Roulette is one of the most popular casino table games. Blackjack is typically the only table game that receives more action.
One of the reasons so many players enjoy roulette is its simplicity. There are no complex rules to understand. Players make a wager on a range of numbers or individually. The dealer spins the ball. Bets are won or lost depending on where it lands on the roulette wheel.
Buying into a roulette game
The first step in playing roulette in a casino is getting chips. Roulette tables typically have different chip colors for each player. This prevents any confusion when winning wagers are paid. The denomination may vary, depending on the table limits.
To receive chips at a roulette table, place your cash on the felt. The dealer will exchange it for chips that may be played only at a roulette table. If you brought chips from another game, you will need to exchange them for the proper roulette ones.
Roulette chips may not be used at any other table games. When you are ready to leave a roulette table, get your chips colored up by the dealer. You will receive chips that may be used at other tables, like blackjack and craps, or cashed out at the casino cage.
Roulette payouts
The payouts below are for each type of bet available on a standard roulette wheel. It is multiplied by the amount wagered to determine the exact payout.
- Straight (single number): 35
- Split: (two numbers): 17
- Street (three numbers): 11
- Basket (0, 00, 1, 2 and 3): 6
- Line (six numbers): 5
- Dozens and columns: 2
- Odd, even, red, black, high, low: 1
Types of Roulette Dealt in the US
We found five types of roulette games dealt throughout the United States. Two use single zero wheels. Two use double zero wheels. The last is triple zero roulette.
European Roulette
European Roulette is the best version of the game that we have found in the United States. We have only seen it on the Las Vegas Strip at MGM Resorts properties, Cosmopolitan and Treasure Island and at Red Rock Resort in the locals market.
The minimum is usually $100. However, you may find the game for $50 at slow times.
The roulette wheel has just one zero. However, there are a couple of differences between it and single zero roulette.
There are unique tracks on the betting felt of European Roulette. These are orphelins and neighbours.
The other difference is la partage. This gives players half of an even money bet back when the ball lands on zero. For example, a $100 bet on red only loses $50 when zero is called. All other bets that do not win are lost entirely to the house.
The house edge for European Roulette is 2.7% for most bets. Even money bets only hold 1.35% due to la partage returning half of even money bets when zero is called.
Single zero roulette
Single zero roulette is a standard game. There is one zero on the wheel. There is no la partage in single zero roulette. We have found the game for $15 at Plaza in downtown Las Vegas. It is typically $50 or $100 anywhere else it is dealt, which includes the Las Vegas Strip and high limit rooms in Atlantic City. The house edge in single zero roulette is 2.7%.
Double zero roulette
Double zero roulette is by far the most popular version of the game in the United States. We estimate that at least 98% of all roulette tables in the country have two zeros with no other special rules.
The house edge for all but one bet is 5.26% at double zero roulette. The basket bet, which is 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, has a house edge of 7.89%. That is slightly worse than triple zero roulette.
Atlantic City double zero roulette
Double zero roulette is dealt a little differently in Atlantic City. The la partage that is found at European Roulette tables in Las Vegas is available at double zero wheels in Atlantic City. Players receive half of even money bets back if the ball lands on zero or double zero.
Players that only make even money outside bets will have a slightly better return at these tables than the single zero high limit ones in Atlantic City. That is because single zero roulette in Atlantic City does not have la partage.
The house edge on most Atlantic City double zero roulette tables is 5.26%. The even money bets hold 2.63% due to receiving half of the bet back on either zero.
Triple zero roulette
Triple zero roulette was first seen at Venetian and Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip in 2016. This game has three zeros on the wheel. It is often disguised as the casino’s logo. This is the worst version of roulette that is dealt in the United States. Its house edge is 7.69%.
