Roulette Glossary

Every casino game has its own jargon and roulette is no different. Look over the terms in the article to learn the terms and key roulette definitions. Online roulette has spread this exciting game even further. Along with the software the online casino provides, you can also download and use “roulette companion” applications like Routrack.

American Roulette Wheel

This version of roulette wheel has 38 slots or pockets, with numbers 1 through 36 in addition to a single zero “0” and a double zero “00”. Traditional colors are alternating black and red bands for each pocket. The edge for the house is 5.4%.

Column

A bet on the 12 numbers in a column.

1st Column (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34);

2nd Column (2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35);

3rd Column (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36)

Payout is 2:1

Corner

A bet on the 4 numbers that make up a square. To make this bet, place your chips at the crossroads of the 4 numbers you want to play. In French this s called “carre”. Payout is 8:1

Dozen

A bet on 12 numbers on the wheel, (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Normally called First Dozen (“premier douzaine”), Second Dozen (“mayenee douzaine”) and Third Dozen (“`derniere douzaine”)

Payout 8:1

European Roulette Wheel

A European roulette wheel has 37 slots, 1 through 36 plus a single zero “0”. The numbering sequence is different from the American version and the house edge is only 2.7%. Considered to have better play than the American version.

Even

A bet that the ball will land on an even number (2. 4, etc.) The French name for even is “pair”. Payout 1:1

Even Money

Any winning wager that pays out 1:1.

Five-Number

This bet is only possible on American roulette and is a combination of 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Considered to be a “sucker’s bet” since this bet has a higher house edge (7.89% compared to the normal 5.26%) and only has a payout of 6 to 1.

French Roulette Wheel

See European Roulette Wheel

High

A bet that the ball will land on a high number (19-36). French for a high number bet is “pass?. This wager only pays 1:1

House Edge

The mathematical advantage every casino has on a particular game. In European roulette it is 2.70% and American roulette it is 5.26%.

Inside Bets

A bet on the individual number section of roulette layout (anything but a red/black, odd/even, dozens or columns bet)

Table Layout

The table top diagram where players place their bets. The American and European layouts are slightly different.

The layout of the American style roulette table is a rectangular shaped diagram printed in 2 or 3 colors on felt. It has a 0 and 00 at one end with two betting areas on one side: inside and outside bets. The outside area has labeled betting boxes for the low or high numbers, red or black, odd or even numbers, column bets and the 1st 12″, “2nd 12” or “3rd 12” (Dozens). The inside area is comprised of the individual figures for each numbered slot on the wheel 1-36.

The European layout, like the American layout, the inside area is shaped in a rectangle and is comprised of the individual figures for each numbered slot on the wheel 1-36 but has a single zero on one short side.

The outside area has labeled betting boxes for red or black, odd or even numbers, columns, the low or high numbers and the 1st 12″, “2nd 12” or “3rd 12” (Dozens). This outside bet section is split into two and runs along either side of the main layout. Each betting box is labeled by its French name, but may have an English translation underneath.

Line

A bet that the ball will land on any one of six numbers in two horizontal rows or lines. Sometimes called a “double street” or “sixaine” (six line) in French. Pays 5:1

Low

A bet that the ball lands on a low number or “manque” in French. Pays 1:1

Martingale System

A famous betting system in which a player doubles their wagers after every loss but then drops back to the original bet when they win

Odd

A bet that the winning slot will be an odd number or “impair” in French. Payout is even money or 1:1

Outside Bets

Any bet that is not placed on any individual numbers or in the inside section of the layout. Red/black, odd/even, dozens, columns – pays 1:1 or 2:1

Quarter Bet

See Corner

Red or Black

Any bet predicts the winning wager is either black or red. Called “noir” or “rouge”. Payout 1:1

Six Line

See Line

Split

A bet that the ball lands on any one of two numbers you pick. Your chip is placed on line between the two numbers. Called “a cheval” in French. Pays 17 to 1.

Straight Up

A bet on any single number on the roulette layout (1 to 36). Payout 35:1

Street (Trio)

A bet on any three numbers in a single horizontal row or line. Called a “transversale” in French. Pays: 11:1

Zero(s)

The green slot with the zero number that gives the house its edge. In American roulette there is a double zero 00, set directly across from the single zero.