of the game. Roulette remains a game of chance, and outcomes are determined by the laws of probability. As with any form of gambling, approach it with caution and only gamble what you can afford to lose.