Roulette Rules & Table Limits
Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, understanding the fundamental rules, table limits, and layout of the roulette wheel is essential. This guide covers everything from basic mechanics to the betting options available at the table.
The Roulette Wheel & Table Layout
The roulette wheel consists of numbered pockets ranging from 0 to 36. European and French variants feature a single zero (0), while the American version adds a double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 pockets. The numbers alternate between red and black, with the zero pocket(s) coloured green.
The betting table mirrors the wheel's numbers and is divided into two main areas: inside bets, placed directly on individual numbers or small groups, and outside bets, covering broader categories such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low.
Inside Bets
- Straight Up — A bet on a single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split — A bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street — A bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11:1.
- Corner — A bet on four numbers that meet at a corner. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line — A bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
- Red / Black — Bet on the colour of the winning number. Pays 1:1.
- Odd / Even — Bet on whether the number is odd or even. Pays 1:1.
- Low (1–18) / High (19–36) — Pays 1:1.
- Dozen — Bet on the first, second, or third group of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.
- Column — Bet on one of the three vertical columns. Pays 2:1.
Table Limits
Every roulette table operates with minimum and maximum bet limits. These limits vary by casino and by table, and they apply differently to inside and outside bets. A table might, for example, have a €1 minimum for inside bets and a €5 minimum for outside bets, with maximums scaling accordingly.
Understanding table limits helps you manage your bankroll and choose a table suited to your playing style. High-roller tables offer substantially higher maximums, while low-stakes tables cater to more cautious play.
| Variant | Zero Pockets | Total Numbers | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 1 (0) | 37 | 2.70% |
| French Roulette | 1 (0) | 37 | 1.35% (with La Partage) |
| American Roulette | 2 (0, 00) | 38 | 5.26% |
The French variant offers the most favourable odds for players thanks to the La Partage rule, which returns half of an even-money bet when the ball lands on zero. European roulette sits in the middle, while the American double-zero wheel carries the highest house edge.
How a Round Works
- Players place their chips on the betting layout before the dealer calls "no more bets."
- The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
- Once the ball settles into a numbered pocket, the dealer marks the winning number.
- Losing bets are cleared from the table, and winning bets are paid out according to the odds.
- A new round begins, and betting opens again.
In live roulette games, a real dealer manages the wheel and table via video stream, following the same sequence. The rules remain identical to those of land-based play.
Key Rules to Remember
- All bets must be placed before the dealer closes the betting round.
- Each table displays its minimum and maximum limits — always check before sitting down.
- In French roulette with the La Partage rule, even-money bets receive half back when zero hits.
- The house edge is built into the wheel via the zero pocket(s); no betting system can eliminate it.
- Online roulette uses a certified random number generator (RNG) to ensure fair outcomes, with independent testing by organisations such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Technical Systems Testing, and Quinel.
For a deeper look at betting approaches, visit our roulette strategies page, where common systems and bankroll tips are covered in detail.