Roulette, a beloved casino game with a long history, has captured the attention of players for generations.
It is a game where chance takes the lead, featuring a spinning wheel and a tiny ball.
Even though it may appear straightforward, there are many variants of roulette to choose from.
But here, we will discuss the European roulette wheel, a particular favorite of many players.
We will take you through the rules, highlight the distinctions between the European and American variations of roulette, and even share some strategies that could enhance your chances of success.
As you explore this content, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the European roulette wheel, as well as how to make the most of it.
What is a European Roulette Wheel?
The European roulette wheel is the most popular type of roulette game.
It is often referred to as the single-zero wheel due to its sole green pocket, which is marked with a zero.
In total, the European roulette wheel features 37 pockets, each numbered from 0 to 36, following a specific arrangement.
The wheel showcases a clockwise sequence of numbers, with even numbers displayed in red and the odd numbers in black.
To ensure an even distribution, the numbers are strategically alternated to minimize consecutive low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36). Additionally, the odd and even numbers are carefully mixed, with no more than two of the same type appearing consecutively.
It is worth noting that the European roulette wheel is renowned for offering more favorable odds compared to the American roulette wheel, which includes an extra double-zero slot (00) alongside the single-zero pocket.
This distinction in wheel design impacts the game’s overall odds and player strategies.
Basic Overview of the European Roulette Wheel
This wheel contains a total of 37 pockets. One of these pockets is special – it’s colored green and holds the number 0.
The other pockets are evenly split, with 18 being red and 18 being black.
As you observe the roulette wheel in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, starting from the green 0, you will notice something interesting. On each side, there are eight black numbers and eight red numbers.
The black numbers on the left side are 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, and 35, while the red numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, and 18.
The rest of the numbers on the wheel follow a logical sequence, starting at 1 and ending at 36.
What’s fascinating is that the wheel is designed so that the sum of any two adjacent numbers always equals 37.
This clever arrangement adds an extra layer of interest to the game.
History of the European Roulette Wheel
Roulette, a popular casino game, has quite an interesting history.
Its roots trace back to ancient times when forms of it were played in the Roman Empire and even later in China.
However, the version of roulette we know today as European roulette took shape in 18th-century France.
Initially, roulette wheels had both a zero and a double zero pocket. This made it tough for players to win because it heavily favored the casino.
But in 1843, two gentlemen named Francois and Louis Blanc made a significant change. They introduced a roulette wheel with just one zero pocket.
They aimed to create a more player-friendly version of the game. This change caught on and spread across Europe in the following decades.
Because of this transformation, the single-zero roulette wheel is now commonly known as the European roulette wheel.
It is the standard in European casinos and provides a fairer and more enjoyable gaming experience. This change in the game’s history has made it what it is today.
European Roulette Betting Table Overview
European and American roulette wheels may look different, but when it comes to the betting table, they share a nearly identical layout.
This table is essentially split into two parts: inside bets and outside bets. Let’s delve into the most common types of these bets:
| Inside Bets | |
| Straight Up | This is a bet on a single number. If you win, you get a 35:1 payout, which means you’ll receive 35 times your initial bet. |
| Split | When you bet on two neighboring numbers, it’s called a split. Winning here brings a 17:1 payout. |
| Street | Betting on three numbers in a sequence is referred to as a street bet. A win results in an 11:1 payout. |
| Corner | This bet involves four numbers forming a square on the table. If you win, you will receive an 8:1 payout. |
| Six Line | Here, you bet on two rows of three adjacent numbers. A win yields a 5:1 payout. |
| Outside Bets | |
| Red or Black | Choose the color of the winning number, and if you’re right, you get a 1:1 payout, doubling your wager. |
| Odd or Even | Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. If you guess correctly, you double your bet with a 1:1 payout. |
| Low or High | This bet is about predicting if the winning number will fall within the range of 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high). Again, it pays 1:1. |
| Dozen | Select which of the three dozens (the first, second, or third 12 numbers) the winning number will come from. If you’re right, you receive a 2:1 payout. |
| Column | Bet on which column on the betting table the winning number will belong to. Winning here also rewards you with a 2:1 payout. |
How to Play European Roulette
Now that you know how European roulette works, what you can bet on, and how the odds work, let’s move on to the most important part of the article: learning how to play European roulette.
Fortunately, learning to play European roulette is a breeze, and it only takes a few minutes.
Since European roulette relies on luck, you don’t need to explore complex strategies or develop any special skills.
It’s all about understanding the basics of how to place your bets.
In every betting round of European roulette, the process kicks off the same way.
Each player around the table decides what they want to bet on and how much they want to wager.
After a brief pause, the croupier gives the wheel a spin. Following this spin, you have a few seconds to finalize your bets.
After the croupier announces that everyone must stop betting, all bets placed after that time will not be considered.
They will collect the losing bets and pay out the winners.
Once all the winners are paid, the croupier removes the marker from the betting board, indicating the start of the next betting round, and the cycle begins anew.
If you are in a physical casino, don’t hesitate to ask the croupier for assistance if you’re unsure about any step. They are there to ensure a smooth experience.
On the other hand, when playing at an online casino, you can often find helpful in-game guides.
It might take some time to get used to the online betting process since you will be doing it on your own.
However, rest assured, the process is the same as in a land-based casino.
Rules of European Roulette
Objective
European roulette’s objective is to predict where the ball will land on the wheel correctly.
Your chances of success grow when you place bets on certain numbers you think the ball will land on.
Betting:
- To bet, choose the numbers on the table.
- Inside bets focus on single numbers, nearby numbers, or small number clusters.
- Outside bets involve larger groups of numbers.
- The roulette table can accommodate one to eight players.
- The dealer announces, “Place your bets,” and then players make their bets.
- As the ball nears the end of its spin, the dealer declares, “No more bets.”
Payouts:
- The payout you receive hinges on the type of bet you make.
- A straight-up bet (on one number) pays out at 35:1.
- Outside bets (involving more numbers) offer lower payouts but better odds of winning.
Other Rules:
Minimum and maximum bet limits apply to inside and outside bets separately for each spin.
You can keep betting while the ball is in motion until the dealer says, “No more bets” or “Rien ne va plus.”
Tips and Tricks to Win European Roulette Wheel
In European roulette, luck plays a significant role, and despite your tactics or expertise, the house always holds the upper hand.
However, some useful tips can enhance your chances of success. Here, I will share some practical advice:
- Stick with even money bets: Focus on wagers that offer a 1:1 payout, like red or black, odd or even, or high or low. While they provide a higher likelihood of success, it’s essential to note that the winnings are relatively modest.
- Embrace the reality of being at a disadvantage: Understand that the house always enjoys an edge, so it is wise to acknowledge that you may not have the upper hand over the long run.
- Be cautious with the Martingale strategy: The Martingale system is a well-known tactic among seasoned roulette players. It involves increasing your bets following a loss to recover losses and make a profit. However, be mindful that it can be risky and lead to significant losses during a losing streak.
- Opt for European roulette: European roulette features a single zero pocket, which gives players a better shot at winning compared to American roulette, with its single and double zero pockets.
- Practice for perfection: Before venturing into real money wagers, invest time in learning the ins and outs of European roulette and practice extensively. This approach will enable you to develop and fine-tune a winning strategy.
- Consider the D’Alembert roulette strategy: This method involves increasing your bet size after each losing wager. It can be somewhat risky depending on your bankroll and can be applied to bets on either black or red, odd or even, and 1-18 or 19-36.
European Roulette vs. American Roulette
European Roulette and American Roulette, two well-known renditions of this casino classic, bear both resemblances and crucial distinctions. Here’s a rundown of their primary disparities:
Roulette Wheel:
- In European Roulette, the wheel sports 37 numbers, featuring a solitary green pocket labeled as ‘0.’
- On the other hand, American Roulette boasts 38 numbers on its wheel, incorporating two green pockets marked as ‘0’ and ’00.’
- The arrangement of numbers on the two wheels may exhibit slight variations.
House Edge:
- European Roulette takes the lead in this aspect, offering a lower house edge compared to American Roulette.
- The house edge stands at 2.7% for European Roulette, whereas it elevates to 5.26% in the case of American Roulette.
- The diminished house edge in European Roulette grants players a marginally improved shot at victory.
Betting:
- Both versions present an array of betting options, encompassing inside and outside bets.
- American Roulette, however, introduces the exclusive ‘Five Number Bet,’ which encompasses the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
- It is worth noting that the ‘Five Number Bet’ carries a higher house edge compared to other wagers in American Roulette.
En Prison Rule:
- European Roulette extends the enticing ‘En Prison’ rule, affording players the chance to reclaim their even-money bets if the ball lands on ‘0.’
- This rule acts as a further bulwark against the house edge in European Roulette.
Conclusion
The European roulette wheel is a captivating game of chance that has withstood the test of time.
The game’s rich history, dating back to the 18th century, reveals a journey of innovation and fairness that transformed it into what we know today.
When you step up to the European roulette table, you enter a world of excitement where the green zero pocket holds the key to your fortunes.
The rules are simple, bets are diverse, and the wheel’s elegant design ensures every spin is filled with anticipation.
While luck is the driving force, it’s essential to acknowledge the house’s advantage.
Still, by choosing even-money bets, practicing, and opting for European roulette’s lower house edge, you can enhance your chances of success.
Read More: Roulette Wheels (A Spin Through History and Strategy)
