The basic rules of Roulette are quite simple, you place your bet before the ball is dropped and depending on where it lands you win or loose, however how you bet and the type and size of the bet you place do have some rules attached.
The first thing to understand is the minimum bet rule, if the minimum is for example $5 then if you make an outside bet (explained later) it must be at least $5, if you place an inside bet (again described below) then the total of your inside bets must be at least $5.
The two tables above show the area of a Roulette table where you can place inside bets, notice the difference between American and European tables, it make little difference to the wagers you may lay but a considerable difference to the to the house advantage.
Inside bets are made on specific numbers or combinations of numbers either within the number layout or on the border. There are a few different types, and roulette rules may vary from casino to casino so always check before you play.
Straight-up bet A bet made on a single number (including 0 or 00). Place this bet by putting your chips squarely in the center of the number you want. This bet is a long shot, and pays 35 to 1.
Split bet A bet on any two adjoining numbers (including 0 and 00). To place this bet put your chips on the line separating the two numbers. If either of the two numbers are where the ball falls, you win. Pays 17 to 1. It's worth mentioning that you can also play a split bet on 0 and 00 by putting your chips on the line separating the second and third dozen. This is used to save some time and effort for people at the far end of the table.
Street bet A single bet that covers three numbers in a row. Place your chip on the outside line of the row you want to bet. Pays 11 to 1.
Corner bet A single bet on four adjoining numbers that form a square. Place your chip where the four numbers converge. This is also known as a square bet or a quarter bet, depending on the casinos roulette rules and titles. Pays 8 to 1.
Five-number bet There is only one five-number bet. Place your chip at the corner of the intersection of 0, 1, and the first dozen. This bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Pays 6 to 1.
Line Bet (Six-number bet) This bet covers two adjacent rows of numbers. To make this bet, place your chip on one of the outside lines at the intersection of two rows. This bet pays 5 to 1.
Any 12 numbers There are three ways to make this bet on the 1st 12 numbers, the 2nd 12 numbers or the 3rd set of 12 numbers the payout is typically 2 to 1.
Odd or Even There are two ways to make this bet, on all the odd numbers or on all the even numbers, the payout is typically even money.
Red or Black There are two ways to make this bet, on all the red numbers or on all the black numbers, the payout is typically even money.
Column Bets There are three ways to make this bet on the 1st column, the 2nd column or the 3rd column of numbers, the payout is typically 2 to 1.
1 -18 (Maque) This bet is made on the first half of the numbers on the wheel (excluding 00 and 0), the payout is typically even money.
19 - 36 (Passe) This bet is on the second half of the numbers on the wheel, the payout is typically even money.
La Partage Rule This rule lowers the house edge of 2.7% to a more attractive 1.35%. What happens is that if the ball lands on zero, the players only lose half of their money on outside bets. It doesn't increase what you win but does reduce the losses.
Surrender Rule Sometimes called the "Half-back rule" this is the American version of the La Partage generally found in Atlantic City. Here on even money bets, when zero comes up, half of your bet is taken immediately and half is returned to you.
En Prison Rule With this rule if the ball lands on zero, nothing happens to your bet; it stays 'in prison' until the next time the ball is rolled. Whatever happens then is exactly the same that would happen was the bet just placed on the table. The rule eliminates the threat of losing your bet if the ball lands on a zero. Just as with the 'la partage' rule, this one also lowers the house edge to 1.35%
For advice on how to make the best use of your bets visit our Roulette Odds and Strategy page.