ROULETTE TABLE LAYOUT EXPLANATION

All roulette table layouts are roughly the same, which means that learning the ins and outs of one variation will practically set you up for the rest of the variants you may wish to explore.

The two biggest roulette games are American roulette and European roulette, but here, we’ll unravel the evolution of the roulette table as we know it, as well as explain the different roulette bets.

For more information about roulette gameplay, consult our dedicated article about how to play roulette.

EVOLUTION OF THE TABLE LAYOUT IN THE HISTORY OF ROULETTE

The evolution of the table layout in the history of roulette has seen several changes over time, reflecting both practical considerations and aesthetic preferences. When roulette was first introduced in the late 18th century, the layout featured a simple design with numbers arranged in numerical order on the wheel, and corresponding betting areas on the table.

As the game gained popularity, refinements were made to the layout to enhance gameplay and accommodate various betting options. In the mid-19th century, the single zero wheel was introduced, leading to adjustments in the table layout to accommodate this additional pocket.

The layout was further modified with the introduction of American roulette, which added a double zero pocket to the wheel, necessitating changes to the betting layout to accommodate this extra number. Throughout this evolution, efforts were made to maintain symmetry and balance in the design while ensuring clarity for players placing bets.

Today, modern roulette table layouts typically feature clear markings for different types of bets, along with visually appealing designs that enhance the overall gaming experience.

For more information about roulette’s interesting history, check out our dedicated page about the history of roulette.

HOW TO READ A ROULETTE TABLE LAYOUT

Reading a roulette table layout is fairly straightforward and involves understanding the different areas where players can place their bets. The table layout typically consists of two main sections: the Inside bets area and the Outside bets area.

The inside bets area contains individual numbers (from 0 to 36), while the outside bets area includes various betting options such as red/black, odd/even, and groups of numbers. Each area of the table layout is clearly marked and labeled to indicate the different betting options available.

To place a bet, players simply place their chips on the corresponding area of the table layout that represents their chosen bet. Additionally, the layout usually includes markings for special bets such as split bets, street bets, corner bets, and more, allowing players to make more complex wagers if they choose.

ROULETTE WHEEL NUMBERS SEQUENCE

The sequence of numbers on a roulette wheel follows a specific pattern, although it may seem random at first glance.

The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, with alternating colours of red and black. The sequence begins with the number 0, which is typically coloured green. Following 0, the numbers are arranged in consecutive order around the wheel, alternating between red and black pockets.

With that said, here are the differences in the sequence of roulette wheel numbers in American roulette, European roulette and French roulette:

• European Roulette: In European roulette, the wheel sequence starts with 0 and then proceeds with numbers 1 through 36. The numbers are typically alternately colored in red and black. There is only one zero pocket (0) on the European wheel.
• French Roulette: French roulette also follows the same sequence as European roulette, starting with 0 and then proceeding with numbers 1 through 36. The numbers are similarly alternately colored in red and black. French roulette wheels often have the same layout as European wheels, with only one zero pocket (0).
• American Roulette: The sequence on an American roulette wheel is slightly different due to the addition of a double zero (00) pocket. The wheel sequence starts with 0, followed by 00, and then proceeds with numbers 1 through 36. As with European and French roulette, the numbers are alternately colored in red and black.

For more information about the specifics of roulette wheel numbers, consult our dedicated page about roulette numbers here.

TABLE LAYOUTS FOR DIFFERENT ROULETTE VARIANTS

Different roulette variants, such as American, European, and French roulette, feature unique table layouts tailored to their specific rules and gameplay. These table layouts serve as visual guides for players, indicating where to place their bets and providing essential information about the game.

While the fundamental structure of the table remains consistent across variants, subtle differences in design and layout accommodate specific wagering options and rule variations characteristic of each variant.

EUROPEAN ROULETTE TABLE LAYOUT

Whether you wish to start playing online European roulette or the land-based version, the principles of the game remain the same: the European roulette table is a specially designed betting layout where players place their bets to guess where the ball lands.

The European roulette wheel numbers range from 0 to 36. The numbers 1 to 36 are alternately coloured in red and black, while the 0 pocket is typically coloured green. European roulette wheels are called the single-zero wheel or single-zero roulette owing to its one and only zero pocket.

There are two main categories of bets on European roulette tables: Inside and Outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations of numbers, while Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. The payouts for different bets vary depending on the likelihood of winning.

For example, a straight-up bet (betting on a single number) pays 35 to 1, while an even-money bet (ex., Red or Black) pays 1 to 1.

The great thing about the European roulette table is its house edge (or house advantage). The presence of only one zero (0) pocket in European roulette gives the casino a house edge of approximately 2.7%, which is still a lower house edge than that of American roulette (5.25%).

FRENCH ROULETTE TABLE LAYOUT

The French roulette table layout is just like the European one. The French roulette table layout is designed to accommodate the 37 numbers (0-36) of the roulette wheel. The table is divided into two main sections: the inside betting area and the outside betting area.

The inside betting area is where players can place bets on individual numbers or a combination of numbers. The inside area consists of 3 columns, each of which has 12 numbers, arranged in three rows. The numbers are arranged in numerical order, starting with 1 on the left-hand side and ending with 36 on the right-hand side. The zero is located at the top of the columns.

The outside betting area is where players can place bets on larger groups of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers.

The French roulette wheel involves the lowest house edge among all the roulette tables out there. This is due to its special rules known as “La Partage” and “En Prison.” For the former, if the ball lands on zero (0), all even-money bets (such as Even or Odd numbers) lose only half of their original stake. This effectively reduces the house edge on these bets to 1.35%.

On the other hand, En Prison involves the following: when a player makes an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, the bet remains “imprisoned” for the next spin. If the subsequent spin results in a win, the player gets their original bet back without any winnings.

AMERICAN ROULETTE TABLE LAYOUT

The American-style roulette table layout brings something new compared to the European and French roulette table. First off, apart from the standard numbers of 0 to 36, the American roulette wheel numbers also include the double zero.

This is pretty significant. The double zero pocket on the American roulette wheel increases the house edge to 5.25%, ranking it the highest among most roulette games. The numbers on the roulette table are arranged in three columns of twelve, with each column being labelled as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.

While the betting options are largely similar between American and European roulette, some variations may exist due to the presence of the double zero in American roulette. For example, in American roulette, players can bet on the first five numbers (0, 00, 1, 2, 3), which is not possible in European roulette.

WHAT ARE ROULETTE SCOREBOARDS?

Roulette scoreboards, also known as “result boards” or “history boards,” are visual displays typically found near the roulette table in land-based casinos. These scoreboards show the results of previous spins of the roulette wheel. They’re designed to provide players with information about the recent outcomes of the game, including the numbers that have been spun and their corresponding colours.

Roulette scoreboards are primarily used in land-based casinos, where they are positioned near the roulette tables for the convenience of players. In these physical casino settings, scoreboards serve as a visual aid for players to track the outcomes of previous spins and make betting decisions based on that information.

Online roulette casino games also use a similar tool, usually called ‘game history’. These digital versions of the scoreboard serve the same purpose as those found in a brick-and-mortar casino. They display the results of previous spins of the virtual roulette wheel, including the numbers that have been spun and their corresponding colors.

Players can use this information to spot trends or patterns, although it’s important to remember that each spin of the roulette wheel is independent and not influenced by past outcomes.

HOW TO PLACE ROULETTE TABLE BETS?

Placing bets on a roulette table game is a straightforward process that involves understanding the various wagering options available and placing your chips accordingly.

To place a bet, simply place your chips on the corresponding area of the table layout that represents your chosen bet. Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the roulette wheel, and the outcome of the spin determines the winning bets.

YOUR ODDS ON A ROULETTE TABLE

The odds of winning on a roulette table vary depending on the type of bet you place and the roulette variation you’re playing.

Generally, Inside bets, which offer higher payouts, have lower odds of winning compared to Outside bets, which offer lower payouts but higher odds of winning.

Here are the specific roulette odds for American and European roulette, the two most popular casino games of roulette.

American roulette involves these odds:

• Straight bet (single number): 1 in 38
• Split bet (two adjacent numbers): 1 in 19
• Street bet (three numbers in a row): 1 in 12.67
• Corner bet (four adjacent numbers): 1 in 9.5
• Five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3): 1 in 7.6
• Line bet (six numbers in two rows): 1 in 6.33
• Dozen or Column bet: 12 in 38 (approximately 31.58% chance)
• Even/Odd, Red/Black, High/Low: 18 in 38 (approximately 47.37% chance)

On the other hand, European roulette involves these odds:

• Straight bet (single number): 1 in 37
• Split bet (two adjacent numbers): 1 in 18.5
• Street bet (three numbers in a row): 1 in 12.33
• Corner bet (four adjacent numbers): 1 in 9.25
• Line bet (six numbers in two rows): 1 in 6.17
• Dozen or Column bet: 12 in 37 (approximately 32.43% chance)
• Even/Odd, Red/Black, High/Low: 18 in 37 (approximately 48.65% chance)

Do note that online casinos might offer a roulette casino game that doesn’t offer the same payout for such bets. For instance, most roulette games offer even-money bets for some Outside bets.

To delve deeper into the odds of different bets in roulette, you can explore our dedicated page about roulette odds.

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM BETS ON THE ROULETTE TABLE

Roulette tables typically have minimum and maximum bet limits to regulate the amount players can wager on each spin. These limits vary depending on the casino and the specific table, but they are usually clearly displayed at the table.

The minimum bet represents the smallest amount a player can wager on any given bet type, while the maximum bet represents the largest amount allowed for a single bet.

These limits are in place to accommodate players with varying budgets and to ensure the casino’s financial stability. They also help maintain a balanced gameplay experience for all participants. If you’re interested in learning more about the minimum and maximum bets on the roulette table, you should check out our article about roulette bets.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS USED ON THE ROULETTE TABLE?

Whatever roulette wheels you decide on taking for a spin, there are certain mechanisms in place to make the game possible.

• Roulette Wheel: The central piece of equipment, typically featuring numbered pockets where the ball lands. The sequence of numbers depends on the game being played. As mentioned previously, the European roulette wheel differs from the American one when it comes to the numbers on the roulette wheel.
• Roulette Ball: A small, usually ivory, metal, or plastic ball used to determine the winning number by landing in one of the numbered pockets.
• Roulette Table: A specially designed table with markings and sections for placing bets.
• Roulette Chips: Tokens used by players to place their bets on the table; each player receives chips of a specific color to distinguish their bets from others’.
• Marker/Dolly: A small marker used by the dealer to identify the winning number on the table layout after the ball comes to rest.
• Wheelhead: The upper part of the roulette wheel where the ball is spun.
• Apron: The wooden or metal area surrounding the wheel where the winning number and color are displayed.
• Payout Tray: A tray where winning chips are collected and paid out to players by the dealer.
• Rake: A tool used by the dealer to collect losing bets and clear the table for the next round.
• Table Layout: The cloth-covered area of the table where players place their bets; it includes markings for different bet types and sections for inside and outside bets.

Keep in mind that for online roulette, none of this is necessary, except for live roulette games played in a studio or real casino.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ONLINE CASINO ROULETTE GAME

Choosing the best online casino roulette game can be a straightforward process if you keep a few key factors in mind.

Firstly, consider the reputation and reliability of the online casino itself. Look for established and licensed casinos with positive reviews from players, as this ensures fairness and security in your gaming experience.

Secondly, assess the variety of roulette games available. The best online casinos offer a range of roulette variants, such as American, European, and French roulette, each with its own unique rules and gameplay.

Additionally, check for features like live dealer roulette, which provides an immersive and interactive gaming experience. Next, consider the betting limits and payout rates of the games. Choose a roulette game with betting limits that suit your budget and preferences, and look for games with competitive payout rates to maximise your winnings.

Finally, take advantage of bonuses and promotions offered by casino sites, such as welcome bonuses and free spins, to enhance your gaming experience and increase your chances of winning. EnergyCasino is one of the best European casinos where you can play at a European, French or American roulette table all at the comfort of your own home. We offer bonuses for lovers of roulette, slots as well as live games, so you can choose to benefit from such promotions!

CONCLUSION

The difference between single-zero roulette and double-zero roulette is minimal, but quite significant at the same time. Although you won’t notice too many differences between the European roulette table layout and the American roulette table layout, the added zero in American-style roulette ramps up the house edge.

Consequently, we suggest playing at a European roulette wheel instead of an American one, as the single zero helps keep the house edge at bay. The French roulette wheel is even better, since it offers a couple of favourable rules (as well as a single zero) which means that you’re bound to lose less money in the long run.

FAQ