Roulette is an exhilarating casino game that has evolved over the centuries and is now played in almost every land based and online casino across the globe. It is a game that most casino novices would love to play but it can often be intimidating at land based casinos given the large crowds it draws as well as the pace of the game and number of betting options. This is why it’s often more advisable to first play and learn the game online before transitioning to land based tables.
If you’re new to Roulette you’ve probably heard that playing European Roulette is preferable thanks to the favourable house edge that it offers. Here we take a look at everything you need to know about playing this exciting game, so that you can improve your game play and win the bets you make.
How to Spot European Roulette
In an online casino it’s easy – you simply select “European Roulette” from the list of games. In a land based casino however be on the lookout for a Roulette wheel that features 37 numbers and a single zero, rather than a “0” and “00” as offered in American Roulette games.
House Edge
The casino’s house edge in this variant is a mere 2.70% which is considerably lower than the American counterpart which is a massive 5.26% thanks to the presence of the additional double zero slot on the wheel. This means that it is always preferable to play European Roulette. For more winning Roulette Tips click here.
European Roulette Bets
Inside Bets
Inside bets are located on the inside part of the roulette table, and include the following:
- Straight Bet (Single): This wager is placed on a single number and offers a payout rate of 35:1 and odds of 36 to 1.
- Split: This bet is placed on any two adjoining numbers by placing a chip in between the two numbers. The payout rate on wins is 17:1 but the odds are 17.5 to 1.
- Street Bet: This is a bet placed on three horizontal numbers by placing at chip at the end of the line. It offers a payout of 11: 1 and odds of 11.33 to 1.
- Trio: This wager is placed on an intersecting point between 0, 1 and 2 or 0,2 and 3. The payout on this bet is 11:1 and odds of winning are 11.33 to 1.
- Corner Bet: Also known as the Square Bet is placed on four adjoining numbers located in a block on the table. Odds are 8.21 to 1 with payouts at 8:1.
- Six Line: This is also known as a Double Street bet, which is a wager placed on any six numbers from two horizontal rows. The odds are 5.17 to 1 and payouts are awarded at 5:1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets refer to wagers that can be placed on the outside section of the roulette table – that is the sections on the outer parts of the numbered grid. They have lower payout rates than inside bets but better odds of winning. These include the following:
- Numbers 1 to 18: Also known as “manque” bets, these are placed on the first 18 numbers of the table with a payout of 1:1 and odds of 19 to 18
- Numbers 19 to 36: Also termed the “Passe” bet are wagers on numbers 19 to 36 with payouts of 1:1 and odds of 19 to 18.
- Red or Black: These bets are also termed Rouge ou Noir in French and refer to wagers placed as to whether or not the player thinks the ball will land on either a black or red number. The payout is 1:1 and the odds are 19 to 18.
- Odd or Even: Called Pair ou Impair in French, these bets are made on whether the ball will stop on an odd or even number. With payouts at 1:1 and odds of 19 to 18.
- Dozens: A wager placed on one of the three groups of 12 numbers. With payout rates of 2:1 and odds of 25:12.
- Columns: A wager on one of three columns of 12 numbers. These bets pay 2:1 and have odds of 25 to 12.
Where to play European Roulette
While most casinos throughout Europe offer this game variant, some land based casinos in France and Monte Carlo as well as many online casinos offer it with a different set of rules including the La Partage and En Prison rules. These two rules are offered on even money bets and lower the house edge from 2.70% to a mere 1.35% which is very favourable, so always make sure that you play games with these on offer if you can find them.
