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Roulette Table: The Ultimate Guide

Regardless of whether or not you are a casino fan, a traditional roulette table is a hugely iconic sight. The simple combination of a wheel, ball, and croupier, as well as the all-important color base of red, black, and green, has been facilitating roulette games for hundreds of years.

If you’re interested to find out more about the history of the roulette table, how it works, and why different variations of the game can impact your chances of winning, be sure to read our informative guide!

History of the Roulette Table

The origins of roulette and its subsequent roulette table is often a strong point of debate between historians. The overarching theory is that the roulette table was first designed in the late 18th century in France. However, others believe that earlier origins of the roulette table dates back even further to 1720 Italy.

The roulette table layout was originally based on an innovative machine based on perpetual motion. In layman terms, this is an area of early science that sought to create an indefinite source of energy, through the use of a wheel. Although the idea was flawed - not least because it defies the laws of thermodynamics, the original design of the perpetual motion machine spurred the development of the modern roulette wheel.

In its present form, the roulette table has paved the way for roulette & live roulette online casino games since 1796 in Paris. After all, Roulette is the french word for "small wheel", so this at the very least confirms the French origins of the game. Interestingly, the early roots of the roulette table were slightly different in comparison to the modern game.

Back in the late 1700s, a conventional roulette table would have both a "green zero" and a "black zero". However, for the purpose of simplicity, the black zero subsequently became the second green zero, or double zero, that we see in certain versions of the game today.

While the double zero version of the game made its way to North America, the rest of Europe - including that of France, quickly adopted a slight variation to the roulette table. Instead of offering players two separate zero numbers, the second zero was abolished. This is why online casinos now host both versions of the roulette table, with the view of attracting players from all demographics.

So now that we’ve covered the history of the roulette table, in the next section we will explore the main layout of the table.

The Design of a Roulette Table

Although a number of roulette table variations exist, its size and dimensions usually remain constant regardless of where the game is being played. Most roulette table manufacturers will produce the table with a circumference of 32 inches, or 80 centimetres.

Although this might appear somewhat large, this is required to ensure that there is sufficient space for multiple players to get their bets on. In terms of the materials used, the foundation of the roulette wheel is commonly built with wood. In order to make the roulette table durable for long periods of time, the inner base is typically covered with aluminium.

When it comes to weight, a casino roulette wheel found in land-based casinos will weigh a whopping 45 kg. In order to retain the integrity of the roulette wheel, the manufacturing process requires a highly stringent testing phase, This is to ensure that the table remains true to the spin of the wheel, subsequently ensuring that each and every game is random.

What Does the Layout of a Roulette Table Look Like?

While it is true that the specific version of the game can alter how the table looks, much of the roulette table remains constant. Irrespective of where the game is being played, all roulette tables found in the casino will have 16 red numbers and 16 black numbers.

These numbers run from 1-36, meaning that the 32 numbers are split between even numbers and odd numbers. Although this might sound irrelevant to the discussion of a roulette table, this is crucial, as the even and odd market forms one of the most popular betting options for players.

We should also note that the specific sequence of the numbers will vary depending on the version being played. We’ll discuss that in more detail further down

On top of hosting 16 red numbers and 16 black numbers, a conventional roulette wheel will also yield at least 1 green number. European roulette online will host just one green zero, while American roulette will host two. This has a direct impact on the roulette table odds. Let’s explore the three main versions below.

Different Variations of the Table

The three hallmark variations of roulette are split between European roulette, American roulette, and French roulette.

American Roulette Table

American roulette tables are not only found in U.S. casinos, but casinos worldwide. The table follows all of the same characteristics as mentioned above, however, the key difference is that the roulette table has two green zeros.

One green zero is identified by a single ‘0’, and the other is a double ‘00’. This actually affects the roulette table odds for players, especially if they are betting on even money outcomes (for example even/odd or red/black). The reason for this is that the player will have to contend with an extra green zero, which subsequently reduces their chances of winning.

Here’s the sequential order of numbers on an American roulette table.

0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14, 2

European Roulette Table

Much like in the case of an American roulette table, European roulette tables can be found in casinos worldwide. When it comes to the actual layout, there is one less number on a European roulette table. Unlike its American counterpart - which has two green zeros, a European roulette table has just one.

This is simply identified by a single ‘0’. From the perspective of the player, this actually offers better odds. The reason for this is that if the player bets on an even money selection, they have one less green zero to contend with.

The only other main variation between a European roulette table and its American alternative is the sequence of the numbers.

Here’s the sequential order of numbers on a European roulette table.

0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26

French Roulette Table

It is less common to find a French roulette table in casinos outside of France, as most casinos will either install American roulette tables, European roulette tables, or a combination of the two. However, if you do come across a French roulette table, you should prioritize this other the other variations.

The key reason for this is that although the layout is exactly the same as a European table, your odds are slightly more favorable. This is because if you place an even money bet, but the ball lands on the single green zero, then you will receive 50% of your stake back.

Finally, the sequence of the numbers is also the same as the European version.

Roulette Table Numbers: Why Are The Numbers Not in Order?

Have you ever looked at the sequence of a roulette table and wondered why the numbers are not in order? Well, there is actually some clear logic behind this. First and foremost, if you've had the chance to play roulette before, the croupier will take bets even though they have already spun the wheel.

The croupier will make a judgment as to when they will no longer accept any more bets on that particular round, before telling players "No More Bets". Although it would still be difficult to predict with any certainty, if the numbers were in sequential order, the player might stand a better chance of predicting the outcome. This is especially true for even money bets, such as 1-18 or 19-36.

As such, the way that the numbers on a roulette table have been designed - regardless of which version you are playing, have been done in such a manner as to ensure players do not get an advantage.

Where do I place my chips on the Roulette table?

When it comes to choosing your bets, it is important that you understand where on the roulette table you need to place your chips. Whether its the European, American or French version of the game, the roulette table rules will always remain constant.

In a nutshell, the roulette table game framework has two key sections - outside bets and inside bets.

Outside Bets

Outside bets refer to non-specific number bets. In order to place an outside bet, you simply need to place your chips on the section of the roulette table that lists your desired selection.

The roulette table payout for the below outside bets is even money.

Even
Odd
Black
Red
1-18
19-36

There are also three additional “column” bets that you can place on the outside of the table, which pays odds of 2/1.

Inside Bets

When we refer to inside bets, it means that you are attempting to guess which number the ball is going to land on. As noted above, this will cover numbers 1-36, and depending on whether you are playing at a European, French or American roulette table, one or two green zeros.

TThe roulette table allows you to place as many chips on as many numbers as you see fit. While some players might place a single chip on a single number, others like to spread multiple chips on multiple numbers.

A roulette table will place a square around each and every number from 1-36, which means that you can also cover multiple numbers with just a single chip. For example, if you place your chip in the very middle of four numbers, then you are backing all four of the numbers with a single chip. If one of the numbers comes in, then you'll be paid odds of 8-1.

Roulette Table: Frequently Asked Question

How many numbers on a roulette table?

All three versions of roulette have 36 numbers (1-36). However, while a European and French roulette table has one green zero (0), an American roulette table has two green zeros (0, 00). In total, this means that European and French tables have 37 numbers, while American tables have 38.

How big is a roulette table?

Most roulette tables that you will find in a casino will have a size of 32 inches (80 centimeters).

Which roulette table offers the best odds?

French roulette tables offer the best odds, especially for those that like to place even money bets. Firstly, there is only one green zero to contend with (like a European table). Secondly, if you place an even money bet and the ball lands on the green zero, you get 50% of your stake back.

Why don’t the numbers on a roulette table run in sequential order?

This is to ensure that players cannot gain an advantaged once the roulette wheel has been spun, and the dealer is still accepting bets.