How the European Roulette Works: Full Guide

Learn European Roulette basics with a gambling specialist guide that knows how to pick only relevant information.

What’s European Roulette?

A game of chance where players try to guess in which compartment a small ball will land on a revolving wheel.

There are 37 numbers inscribed on the European wheel where the small sphere can land.

This would be a standard definition for European Roulette for the Irish market.

The game’s origin

Roulette has been around since the 18th century when two brothers, Francois and Louis Blank, launched the single zero roulette in 1843.

Today, this critical difference sets it apart from other versions.

European wheel design

The European wheel had many design variations over the years, mainly from the materials used to make it.

Manufacturers are usually encouraged to create new designs without altering the game or the randomness.

The Irish market has rules to make sure players cannot rig the machine, and that it maintains fairness.

Roulette wheel number distribution

• The 37 numbers go from 0 to 36
• Half the numbers are red, while the other half are black
• Zero is green

Number allocation

• The red and black on the European wheel alternate, so no two numbers with the same colour are next to each other;
• Considering their distribution shown above, 32 is red, 15 is black, and so on;
• One critical factor that defines the game is that zero has red and black adjacent numbers, thus creating the perfect balance.

Suppose you draw a straight line from the number zero on the European wheel, separating it into two halves.

In this case, one side will contain all the low black and high red numbers, and the other is reversible.

European Roulette table layout

The table layout features all the numbers inscribed in the European wheel.

However, there are specific segments on the table for placing different bets that encompass more than one number.

Outside bets

Two portions are dedicated for bets on all the numbers with one of the two colours, red or black.

The same as colours, there are two sections for betting on odd or even numbers.

Another two parts are dedicated to betting on high numbers (19-36) and low numbers (1-18).

• The numbers are split into three categories of 12;
• Each represents the first, middle and last 12 numbers in the European wheel in ascending order.

Lastly, the table has the option of betting on three specific horizontal rows of numbers, and they are inscribed with 2:1.

What’s the difference between European, American, and French Roulette?

There are some essential differences that set European Roulette apart when comparing it with the other two:

French

The table and wheel layout are identical. But the thing that distinguishes the French option from the standard European Roulette is mainly related to the rules:

• These are two playing options specific to French Roulette that are not found in its counterparts, the “la partage” and “en prison”;
• Both rules apply to outside bets, meaning any wagering option inscribed on the table that is not in the section where the 37 numbers are shown;
• Thus, outside bets refer to table inscriptions that encompass large groups of numbers like colour, for example.

The house edge

These two rules that benefit the player are the only differences that deviate from their European counterpart.

However, since they give the gambler an advantage, the house edge is lower in French Roulette than its counterparts.

American

• This version has three main differences that deviate from European Roulette;
• The Irish market has these options present as well;
• American Roulette features two zero pockets, thus raising the total number to 38;
• This extra figure changes the layout when comparing it with the European wheel.

How to play European Roulette

The whole idea of the game is to guess where the ball will land.

You can increase your chances by wagering on groups of numbers that have something in common.

Here’s how it works

• The players place their bets until the croupier says “no more bets” before the wheel rotates or after it starts spinning;
• In some land-based casinos, each player receives chips with specific colours for better distinguishment of wagers;
• On both established and new online casinos Ireland, the rules for every game can be accessed after joining. There you will see everything including how to play European Roulette.

Betting options

Apart from those inscribed, there are few different options for placing bets, each with its name and odds.

Split Bet

It consists of wagering on two neighbouring numbers at the table by placing the chip between the lines separating them.

This can also be placed on zero and its adjacent numbers 1, 2, or 3.

Corner Bet

Represents putting the chips at the point where four numbers meet in the table, thus wagering on all four of them.

Street Bet

This means placing a wager on three numbers that form a vertical row at the table.

An example would be 22,23,24 since they are in the same column.

Line Bet

It involves putting a bet at the end of a line that separates two vertical columns.

By doing this, the player wagers on six numbers at the two neighbouring vertical rows.

French bets

The French bets encompass multiple numbers and are based on specific European wheel sectors.

Each sector comprises adjacent numbers clustered together under a particular name to make placing bets on them more accessible.

Bets that involve zero

Zero Game (Jeu zero) means placing split bets on numbers near zero 12-35-3-26-0-32-15 as follows: one chip on 0-3, 12-15, 32-35 splits and one on the number 26.

This involves the following

• The Neighbours of Zero (Voisins du Zero) are the 17 numbers between 9 and 17 on the European wheel;
• Their distribution is 22-18-29-7-28-12-35-3-26-0-32-15-19-4-21-2-25;
• The wagers are one chip on 12-15, 18-21, 19-22 and 32-35 split, two chips on 0-2-3, two-chip on 25-26-28-29 corner.

Bets that do not contain zero

A third of the Wheel (Tiers du Cylindre) or Tiers as they are more commonly known represent the 12 opposite numbers of zero.

They involve several rules

• Their sequence is 27-13-36-11-30-8-23-10-5-24-16-33;
• The idea is to place one chip bets on 5-8, 10-11, 13-16, 23-24, 27-30, 33-36 splits;
• Orphans (Orphelins) are what’s left between the neighbours of zero and the tiers;
• Two series comprise 1-20-14-31-9 and 17-34-6;
• The bets allocate one chip on four splits 6-9, 14-17, 17-20, 31-34 and on number 1.

The bet that can be placed anywhere

Neighbours Bet indicates four numbers adjacent to one specific number and places a one-chip bet on each one of them.

European Roulette payout

The game has a specific house edge of 2.63%, which results in an RTP of 97.3%.

While there are exceptions, the most reliable casinos meet this criteria. If you need help to find them, check out this full list of online casinos.

Online casino advantages

The differences between land-based casinos and online ones are few, apart from the obvious physical and digital formats:

• Since the house edge is mostly the same for both, iGaming platforms have an advantage;
• They are also easier to access and provide the same game with the same odds;
• Another vital factor to consider is that many Irish market online casinos have dedicated apps for desktop, phone, or both;
• These applications make accessing the platform more straightforward, simple and provide improved visual effects, which is why real casino apps are gaining popularity very quickly.

Final thoughts

This guide brings together our gambling expertise to better understand the Irish market casino game that’s a steadfast symbol in the industry.

An essential aspect that must be considered is that any gambling endeavour must always be coupled with disciplined behaviour.

References

• Dictionary Roulette Definition
• Predicting the outcome of roulette
• Machines other than gaming machines in gambling premises