Less-experienced players often fall prey to the misconception that winning a game of roulette depends solely on luck. While this is true to a great extent, understanding the layout of a roulette table can help one place smarter bets and increase their chances of leaving the casino with a profit. More importantly, novices should keep in mind there are differences in the wheels and the table layouts in the three variations of roulette – American, European and French.
Differences Between American, French and European Roulette Layouts
The betting area on the roulette table is commonly referred to as the layout. We can distinguish three types of roulette table layouts – American, French and European. The biggest difference between the American and the European layouts is that the former has 0 and 00 pockets, while the latter has only a single 0 pocket. The number of possible bets one can place is also different. Because of the additional zero pocket on the American layout, the numbers on the wheel are arranged in a different order from those on the European wheel.
Many inexperienced players fail to make a distinction between European and French roulette. Indeed, both varieties share certain rules and have similar odds and house edge because of the single-zero wheel. However, the main difference between the two variants is not in the gameplay but is purely “cosmetic”, so to speak, as the layouts of the tables differ.
For example, in European roulette the wheel is positioned at the end of the table, while in French roulette it is located in the middle. Another characteristic of the French variant is that it actually has two layouts, allowing more players to join the game at a single table.
Language is another way to distinguish the two layouts. In most cases, the labels on European roulette tables are written in English, whereas in the French variant the names of the bets and all other wording are written strictly in French. To give an example, Odd and Even bets are written as Impair and Pair on the French layout, while Low and High bets are called Manque and Passe. Likewise, the 1st Dozen, 2nd Dozen and 3rd Dozen bets correspond to P12 (Première Douzaine), M12 (Moyenne Douzaine) and D12 (Dernière Douzaine).
This is often perceived as a setback for non-French speakers. However, when one is familiar enough with the game, they will not experience any issues while playing, since the French layout is very similar to that used on European roulette tables.
Roulette Layout
Roulette Wheel Types
Roulette House Edge
Roulette Inside Bets
Roulette Outside Bets
Outside Bets
For many novices, the roulette table layout is intimidating, but the truth of the matter is that it is actually quite easy to understand. If you glance at the layout, you will soon notice there are 18 numbers in red boxes and 18 numbers in black boxes. Accordingly, there are 18 odd numbers and 18 even numbers. Numbers 1 through 18 are called Low numbers, while those from 19 to 36 are known as High numbers.
Outside bets are very popular with less-experienced players because they have a higher probability of winning. However, the payouts for such bets are lower. Outside bets can be subdivided into several categories – Red or Black, Even or Odd, Low or High, Dozen and Column bets.
There are two adjacent box areas on the layout, marked by red and black rectangles, although sometimes the words “Red” and “Black” are written instead. This is where Red or Black bets are placed. As players have equal chances of winning or losing with this type of wager, Red or Black bets pay even money, in other words 1 to 1.
Even or Odd bets are based on the same principle, only the player is trying to predict whether the ball will land on an even or an odd number. Even bets are placed in the grid to the left of the Red bet box, while Odd bets are located to the right of the Black bet box. As the chances of winning or losing are again equal, the payout for Even or Odd bets is also 1 to 1.
Low or High bets are another type of wager less-seasoned players commonly prefer. The box for Low bets is located to the left of the Even bet box and is marked “1 to 18”. The High bet box is positioned to the right of the Odd bet box and is marked “19 to 36”. Both pay out 1 to 1.
The 36 numbers in the game can be divided into three groups of 12. Towards the middle of the layout there are three boxes where Dozen bets are placed. The boxes are marked “1st 12” for bets on the first twelve numbers, “2nd 12” for bets on numbers 13 to 24, and “3rd 12” for bets placed on numbers 25 to 36. Dozen bets have a slightly higher payout of 2 to 1.
Another option is to place a Column bet, as the 36 numbers on the layout can be divided into three separate columns with 12 numbers each. Below each column there is a box that says “2-1” – this is where the chips for Column bets are placed. The marking also corresponds to the payout for winning Column bets.
The Snake bet is another wager type roulette lovers can choose. Many players, especially inexperienced ones, tend to steer clear of such wagers as they appear intimidating at first glance. Snake bets cover 12 numbers: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32 and 34. As you may have already noticed, these are all red numbers.
This wager is so called because of the snake-like pattern that is formed when the above-mentioned numbers are covered. A payout of 2 to 1 is offered when Snake bets are successful. Casino enthusiasts should bear in mind that this is a rather exotic wager, which is why it is not available in every land-based casino.
Inside Bets
More daring players often opt to place Inside bets. These are riskier, as one’s chances of winning with such bets are significantly lower, so, understandably, the payouts are higher. There are five sub-types of Inside bet in European roulette, while the American variation features one additional side bet.
A Straight Up bet is placed on a single number and pays out 35 to 1. With such wagers, the chips are placed within the square of the chosen number. Split bets cover two numbers that are adjacent horizontally or vertically and have a payout of 17 to 1; the chips are positioned on the line between the two numbers. Another type of Inside bet is the Street bet, placed on three numbers located on the same horizontal line on the layout, for example 7, 8 and 9. Street bets have a payout of 11 to 1. With this wager, the chips are positioned on the outside edge of the line.
With Square bets, the chips are placed at the common corner of four numbers on the layout – for example, a wager on 5, 6, 8 and 9. Winning Square bets pay 8 to 1.
Six Line bets cover six consecutive numbers with a single chip and pay out 5 to 1. In the American variation of the game there is one additional wager, called the Five Number bet. This covers five numbers – 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 – and pays out 6 to 1. The probability of landing a winning Five Number bet is 13.16%, which explains why it is not a particularly popular option. Such bets are also known as Top Line bets.
When you play any of the single-zero roulette variants you will be permitted to place a First Four bet. This wager covers the numbers 0, 1, 2 and 3. It is also known as the Basket bet, and pays 6 to 1.
The Trio bet, on the other hand, is a three-number wager that must include at least one zero. Thus, while playing European roulette, players can bet on 0-1-2 or 0-2-3, whereas in American roulette the covered numbers will be 00-2-3. Winning Trio bets pay 11 to 1.
The Racetrack
Even if you are taking your first steps in roulette, you might already be aware that, aside from inside and outside bets, you can also opt for announced, or call, bets. These are wagers placed on groups of numbers and are unavailable in American roulette. Furthermore, gambling enthusiasts should be aware that call bets are handled using several chips.
The racetrack is an additional section of the betting layout found in roulette variants that allow call bets. This oval betting zone is normally positioned next to or above the standard layout. On closer inspection of the racetrack, players will notice that it mimics the structure of the wheel used in French and European roulette, which means that the numbers displayed there are 0 through 36.
Please note that the order of the numbers on the racetrack is exactly the same as their arrangement on the roulette wheel. Some of the wagers players can make include Neighbours, Full Completes, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, Voisins du Zéro and Zero Spiel.
Roulette Scoreboards
While some players are content simply to place bets on roulette, others prefer to use different systems that help them decide on their next wager. Once players have mastered a certain system, they will need to keep track of the results of previous spins of the roulette wheel.
To be able to utilise such a system, roulette aficionados can resort to using roulette scoreboards. Depending on the variation you play, you can find various printable scoreboards online and use them the next time you enjoy your favourite table game. Alternatively, you can also download roulette scoreboard apps to your mobile device, allowing you to keep track of the results from previous spins with ease.
If you are playing in a land-based casino, you will often find scoreboards provided for players who wish to use roulette betting systems. Even if you rely on a personalised scoreboard, land-based casinos typically do not mind players employing roulette systems.
Usually, scoreboards include the different sections of the roulette wheel where the ball can land. You can check whether the ball has landed on black or red, and you will also see the different types of bets you can make and their payouts.
As online roulette has become a very popular way to enjoy this casino classic, there are plenty of virtual roulette variations that will also help you keep score of the results from previous spins. This feature allows players to view in-play statistics showing the outcomes of previous spins, as well as “hot” and “cold” numbers that have been appearing very frequently or extremely rarely.
One thing to keep in mind is to use the scoreboard designed for the correct roulette variant, since European and American roulette do not share the same layout. Moreover, only the scoreboard for European roulette will contain the sections from the racetrack. If you are using a scoreboard app, you will most likely be able to choose between different layouts and pick the one that matches the version of roulette you are playing.