European roulette, is just like any other popular casino game, a game that’s all about luck and a bit of strategy. Around the 18th century, this game started turning heads in France. It is widely believed that the origins of the roulette wheel can be traced back to the innovative endeavors of Blaise Pascal, a renowned mathematician who, in his quest to create a perpetual motion machine, inadvertently laid the foundation for what would become European roulette.
Fast forward to today, and European roulette is a big hit, not just in Europe, but all over the world. It’s got a single-zero wheel that’s a sweet deal for players because it means better chances of winning as compared to it’s American roulette counterpart. And nowadays, there are now all sorts of Bitcoin roulette games that came 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) gives it a lower house edge.
- Familiarize yourself with the betting mat layout. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, colors, or odd/even numbers.
- Decide on your betting strategy and place your chips on the mat. For inside bets, you can choose straight, split, street, corner, and six lines. For outside bets, options include, column, dozen, red or black, odd or even, and low or high. We’ll discuss this further in the article. This stage is called the betting round of the game where all the bets are placed.
- After all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and rolls the roulette ball. No more bets are allowed once the dealer announces, “No more bets.”
- The roulette ball will eventually fall into one of the numbered pockets. The dealer will announce the winning number and color.
- Winning bets are paid out according to their odds. Inside bets have higher payouts but lower odds of winning, while outside bets have lower payouts but higher odds.
- 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 and has a distinct structure that sets it apart from other versions like the American roulette wheel. Here’s a detailed look at its features:
- Numbers and Layout: The wheel consists of 37 pockets from 0 to 36. The numbers are not in sequential order and are alternately colored in red and black, except for the zero (0), which is typically colored 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: The numbers on the European roulette wheels are carefully arranged to achieve a balance between different factors:
- High (19-36) and low (1-18) numbers alternate as much as possible.
- Odd and even numbers are evenly distributed across the wheel.
- Each number is opposite its subsequent number (e.g., 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 is a representation of the wheel’s number sequence. It’s used for placing announced or called bets, which cover specific sections of the wheel like 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 all the desired bet of the players.
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:
Straight (or Single)
Split Bets
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 17:1.
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 11:1.
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 8:1.
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 5:1.
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 11:1.
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 8:1.
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 are wagers placed on the larger groupings of numbers or on certain characteristics of numbers, rather than on individual numbers. These bets are located on the outer part of the roulette table layout and offer lower payouts compared to inside bets, but they have better odds of winning. Here’s a detailed look at the various types of outside bets:
Red or Black
This bet is placed on the outcome being either a red or a black number. You place your chips on the designated red or black diamond on the layout. The payout for this bet is 1:1.
Odd or Even
A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. You place your chips on the ‘Odd’ or ‘Even’ section of the layout. The payout is also 1:1.
Low or High
This bet covers whether the winning number will be low (1-18) or high (19-36). You place your chips on the ‘1 to 18’ or ‘19 to 36’ section. The payout is 1:1.
Dozens
The table is divided into three dozens: 1-12 (first dozen), 13-24 (second dozen), and 25-36 (third dozen). You place your chips on the corresponding ‘1st 12’, ‘2nd 12’, or ‘3rd 12’ section. The payout for a winning dozens bet is 2:1.
Columns
There are three columns of numbers on the roulette table, and you can bet on one of them. You place your chips at the bottom of the column you want to bet on. A winning column bet pays 2:1.
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, with its single-zero wheel, offers a variety of betting strategies that players can employ 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 important to start with a low base bet and have a substantial bankroll to withstand potential losing streaks.
Reverse Martingale (Paroli) Strategy
The Reverse Martingale, or 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 a loss occurs.
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 provide 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.
FAQ
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 there’s no guaranteed winning bet, outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low offer nearly a 50% chance of winning and are considered safer bets.
Is playing European roulette online games fair?
Yes, reputable online casinos like Bspin use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and random outcomes, similar to 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 35:1.