Roulette may be a game of chance, but that does nothing to hinder its popularity both online and at land-based casinos. There is something special about the thrill of placing your bets using your favourite strategy, waiting for the croupier to spin the wheel, and adding the ball to determine if it lands on your special colour or number.
Roulette is fast-paced and fairly easy to learn. However, the table layout could be clearer when new to the game. We have compiled this article to inform you of the three most common roulette table layouts.
Understanding the table layouts will help you significantly increase your enjoyment, so continue reading for an in-depth look at the roulette table.
There are three main roulette table layouts but don’t be discouraged, as not all forms of roulette are available at land-based casinos. However, you can usually find many game variations online. Knowing how they operate is useful when choosing which form you prefer.
When looking at a roulette table, you will see 36 squares numbered from 1 to 36. You will also see either a single zero (0) or the addition of a double zero (00) on top ( so you have a single and a double zero).
There are two main types of bets which are inside and outside bets. You can bet on any of the squares or a combination of the squares linked by the grid lines running between them (rows, neighbouring squares, four squares as examples).
On all roulette tables, half the squares are red, the other is black, and you can place 50/50 bets on the winning number being one or the other colour (please note the house will also have its house edge, so the odds are not true 1:1.
You can also bet on the ball landing on an odd or even number; the winning number will be between 1-18 or 19-36 or the winning number will land on a certain section of the table.
You will find the roulette wheel to the left side of the table, where you place your bets on the right, which is green-coloured cloth. On the roulette table, three colours are used, and these are red, black and white (all the writing is in white). All bets made are in chips which you buy from the casino cashier.
Table of Contents
The European Roulette Table Layout
The European table has 37 slots (sometimes called pockets) numbered from 1 to 36, either red or black. There is also a green slot, the single zero (0). The single zero (0) offers a lower house edge, making the European version of the game more popular for many roulette lovers.
The slots correspond to the betting part of the table. You usually find no difference between an online European roulette layout and a land-based one.
The European version of roulette has some extra bets which can be used exclusively on European (and French) games.
- Jeu Zero – covering numbers 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15.
- Voisins du Zero – covering numbers 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 36, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25.
- Orphelins – covering numbers 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 17, 34, and 6.
- Tiers du Cylindre – covering numbers 27, 19, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 16, and 33.
With the above bets, there is no need to put your chips on the table, as that would cause table chaos. Instead, you announce or ‘call’ your bets.
The American Roulette Table Layout
Although the odds are not as good when playing the American version (over 5%), it remains popular; indeed, some casinos only provide this version if you visit their land-based venus.
There is only one difference between the European and American layouts found on the roulette wheel. Another zero is added – the double zero (00). This is coloured green and stands in front of the single zero (0).
The numbers are spread differently because of the double zero (00) addition, and there are 38 pockets instead of 37.
Your bet placement generally works in the same way. The only difference in the table layout is that where the section is on a European table for the single zero (0), there are now two sections to accommodate the double zero (00).
Bets using the zeros on an American roulette table:
- The 0 bet – where you place your chips on the green section with a single zero (0) on the layout.
- The 00 bet – where you place your chips on the double zero (00) section. The odds are 38:1 with a payout of 35:1.
- The 0 and 00 bet – where you bet on both green sections. With this bet, you should place your chips on the line that separates the single zero (0) and the double zero (00).
The French Roulette Table Layout
There are a few differences with the French roulette table layout. You will still see the numbers from 1 to 36 in three rows and the single zero (0) at the top. It is where the outside bets are placed, which differs from the French layout.
On one side of the single numbers, you will see the ‘Manque’ and the ‘Impair’, which means the bets on 1-18 and the odd numbers. Next to this is the section which houses the red slots.
On the other side, you will see the word ‘Passe’ for the numbers 19 to 36 and the ‘Pair’ for evens. Here you will also find the bet on black.
Another three sections are marked ‘P12’, ‘M12’, and ‘D12’. A P is for the first dozen of the numbers, the M is for the second, and the D is for the third.
Two special bets are included in French roulette, giving the game the lowest house edge.
- The La Partage rule – translated to ‘the divide’ this rule comes into play on even money bets. If the ball lands on a zero with La Partage, the croupier will split all even bets, returning 50% to the player.
- The En Prison rule – translated to ‘In Prison’- also applies to even money bets. If the ball lands on the single zero (0), it is called ‘In Prison’, and if you win on the next spin, you will get back all the money you wagered.
In Conclusion
The popularity of roulette and online roulette cannot be denied, and choosing the right game variation comes down to personal choice. Some players enjoy the added difficulty of winning whilst playing American roulette, but whichever you choose, remember the main reason to play is for the thrill of the game and its entertainment value.
