Whether you are a seasoned player or a complete novice, roulette is a game that combines strategy, excitement, and a bit of luck. This guide will walk you through the basics of how to play roulette, the types of bets, strategies, and etiquette to help you enjoy your time at the Shaftesbury Casino roulette tables.
Basic Roulette Rules
Unfamiliar with the gameplay rules of roulette? Let’s run through the basics of how to play roulette…
How to Get Chips
To play roulette, you first need to exchange your money for chips. Simply approach the dealer at the table and hand them your cash. In return, you will receive chips in a colour unique to you, allowing you to easily distinguish your bets from those of other players.
How to Determine the Value of the Chips
Each chip colour represents a different value, which you can set when you purchase them. The dealer will mark your chosen value on a small card on the edge of the table. Make sure to remember the value of your chips as you place your bets!
When to Bet
Bets are placed before the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The dealer will announce “place your bets” signalling it is time to make your wagers. Once the ball begins to slow down, the dealer will call “no more bets” indicating that betting is closed for that round.
How to Place Your Bets
Place your chips on the table layout corresponding to your chosen bet. You can bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colours, or other betting options available – more on that below!
When You Must Stop Betting
You must stop betting when the dealer announces “no more bets.” At this point, the ball is slowing down, and no additional wagers are allowed.
How to Handle Other Players at Your Table
Respect the space and bets of other players. Avoid touching other players’ chips and be courteous in your interactions. Sharing the excitement and wins (or losses) is part of the fun, and enjoying gambling safely and courteously is key to this.
What Happens if You Win
If you win, the dealer will place your winnings next to your original bet. You can either collect your winnings or leave them to place another bet.
What Happens if You Lose
If you lose, the dealer will collect your chips from the table. You can then place new bets for the next round.
When to Start Betting All Over Again
Once the dealer clears the table of losing bets and pays out the winners, the next round begins, and the dealer will announce “place your bets.” This is your cue to start betting again.
The Layout Of The Roulette Table & Wheel
The roulette table consists of two main parts: the betting layout and the roulette wheel. The betting layout is where you place your chips, featuring numbers 0-36, and various other betting options such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low.
The roulette wheel has numbered pockets corresponding to the numbers on the table. In European roulette, there is a single zero (0), while American roulette has both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The wheel is spun by the dealer, and a small ball is released in the opposite direction. Wherever the ball lands determines the winning number and colour.
What Are Inside and Outside Bets?
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inside part of the betting layout. But what kind of inside bets can you make?
Inside Bets
The Straight Up
A bet on a single number. Place your chip directly on the number. This bet pays 35 to 1.
The Split Bet
A bet on two adjacent numbers. Place your chip on the line between the two numbers. This bet pays 17 to 1.
The Street Bet
A bet on three numbers in a row. Place your chip on the line at the end of the row. This bet pays 11 to 1.
The Corner
A bet on four numbers that form a square. Place your chip at the intersection of the four numbers. This bet pays 8 to 1.
The Five Number Bet
Available only in American roulette, this bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Place your chip on the line at the corner of 0 and 1. This bet pays 6 to 1.
The Line Bet
A bet on six numbers, forming two adjacent rows of three. Place your chip on the intersection of the two rows. This bet pays 5 to 1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are placed on the outside part of the betting layout – here are some of the outside bets you can make during classic roulette…
The Column Bet
A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Place your chip in the box at the end of the column. This bet pays 2 to 1.
The Dozen Bet
A bet on one of the three groups of twelve numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Place your chip in the corresponding box. This bet pays 2 to 1.
The Odd or Even Bet
A bet on all odd or even numbers. Place your chip in the corresponding box. This bet pays 1 to 1.
The High or Low Bet
A bet on low numbers (1-18) or high numbers (19-36). Place your chip in the corresponding box. This bet pays 1 to 1.
The Red or Black Bet
A bet on either all red numbers or all black numbers. Place your chip in the corresponding box. This bet pays 1 to 1.
Roulette Strategy Tips
Looking to hone your roulette strategy? Here are the best betting strategies in roulette that can transform your game!
The House Edge
Understanding the house edge is crucial for any roulette player. The house edge represents the mathematical advantage the casino holds over the player.
In European roulette, the wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). The house edge for European roulette is 2.7%. This lower edge makes European roulette more favourable for players compared to the American version.
On the other hand, the American roulette wheel has 38 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). The addition of the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%.
Understanding the house edge helps players make informed decisions about which version of roulette to play and develop realistic expectations regarding your chances of winning.
Betting Strategies
While no betting strategy can eliminate the house edge, various systems can help players manage their bankroll and enhance their overall gaming experience. Here are some popular betting strategies:
The Martingale System
The Martingale system is one of the most well-known betting strategies. It involves doubling your bet after each loss. The idea is that when you eventually win, you will recover all previous losses and make a profit equal to your original bet.
The Fibonacci System
The Fibonacci system is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.), where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. In this strategy, you bet according to this sequence, increasing your bet to the next number in the sequence after a loss and moving back two numbers after a win.
The D’Alembert System
The D’Alembert system involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. This strategy is based on the idea that wins and losses will eventually balance out.
For players seeking more complex systems, there are additional strategies that involve more detailed tracking and adjustments:
The Labouchere System
Also known as the cancellation system, the Labouchere system involves setting a goal for how much you want to win and breaking that amount into smaller numbers. You then bet the sum of the first and last numbers in your sequence. After a win, you cross off those numbers, and after a loss, you add the amount lost to the end of the sequence.
The James Bond Strategy
This strategy involves placing specific bets to cover a broad range of numbers, reducing the chance of losing. A typical James Bond bet might involve placing 70% of your stake on high numbers (19-36), 25% on numbers 13-18, and the remaining 5% on zero.
Important Considerations
Regardless of the strategy you choose, it is essential to remember that roulette is a game of chance, and no system can guarantee consistent wins. Here are some key considerations for gambling safely:
Set a Budget: Determine how much money you are willing to lose and stick to it. Never chase losses by exceeding your budget.
Know When to Quit: Establish win and loss limits. If you reach your win limit, consider cashing out and enjoying your profits. Similarly, if you hit your loss limit, it is wise to walk away and try again another day.
Enjoy the Game: Roulette is meant to be entertaining. Focus on having fun and enjoying the experience rather than solely on winning.
Roulette Table Etiquette
Before you take your seat at the roulette table, here are some things to consider…
Wait for the right time to place your bets: Only place your bets when the dealer announces “Place your bets.”
Respect the dealer and other players: Be polite and courteous.
Avoid touching other players’ chips: Only handle your own chips.
Understand the rules and payouts: Familiarise yourself with the game to avoid confusion.
Tip the dealer: If you have a good run or enjoy the game, tipping the dealer is a nice gesture.
Explore The Thrill Of Roulette At Shaftesbury
Planning on honing your roulette skills? Come to Shaftesbury Casino Dudley or West Bromwich to put your learnings into practice! Whether you’re looking to practise solo with some electronic roulette, or want to take to the tables with our classic American roulette, we offer a roulette experience for everyone.
Have any questions about how to play roulette? Get in touch below!
