European roulette is a popular casino game that relies on luck and a touch of strategy. It first gained attention in 18th-century France. Many believe that mathematician Blaise Pascal, while trying to create a perpetual motion machine, inadvertently laid the foundation for the roulette wheel.
Today, European roulette is a global favorite, enjoyed far beyond Europe. It’s got a single-zero wheel that’s a sweet deal for players because it means better chances of winning as compared to its American roulette counterpart. And nowadays, there are all sorts of Bitcoin roulette games that have come about. Here’s all you need to know to play European roulette:
7 Steps on How to Play European Roulette
- Choose a roulette table with a wheel that has 37 pockets numbered 0–36. The single zero (0) lowers the house edge.
- Familiarize yourself with the betting mat layout. Place inside bets on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, and place outside bets on larger groups, colors, or odd/even numbers.
- Decide on your betting strategy and place your chips on the mat. For inside bets, choose straight, split, street, corner, or six-line bets. For outside bets, select column, dozen, red or black, odd or even, or low or high.
- Once all bets are in, the dealer spins the wheel and rolls the ball.
- The ball eventually lands in one of the numbered pockets. The dealer announces the winning number and color.
- The dealer then pays out winning bets according to their odds. Inside bets offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning, while outside bets provide lower payouts but higher chances.
- Collect any winnings and decide whether to place the same bets or try new ones for the next spin.
The European Roulette Wheel
The European roulette wheel is a marvel of casino gaming, boasting a distinct structure that sets it apart from other versions, such as the American roulette wheel. Here’s a detailed look at its features:
Numbers and Layout
The wheel has 37 pockets numbered 0 to 36. The numbers appear out of sequence and alternate between red and black, while the zero (0) usually appears in green.
Single Zero Roulette Wheel
The most significant feature of the wheel is the presence of a single zero pocket. This is in contrast to the American version, which has both a single zero and a double zero pocket. The single zero significantly reduces the house edge, making European roulette a more player-friendly game. Aside from the zeros, check out this article on what makes the American and European roulette different.
Even Distribution
European roulette wheels carefully arrange the numbers to balance several factors:
- High (19–36) and low (1–18) numbers alternate as much as possible.
- The wheel distributes odd and even numbers evenly.
- Each number sits opposite its subsequent number (for example, 1 is opposite 2).
The European roulette wheel’s design is a key factor in the game’s enduring popularity. Its elegant symmetry and lower house edge provide a gaming experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re placing inside bets on specific numbers or outside bets on larger groups, the spin of the European wheel is always a thrilling moment in any roulette game.
The European Roulette Table Layout
The European roulette table layout is specifically designed to facilitate a wide range of betting options for players. Here’s a detailed discussion of its features:
The Main Layout of the table features a large betting mat with a numbered grid corresponding to the numbers on the wheel, ranging from 0 to 36. The numbers on the mat are organized into three columns of 12 numbers each, creating a grid of inside bets.
The inside bets are placed on the numbers themselves. Around the periphery of the numbered grid are the outside bets. Some tables also include a racetrack, which represents the wheel’s number sequence. It’s used for placing announced or called bets, which cover specific sections of the wheel, such as Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins.
The betting layout may also feature additional betting sectors for neighbor bets, which allow players to bet on a number and the numbers immediately adjacent to it on the wheel.
The European roulette table is elegantly designed for straightforward gameplay and caters to all the bets that players desire.
Betting Options and Payouts
In European roulette, players have a variety of betting options, each with its own odds and payouts. Here’s an overview of the types of bets:
Inside Bets
Inside bets in European roulette are the wagers placed on the numbers themselves, located on the inner section of the betting table. These bets are known for their higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning than outside bets. Here’s a closer look at the different types of inside bets:
Single
Also known as a straight up, this type of bet pays 35 to 1. This is the most straightforward of the inside bets, with players choosing a single number to place their chip on.
Split
Split bets are made on two adjacent numbers on the betting mat. You place your chips on the line shared by the two numbers. If either number hits, the payout is 17 to 1.
Street
Street bets cover three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line. You place your chips on the outer edge of the number at the end of the line. A winning street bet pays 11 to 1.
Corner (or Square)
A corner bet is placed on four numbers that form a square on the betting mat. You put your chips on the intersection of the four numbers. The payout for a corner bet is 8 to 1.
Six Line (or Double Street)
This bet covers six numbers, two adjacent lines of three numbers each. You place your chips at the intersection of the two lines at the edge of the betting mat. A winning six-line bet pays 5 to 1.
Trio
A trio bet is a bet on three numbers, including at least one zero. You place your chips on the line where the zero and the two other numbers meet. The payout for a trio bet is 11 to 1.
Basket
The basket bet is a wager on the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3. You place your chips at the corner by the zero and the first line. The payout for a basket bet is 8 to 1.
Inside bets offer a thrilling opportunity for players who enjoy the risk of betting on specific numbers for the chance of a significant payout.
Outside Bets
Outside bets in European roulette target larger groups of numbers or number characteristics instead of individual numbers. They sit on the outer part of the table layout and offer lower payouts than inside bets, but they give better odds of winning. Here’s a closer look at the different types of outside bets:
- Red or Black: Bet on a red or black number by placing your chips on the corresponding diamond. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even: Bet on an odd or even number by placing chips on the ‘Odd’ or ‘Even’ section. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Low or High: Bet on low (1–18) or high (19–36) numbers by placing chips on the ‘1–18’ or ‘19–36’ section. Payout: 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Bet on the first (1–12), second (13–24), or third (25–36) dozen by placing chips on the corresponding section. Payout: 2 to 1.
- Columns: Bet on one of the three table columns by placing chips at the bottom of your chosen column. Payout: 2 to 1.
Outside bets are a popular choice for players who prefer a more conservative approach to betting, as they cover more numbers and offer a better chance of winning smaller amounts more frequently. They are an excellent way for new players to get familiar with the game and for seasoned players to employ betting strategies that involve spreading the risk across multiple outcomes.
Announced Bets
Announced bets, also known as “call bets” or “French bets,” are special betting combinations most commonly found in European roulette. They are called out to the dealer rather than placing chips on the table. Here’s more information about them:
Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero)
This bet covers the 17 numbers closest to the zero on the wheel, from 22 to 25. It typically involves multiple chips and includes various splits, corners, and a trio covering the zero itself. The payout varies depending on which number within the voisins wins.
Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel)
This bet covers 12 numbers opposite the zero, from 27 to 33 on the wheel. It’s made with six chips placed as splits. If any of the Tiers numbers win, the payout is 17:1.
Orphelins (Orphans)
These are the numbers not covered by Voisins or Tiers. There are eight Orphelins numbers, and the bet is usually made with five chips: four splits and one straight-up. The payout is either 17:1 for the splits or 35:1 for the straight-up bet if it wins.
Jeu Zéro (Zero Game)
A smaller version of Voisins, this bet covers the seven numbers closest to the zero, including the zero itself. It’s made with four chips on splits and one straight-up. Payouts are the same as for the individual bets if they win.
Neighbors
A bet on a number and the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel. You can choose any number to be the “main” number, and the bet typically involves five chips placed straight up on each of the five numbers.
Announced bets require a good understanding of the roulette wheel’s number sequence and are favored by experienced players.
Betting Strategies
European roulette, featuring a single-zero wheel, provides a range of betting strategies that players can utilize to enhance their gaming experience. While no strategy can guarantee a win, understanding the different approaches can help you manage your bankroll and enjoy the game more. Here are some popular betting strategies for playing European roulette:
Martingale Strategy
The Martingale system is a progressive betting strategy where you double your bet after every loss. The idea is that when you eventually win, you’ll recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. It’s essential to begin with a low base bet and maintain a substantial bankroll to withstand potential losing streaks.
Reverse Martingale (Paroli) Strategy
The Reverse Martingale, also known as the Paroli system, is the opposite of the Martingale. Instead of doubling your bet after a loss, you double it after a win to capitalize on winning streaks. This strategy requires you to set a predetermined stopping point to collect your winnings before incurring a loss.
D’Alembert Strategy
The D’Alembert system is a more conservative approach where you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. This method aims to balance out wins and losses over time and is less risky than the Martingale strategy.
Fibonacci Strategy
The Fibonacci strategy involves betting according to the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …). After a loss, you move one step forward in the sequence for your next bet. After a win, you move back two steps. This strategy is safer than the Martingale but requires you to keep track of your position in the sequence.
James Bond Strategy
The James Bond strategy is a flat betting system where you place the same amount of bet on a combination of high-probability outcomes to cover most of the wheel. It typically involves betting on a column, a dozen, and a smaller bet on zero for insurance.
Labouchère Strategy
The Labouchère system, also known as the cancellation system, involves writing down a sequence of numbers and betting the sum of the first and last numbers. If you win, you cross out the numbers; if you lose, you add the sum to the end of the sequence. This continues until all numbers are crossed out or you reach your betting limit.
Conclusion
Playing European roulette offers a blend of excitement and elegance, making it a favorite among casino enthusiasts. With its straightforward rules and diverse betting options, it caters to both beginners and seasoned players. The game provides a fair chance of winning, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate the finesse of roulette games.
If you learned how to play European roulette through our guide, test your luck with our European roulette online games.
FAQs
Can I place multiple bets in a single round?
Yes, you can place as many bets as you like within the table limits, including a combination of inside and outside bets.
What are the best bets to place in playing European roulette?
While no bet guarantees a win, outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low give you nearly a 50% chance of winning and are considered safer options.
Is playing European roulette online games fair?
Yes, reputable online casinos like Bspin utilize Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and random outcomes, much like a physical roulette wheel.
What is the house edge in European roulette?
The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%
Are there any betting limits?
Yes, each table has minimum and maximum betting limits. It varies by casino but is usually displayed at the table. If you’re unsure, you may ask the dealer.
What is the maximum payout?
The maximum payout is typically on a straight bet, paying 35 to 1.
