Variants
- European (single zero) – lower house edge (~2.70%).
- American (double zero) – higher house edge (~5.26%).
- French – European wheel with La Partage or En Prison rules, cutting even-money bet losses when zero hits (≈1.35% edge).
Bet Types
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | Straight (1), Split (2), Street (3), Corner (4), Line (6) | Higher payouts, higher variance. |
| Outside | Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36, Dozens, Columns | Lower variance; even-money bets benefit from French rules. |
House Edge
| Wheel / Rule | Edge (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| European (single zero) | ≈ 2.70% | Preferred over double zero. |
| American (double zero) | ≈ 5.26% | Higher edge due to 00. |
| French (La Partage / En Prison) | ≈ 1.35% (on even-money) | Zero protection makes it best for long-term play. |
Strategy & Bankroll
- Favor single-zero wheels; avoid high-edge American tables.
- On French tables, stick to even-money bets for lowest edge.
- Avoid betting systems that chase losses — variance dominates.
- Set win/loss limits and pace bets; roulette is high variance.
Etiquette
- Place chips before “no more bets”; don’t touch after the ball drops.
- Respect others’ chip placement; ask dealer if unclear.
- Photography usually not allowed — check house rules.
Glossary
- La Partage: Half of even-money bets returned when zero hits.
- En Prison: Even-money bet is held for the next spin when zero hits.
- Inside/Outside bets: Bet categories on the layout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s a good buy-in to start?
- Bring a few multiples of the table minimum (e.g., 20–30x) to absorb variance while learning.
- Can I step away mid-session?
- Yes, inform the dealer or floor staff. Don’t leave chips unattended.
- Are betting systems like Martingale effective?
- No. Systems can’t change the house edge; they only alter short-term variance.
- Which roulette is best for players?
- French roulette with La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets (≈1.35% edge).