Roulette is a classic casino game loved by players around the world. Whether at a land-based casino or an online casino, roulette holds an important position. If you are new to the game, you may find its gameplay and rules a bit confusing. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of roulette gameplay rules to help you better understand and enjoy this exciting game.
What is Roulette?
Roulette is a gambling game that gets its name from the French word “roulette,” meaning “little wheel.” The core of the game is a wheel marked with numbers and colors, and players need to predict which number or color the wheel will stop at. On the roulette wheel, the numbers range from 1 to 36, with one or two zeros (depending on the type of roulette). Players place bets based on these numbers, and the outcome is determined accordingly.
Basic Rules of Roulette
Before understanding the gameplay, let’s first look at the structure and rules of roulette. The main components of a roulette game include:
Wheel Layout: The roulette wheel consists of a circular wheel and a small ball. The numbers on the wheel range from 1 to 36, alternating between red and black, with zero typically marked in green (European roulette has one zero, while American roulette has two zeros). Each number is associated with a specific area, and as the wheel spins, the ball randomly lands in one of these sections.
Betting Areas: On the roulette table, players will see several betting areas. These areas are divided into the inner and outer sections, where players can place their bets. Bets can be placed on numbers, colors, odd/even, and many other options.
Betting Options: Players can choose from different types of bets, each with different odds, risks, and rewards. Common betting options include straight bets, color bets, column bets, and more.
Result Determination: Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball into it. The ball eventually lands in one of the numbered slots, and the number and color corresponding to that slot determine the winning result.
Types of Bets in Roulette
An important part of roulette gameplay is the types of bets available. Players can choose different types of bets, and depending on the betting option, the odds and risks vary. Below are the common betting types in roulette:
Inside Bets
Inside bets are those where players bet on specific numbers within the numbered area of the roulette table. These bets have higher odds but are also riskier. Common inside bets include:
- Straight Bet: The player selects a specific number to bet on, and if the ball lands on that number, they win 36 times their bet.
- Split Bet: The player selects two adjacent numbers to bet on, and if the ball lands on either of those numbers, they win 18 times their bet.
- Street Bet: The player selects a row of three numbers to bet on, and if the ball lands on any of these three numbers, they win 12 times their bet.
- Corner Bet: The player selects four adjacent numbers to bet on, and if the ball lands on any of these four numbers, they win 9 times their bet.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed in the outer sections of the roulette table. These bets have lower odds but offer a higher chance of winning. Common outside bets include:
- Red/Black: The player bets on either red or black, and if the ball lands on a number of the chosen color, they win 2 times their bet.
- Odd/Even: The player bets on odd or even numbers, and if the ball lands on a number in the selected category, they win 2 times their bet.
- High/Low: The player bets on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high), and if the ball lands within the selected range, they win 2 times their bet.
- Column Bet: The player selects a column of numbers to bet on, and if the ball lands on any of the numbers in the column, they win 3 times their bet.
- Dozen Bet: The player selects one of three sets of 12 numbers to bet on, and if the ball lands on a number in the selected set, they win 3 times their bet.
Types of Roulette
There are a few different versions of roulette, with the two most common types being European roulette and American roulette. While the basic rules are similar, the designs of the wheels differ.
European Roulette
European roulette is the most common type of roulette. The wheel contains 37 slots, numbered 1 to 36, plus a single zero (0). The advantage of European roulette is that it has a lower house edge, typically around 2.7%.
American Roulette
American roulette is similar to European roulette but has 38 slots, which include a zero (0) and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero increases the house edge, which is typically around 5.26%.