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JANUARY 2025

European Roulette - Basic Rules and Winning Bets

Kiwi guide to mastering European roulette.


Kiwi Guide to European Roulette: Rules and Online Play

Kiwi guide to mastering European roulette.

Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams

CERTIFIED EXPERT CERTIFIED EXPERT
Kim Birch has gone head-to-head with top poker pros globally. An expert in poker and blackjack, Kim has also written 3 books. About Kim Birch

Roulette's a classic at the casino, both online and in-person. It's been around since the 1600s and you'll find it just about everywhere you look to have a punt. From the big screen to your local, roulette's not going anywhere.

When online casinos took off, they brought roulette along for the ride. To stand out, these sites started cooking up their own unique versions of the game.

European roulette's one of the big three types you'll come across. It's probably the most popular, thanks to better odds than its American cousin and being easier to find than the French version.

This guide's here to give you the lowdown on European roulette and sort out any questions you might have.

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Kiwi's Guide to European Roulette: Layout and Wheel Basics

Kiwi guide to European roulette table and betting layout online

Kiwi guide to European roulette table and betting layout online

Spotting a European roulette table at the casino is a piece of cake if you know what to look for. While it shares a layout with French roulette, the rules set it apart.

The wheel's pockets alternate between red and black, giving punters an even shot at either colour. The numbers on the wheel, in clockwise order, are:

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

On the table, you'll see the numbers in their usual order, from 1 to 36, arranged in 3 rows and 12 columns. The zero sits at the top. Outside bets are placed around the edge of the number grid.

All in all, European roulette is straightforward. You'll get the hang of it in no time.

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Kiwi Guide to European Roulette Payouts

European roulette's a top pick at the pokies because of its diverse betting options. This ripper of a casino game offers different payout rules and winning odds based on your bet. You won't find another casino game that matches its flexibility and unpredictability.

Roulette bets fall into two main groups: inside and outside bets. Let's break these down for you.

Inside Bets Payout Rules

These are the bets you place directly on the number grid - that rectangle with all the numbers in it. Here's a rundown of the different inside bets:

A straight-up bet is the riskiest inside bet where you're backing just one number on the grid. It's the most rewarding with a 35 to 1 payout, but your chances of winning are only 2.70%. Not the best choice if you're watching your wallet. Remember, like all roulette bets, you'll get your initial stake back if you win.

Check out the illustration of this bet below.

A diagram showing a straight-up wager in Kiwi European roulette.

A diagram showing a straight-up wager in Kiwi European roulette.

A split bet is when you chuck your chips on two neighbouring numbers. It's a smart way to boost your chances of winning compared to backing just one number. The rules for this bet are the same whether you're playing online or down at the local casino. But don't get too excited - it's still a risky move with a 17 to 1 payout. To place the bet, you need to pop your chip right on the line between the two numbers.

Check out the picture below to see how a split bet looks.

A visual guide to split bets in European Roulette gameplay.

A visual guide to split bets in European Roulette gameplay.

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Kiwi Guide to Street and Corner Bets in European Online Roulette

A street bet covers three numbers in a single row. This wager pays out 11 to 1, with a winning probability of 8.10%. To make a street bet, simply place your chip at the start of your chosen row on the betting layout.

A diagram showing street bets on a European roulette table

A diagram showing street bets on a European roulette table

A corner bet lets you wager on four adjacent numbers. It pays out at 8 to 1, with a 10.81% chance of winning. This safer option requires you to place your chip where the four squares meet on the table.

Have a look at the image below for a visual guide.

A visual guide to placing corner bets in European roulette

A visual guide to placing corner bets in European roulette

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Kiwi Guide to Double Street and Trio Bets

A double street bet is simply two street bets combined. You're putting your money on 6 numbers across 2 rows. To make this bet, pop your chip on the corner where the two rows meet. The odds are 5 to 1, with a 16.51% chance of winning. It's a solid option for punters looking to cover more numbers without spreading themselves too thin.

A classic double street wager in Kiwi European roulette

A classic double street wager in Kiwi European roulette

A trio bet in European roulette covers zero plus two adjacent numbers. You've got two options: 0, 1, and 2, or 0, 2, and 3. To place the bet, pop your chip on the corner where 0 meets 1 for the first combo, or where 0 meets 3 for the second. The payout's 11 to 1, with an 8.10% chance of winning - same odds as a street bet. It's a decent option if you're keen on including the zero in your punt without going all-in on a straight-up bet.

Kiwi guide to trio bets in European roulette

Kiwi guide to trio bets in European roulette

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Kiwi Guide: Outside Bet Payouts in European Roulette

Outside bets cover all wagers placed outside the number grid. These varied bets can be based on colour, numbers, or specific patterns. Outside bets are less risky than inside bets due to higher win probabilities, but they offer lower payouts. The number 0 isn't included in any outside bets.

High or Low Bet Payout

High or low is a straightforward outside bet where you wager on either the high or low number range. Low numbers are 1 to 18, while high numbers are 19 to 36. This bet covers half the numbers, excluding 0. Your chances of winning are 48.64%, with a 1:1 payout.

As with other European roulette bets, you'll get your stake back when you win. For instance, a $10 bet would return $20 if successful - $10 profit plus your original $10 stake. Check out the illustration below for a visual guide.

Placing a low wager on 1-18 in European roulette

Placing a low wager on 1-18 in European roulette

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Kiwi guide to odd/even and roulette colour bets

The odd or even bet is about guessing if the roulette ball will stop on an odd or even number. It's similar to the high or low bet, with a 48.64% chance of winning and even money payout.

Placing a quirky wager on European roulette

Placing a quirky wager on European roulette

For the red or black bet, you're picking which colour you reckon the ball will land on. Just like odd/even and high/low wagers, you've got a 48.64% chance of winning, with a 1:1 payout if you do.

Check out the image below to see what a red or black bet looks like in European roulette.

Placing a bet on red in Kiwi European roulette

Placing a bet on red in Kiwi European roulette

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Kiwi Guide: Column and Dozen Bet Payouts

Placing a column bet means you're backing one of the three columns on the roulette table. If the ball lands on any number in your chosen column, you'll score a 2 to 1 payout. Your chances of winning this bet sit at 32.43%.

Placing a column bet on the middle column in Kiwi roulette

Placing a column bet on the middle column in Kiwi roulette

The dozen bet offers odds similar to the column bet, but with a different strategy. Here, you're wagering on the first, second, or third dozen numbers in sequence - that's 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. Like the column bet, it pays out at 2 to 1.

Check out the example of a dozen bet below.

A dozen bet on the middle dozen numbers in Kiwi roulette

A dozen bet on the middle dozen numbers in Kiwi roulette

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European Roulette: Odds and Payback Rates

Before diving into any pokie or casino game, it's crucial to suss out the house edge and return to player (RTP) percentage. These figures give you the lowdown on how risky and potentially profitable the game is. The RTP tells you what percentage of your betting dosh you should expect back if you play for yonks.

Casinos need to turn a profit, so games are designed to give them a slight advantage. This advantage is what we call the house edge.

The house edge is basically the flip side of the RTP - it's what the casino stands to make if you play for ages. For example, if the RTP is 90%, the house edge is 10%.

You'll notice that bet payouts often suggest better odds than you actually have. Take red or black bets - your real chances of winning are 48.64%, but the 1:1 payout implies it's a 50/50 shot.

Let's look at another example. A dozen bet payout suggests you've got a 1 in 3 chance of winning. But because of that pesky 0 on the wheel, your actual odds are 32.43%, not 33.33%. This slight difference is how the casino maintains its edge and keeps the lights on.

No need to memorise the odds for every bet though - European roulette has a consistent 2.7% house edge across all bets. Take that away from 100%, and you've got your RTP of 97.3% - that's what you should expect back after a lengthy session.

All in all, European roulette offers one of the best RTPs and lowest house edges in the casino. It's definitely worth a spin if you're keen on maximising your chances.

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Spin the Wheel: Kiwi European Roulette

The world of online pokies has opened up heaps of options you wouldn't find at your local casino. These days, online pokie providers are in a constant tussle to give punters the most unique and top-notch gaming experience.

Live European Roulette (Evolution Gaming)

Kiwi Guide to European Live Roulette
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Kiwi Guide to European Live Roulette

At BETO, we're all about helping Kiwi punters get to grips with European roulette and find top-notch online casinos. Our aim is to boost your knowledge of casino games and point you towards the cream of the crop.

Our team reckons that if you're keen on online roulette, you can't go past Evolution Gaming. They've got some of the best roulette variants going around.

Here's hoping Lady Luck's on your side when you give online roulette a spin. All the best!

Video: European Roulette - Basic Rules and Winning Bets

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Kiwi guide to European roulette from Evolution Gaming

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European Roulette - Kiwi Guide

Let's dive into some common questions punters have about European Roulette.

Who's the mastermind behind European roulette? Arrow Arrow

Blaise Pascal, the bloke who accidentally came up with roulette, wasn't aiming to create a pokie game. It just sort of happened while he was tinkering with other stuff.

Is European roulette truly the smarter bet? Arrow Arrow

European roulette definitely offers better odds compared to its American counterpart. While French roulette edges out European in terms of odds, you'd be hard-pressed to find it at most casinos or online pokie sites.

What's the story behind roulette's name? Arrow Arrow

European roulette, with its French roots, got its name from the word for 'little wheel'. This classic casino game evolved from two earlier games popular at the time - Roly Poly and Even-Odd. Today, it's a staple at both brick-and-mortar and online casinos across New Zealand.

Do Kiwi casinos offer European roulette tables? Arrow Arrow

You'll spot European roulette tables at plenty of big casinos, including popular spots like MGM and Bellagio.

How many numbers are on a Kiwi European roulette wheel? Arrow Arrow

In European roulette, you'll find 37 numbers on the wheel. There's a single green pocket with a zero, plus 18 red and 18 black pockets.

Are European roulette games fair dinkum? Arrow Arrow

No worries about fairness when you're playing at licensed casinos in New Zealand. They're all above board.

Can you strike it lucky in European roulette? Arrow Arrow

Sure, you might strike it lucky and score a few wins on the trot. But let's be real - you could just as easily hit a rough patch and watch your money disappear. It all comes down to chance, and no matter what anyone tells you, there's no foolproof way to come out on top every time you play.