Roulette is a popular casino game that has been around for centuries. It originated in France during the 18th century and has since spread to casinos all over the world. The game is known for its iconic spinning wheel and betting options, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced gamblers.
If you’re new to the world of roulette, it can be overwhelming to learn all the different terms and rules associated with the game. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the terminology used in roulette. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the game and be ready to hit the tables with confidence.
1. Understanding the Basics of Roulette
Before diving into the specific terms used in roulette, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the game. In roulette, players place bets on where they think a small ball will land after the spinning wheel comes to a stop. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, ranging from 0 to 36 (in European roulette) or 00 to 36 (in American roulette).
There are two main types of roulette: European and American. The only difference between them is the number of pockets on the wheel. The European version has 37 pockets while the American version has 38. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it affects the odds and house edge of the game.
Now that you have a general idea of how roulette works let’s dive into the specific terms used in the game.
Types of Bets in Roulette
There are various types of bets that players can make in roulette. Each bet has its own payout and odds, so it’s crucial to understand them before placing your chips on the table.
1. Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on the numbers inside the grid of the roulette table. These bets have higher payouts but lower odds of winning.
Single Number (Straight Up)
This bet is placed on a single number and has the highest payout of 35 to 1. The odds of winning this bet are 2.7% in European roulette and 2.6% in American roulette.
Example: You place a bet on the number 17, and if the ball lands on 17, you win.
Split Bet
A split bet is placed on two adjacent numbers on the grid. The chip is placed on the line between the two numbers, and the payout for this bet is 17 to 1. The odds of winning a split bet are 5.4% in European roulette and 5.3% in American roulette.
Example: You place a bet on the line between 14 and 17, and if the ball lands on either of those numbers, you win.
Street Bet
In a street bet, players place their chips at the end of any row of numbers, covering three numbers. The payout for this bet is 11 to 1, with odds of 8.1% in European roulette and 7.9% in American roulette.
Example: You place a bet on the end of the row containing numbers 25, 26, and 27, and if the ball lands on any of those numbers, you win.
Corner Bet
A corner bet is placed on the intersection of four numbers, and the payout for this bet is 8 to 1. The odds of winning a corner bet are 10.8% in European roulette and 10.5% in American roulette.
Example: You place a bet on the intersection of 16, 17, 19, and 20, and if the ball lands on any of those numbers, you win.
Five-Number Bet
This bet is only available in American roulette and covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The payout for this bet is 6 to 1, with odds of winning at 13.5%.
Example: You place a bet on the line between 0 and 1, and if the ball lands on either of those numbers, you win.
2. Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed outside the main grid of numbers on the roulette table. These bets have lower payouts but higher odds of winning.
Red/Black Bet
In this bet, players bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. The payout for this bet is 1 to 1, and the odds of winning are almost 50% (excluding the 0 and 00 pockets).
Example: You place a bet on red, and if the ball lands on a red number, you win.
. Odd/Even Bet
Similar to the red/black bet, players bet on whether the ball will land on an odd or even number. The payout and odds for this bet are also 1 to 1.
Example: You place a bet on odd, and if the ball lands on any odd number, you win.
High/Low Bet
This bet is placed on whether the ball will land on a high number (19-36) or a low number (1-18). The payout and odds for this bet are 1 to 1 as well.
Example: You place a bet on high, and if the ball lands on any number between 19 and 36, you win.
Dozen Bet
In this bet, players bet on whether the ball will land on a number within one of the three dozens – 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. The payout for this bet is 2 to 1, with odds of winning at 31.6%.
Example: You place a bet on the first dozen (1-12), and if the ball lands on any number within that range, you win.
Column Bet
A column bet covers an entire column of numbers, and the payout for this bet is 2 to 1, with odds of winning at 31.6%.
Example: You place a bet on the second column (2-35), and if the ball lands on any number within that column, you win.
Other Important Roulette Terms
Apart from the different types of bets, there are other terms used in roulette that every player should know.
1. Croupier
The croupier is the casino employee who operates the roulette table. They are responsible for spinning the wheel, placing the ball, and announcing the winning number.
2. En Prison
This is a rule that applies to even money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) in European roulette. If the ball lands on 0, the player’s bet will be placed “in prison,” and they have another chance to win on their next spin. If the player loses, they lose their bet. This rule reduces the house edge to half on even money bets.
3. Voisins du Zero
Voisins du Zero, also known as “neighbors of zero,” is a group of numbers (17 in total) located next to the green 0 pocket on the roulette wheel. This type of bet covers the zero and its surrounding numbers, and the payout is 17 to 1.
4. Orphans
Orphans are the numbers not included in the Voisins du Zero bet – 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. This type of bet covers these numbers and the payout is also 17 to 1.
5. Tiers du Cylindre
Tiers du Cylindre, or “thirds of the wheel,” are the 12 numbers opposite to the Voisins du Zero on the roulette wheel. This type of bet covers those 12 numbers and has a payout of 17 to 1.
2. Roulette Strategies and Systems
Now that you understand the basics of roulette, it’s time to look at some popular strategies and systems used to play the game. These strategies do not guarantee a win, but they can help you manage your bets and potentially increase your chances of winning.
Martingale System
The Martingale system is one of the oldest and most popular betting systems used in roulette. The idea behind this system is to double your bet after every loss until you eventually win. The concept is that when you finally win, you will have enough winnings to cover your previous losses and make a profit.
Example:
- You start with a $10 bet on red, and the ball lands on black. You now double your bet to $20 on red.
- If the ball lands on black again, you double your bet to $40 on red.
- If the ball lands on red this time, you win $80 ($40 x 2) and recoup your previous losses of $30 ($10 + $20).
- You end up with a profit of $50.
The downfall of this system is that you need a significant bankroll to keep doubling your bets. Also, if you hit a losing streak, you could lose a considerable amount of money quickly.
Labouchere System
The Labouchere system is a bit more complicated than the Martingale system but also has a lower risk. It involves setting a goal for your winnings and dividing it into smaller units (e.g., $10, $20, $30). You then add the first and last unit together to determine how much you need to bet.
Example:
- Your goal is to win $100.
- You divide that into smaller units: $10, $20, $30, $20, $10, and $10.
- Your first bet would be the sum of the first and last unit – $20.
- If you win, you cross out those two units and move on to the next ones.
- If you lose, you add the amount lost to the end of the sequence.
- Your next bet would now be the sum of the first and last units – $30.
This system requires discipline and patience, but it can help you manage your bankroll and achieve your desired winnings.
Fibonacci System
The Fibonacci system is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence – a mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.). In roulette, this system involves betting on an even money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low) using the sequence as your betting pattern.
Example:
- You start with a $10 bet on red.
- If you win, you move back two numbers in the sequence.
- If you lose, you move forward one number in the sequence.
- Your next bet would be $20 ($10 + $10) if you lose, or $30 ($10 + $20) if you win.
- Once you reach the end of the sequence, you go back to the beginning.
This system can minimize losses and potentially earn small profits in the long run.
Conclusion
Roulette is a game of chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win. However, understanding the various terms used in the game and familiarizing yourself with different betting strategies can help you make more informed decisions while playing. Remember always to gamble responsibly, set limits for yourself, and have fun while playing roulette. Who knows, you might get lucky and hit that straight-up bet with a 35 to 1 payout!
