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Roulette Rules for Beginners

Dave Kuzio

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Publish Date: 22/06/2022

Fact checked by: James Leeland

Looking for a better understanding of roulette? Then you’ve come to the right place – we’ve pulled together the basic rules of roulette to help you get the most out of your gameplay.

Our Betting.co.uk on roulette rules will help you understand this classic casino game better, including appropriate player etiquette when at the roulette table. Read on to discover more about roulette.

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Table of Content

Rules for roulette – Getting down to the basics
Roulette rules - Remember your roulette table etiquette
Conclusion - Roulette rules are easy enough to follow, just remember your table etiquette!

Rules for roulette – Getting down to the basics

Roulette is one of the most popular and iconic casino games. A European/French roulette wheel has 37 numbered pockets whereas American roulette has 38. These are made up of 18 red, 18 black and 1 or 2 green and are numbered 0 to 36.

The objective is to pick which pocket you think the spinning ball will land on and accordingly place a bet on it. You may place a bet on multiple numbers as well as whether it lands on a red or black pocket or if the number it lands on is odd or even.

Much like blackjack rules, roulette rules are easy to learn, making it an excellent game for those new to casinos.

Odds, probabilities and payouts

You should have a good understanding of roulette odds, probabilities, pay-outs, and full roulette rules before trying the game for yourself. Fortunately, the basic roulette rules are the same for both online and land-based casinos so this guide will be helpful whichever way you choose to play.

There are two main types of bets you can place during a roulette game.

Inside bets

If you were to place an inside bet, it would mean that you are placing a bet on either a single number or a group of numbers from 2 to 6.

Single number/straight bets: If you bet on a single number, the winning odds are 35:1.

Split bets: A split bet is when you bet on two numbers that are next to each other on the table. The winning odds for a split bet are 17:1.

Corner bets: By betting on four numbers next to each other, you are placing a corner bet. The winning odds for a corner bet are 8:1.

Outside bets

If you were to place an outside bet, it would mean that you are placing a bet on something outside of the numbers betting area. For example, an outside bet could be that the spinning ball is going to land on a red pocket.

Red or black: Very simply, you pick whether you think the spinning ball will land on a red or black pocket. The winning odds for a red or black bet are 1:1.

Odd or even: Again, very simple, you choose whether you think the spinning ball will land on an odd or even number. The winning odds for an odd or even bet is 1:1.

High or low: You choose if you think the spinning ball will land on a high number which would be from 19 to 36 or a low number which would be from 1 to 18. The winning odds for a high or low bet are 1:1.

Dozens: On the table there are three sections marked as 1st 12, 2nd 12 and 3rd 12. Each section has 12 numbers and by placing a bet on one section, you are betting that the spinning ball will land on one of the numbers within that section. The odds for a dozens bet are 2:1.

Column: There are three columns of 12 numbers and by placing a bet on one column, you are betting that the spinning ball will land on one of the numbers within that column. The odds for a column bet are 2:1

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Roulette rules - Remember your roulette table etiquette

Table etiquette is very important when playing roulette, especially at land-based casinos so be sure to make yourself aware of these unwritten live casino rules that coexist with the more formal roulette rules.

Joining a game at the right time: Find a table with an open slot and a minimum bet you’re pleased with. Check to see if a game is currently in progress before sitting down. If a spin is in play, wait for it to finish. If you are unsure, kindly ask the dealer if it is okay to join.
Be quick: Remember, each round has a time limit and if you haven’t put a bet down by the time the dealer calls “no more bets”, you’ll have to wait until the next round. Whilst the dealer is settling up from the previous round, use this time to decide what bet you would like to make. Online, there is usually a timer between rounds so keep an eye out for this.
Be clear: In a land-based casino, ensure you speak clearly. It’s rude to lean across the table to place a bet so if you need to ask someone who can reach to do it for you, be polite and extremely clear on where you would like your chips to be placed. And finally, don’t forget your manners, always say thank you.
Help others: If someone asks you to place their chips on the table for them, do so and make sure you fully understand exactly where they are asking you to place the chips before you do.
Be considerate: This should go without saying but don’t be loud and obnoxious. If a table is busy, try not to take up too much space so more people can fit round.
Winning: By all means celebrate a win, anyone would, but be mindful that whilst you have won, others have lost and an over-the-top celebration probably won’t go down well.
Collecting winnings: At the end of a round, the dealer will place a marker on the table. This means they are working to pay out players and you should not touch your chips even if the dealer has placed them in front of you. As soon as the dealer has removed the marker, you can then collect your chips.
Follow instructions: If a table has betting limitations, stick to them. The dealer will tell you if you have bet too much or too little and if you don’t adjust your bet to the limitations, it is likely the dealer will declare your wager a no bet and it will not count. This will also happen if you place a bet after the dealer has called “no more bets”. If you’re ever unsure, ask the dealer.
Only ever put chips on the table: Food, drinks and pretty much anything besides your chips is a big no-no.

Conclusion - Roulette rules are easy enough to follow, just remember your table etiquette!

Roulette has been around for centuries and is one of the most loved casino games. With this guide, you now have everything you need to start playing one of the world’s most classic casino games.

Familiarise yourself with the odds and make a ‘cheat sheet’ if you choose to play online. Most of all, find a reputable and safe casino whether you choose to play online or off and always remember your Roulette table etiquette if you’re visiting a land-based casino.

You might want to check out our bingo rules guide while you’re at it. No, seriously, give it a read!

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