Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Roulette's a classic at the casino, whether you're playing online or in person. It's been around since the 1600s and shows no signs of slowing down. You'll spot it in pretty much every betting shop and it's all over the telly too. Safe to say, roulette's not going anywhere.
When online casinos kicked off, they brought roulette along for the ride. To stand out from the crowd, these sites started cooking up their own unique spins on the game.
European roulette's one of the big three versions out there. It's probably the most popular, thanks to better odds than its American cousin and being easier to find than the French variety.
This guide's here to give you the lowdown on European roulette and sort out any questions you might have.
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Aussie guide to European roulette table and betting layout online
Spotting a European roulette table at the casino is a cinch 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 sequence, arranged in 3 rows and 12 columns, with 0 at the top. The outside bets are placed near the number grid - we'll get to those shortly.
All in all, European roulette isn't rocket science. You'll pick it up in no time, whether you're having a punt at the local casino or spinning online.
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European roulette's a hit with Aussie punters thanks to its diverse betting options. This ripper of a casino game keeps things interesting with different payout rules and winning odds based on your wager. When it comes to flexibility and unpredictability, this game's in a league of its own.
Roulette bets fall into two categories: inside and outside bets. Let's break 'em down for you.
These are the bets you plonk directly on the number grid - that rectangle with all the numbers. Here's the lowdown on the different inside bets.
The straight-up bet is the riskiest inside bet, where you're backing a single number on the grid. It's the most rewarding with a 35 to 1 payout, but your chances of winning are a slim 2.70%. Not the best choice if you're watching your pennies. Remember, like all roulette bets, you'll get your initial stake back if you win.
Check out the illustration of this bet below.
Straight-up bets: A classic move in European roulette explained
A split bet is when you chuck your money on two neighbouring numbers. It's a smart way to double your chances of a win compared to backing just one number. The rules are the same as you'd find in a bricks-and-mortar casino. But don't get too excited - it's still a risky punt with 17 to 1 odds. To place this bet, pop your chip right on the line between the two numbers you're backing.
Check out the image below to see what a split bet looks like.
Split bets on the European Roulette wheel: A visual guide
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A street bet covers three numbers in a single row. This punt pays out 11 to 1, with a winning chance of 8.10%. To make a street bet, pop your chip at the start of your chosen row.
A diagram showing street bets on an Aussie roulette table layout.
A corner bet lets you wager on four adjacent numbers. With an 8 to 1 payout and a 10.81% chance of winning, it's a relatively safe option. To place this bet, pop your chip where the four squares meet on the table.
Have a squiz at the image below for a visual guide.
Placing a Corner Bet in European Roulette: A Visual Guide
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A double street bet combines two street bets, letting you wager on 6 numbers across 2 rows. To place 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.
Double street bets in European roulette: Aussie guide
A trio bet covers at least one 0 and two adjacent numbers on the roulette wheel. You can pick either 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 odds are the same as a street bet - you've got an 8.10% chance of winning, with a payout of 11 to 1. It's a decent option if you're keen on including the 0 in your strategy.
Trio bet in European roulette: Aussie guide
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Outside bets cover all wagers placed outside the number grid. These varied bets can be based on colour, numbers, or specific patterns. They're safer than inside bets due to higher win probability, but offer lower payouts. The zero isn't included in any outside bets.
High or low is a straightforward outside bet where you punt on either high or low number ranges. Low numbers are 1 to 18, while high numbers are 19 to 36. This bet covers half the numbers, excluding zero. 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. So, a $10 bet would return $20 if successful - $10 profit plus your original tenner. Check out the illustration below for a visual guide.
Placing low bets on 1-18 in Aussie European roulette
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Betting on odd or even in roulette is about guessing if the ball will stop on an odd or even number. It's similar to the high/low bet, with a 48.64% chance of winning and even money payout. Check out more about the roulette ball and how it affects your odds.
Unique wagers in Aussie European roulette
For the red or black bet, you're putting your money on which colour you reckon the ball will land on. Just like odd or even and high or 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 wager on red in European roulette: What to know
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The column bet involves 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 in Aussie European Roulette
The dozen bet shares similar odds with the column bet but works a bit differently. Here, you're placing your bet on the first, second, or third dozen numbers in order. That means you can back 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.
Placing a dozen bet on the middle third in Aussie European roulette
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Before diving into any pokie or casino game, it's crucial to suss out the house edge and return to player (RTP) percentage. These numbers 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 ages.
Casinos need to turn a profit, so games are designed to give them a slight advantage. This advantage is called 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 yonks. For example, if the RTP is 90%, the house edge is 10%.
You'll notice that bet payouts 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 real odds are 32.43%, not 33.33%. This difference is how the house 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 the board. Take that away from 100%, and you've got your RTP of 97.3% – that's what you should expect back after a solid session.
Bottom line: European roulette boasts one of the highest RTPs and lowest house edges in the casino. It's definitely worth a spin for any punter looking for a fair go.
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The world of online pokies has opened up a whole new range of options that you'd be hard-pressed to find in your local betting shop. These days, heaps of online pokie providers are vying to give punters the most unique and top-notch gaming experience possible.
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Dive into European Live Roulette Down Under
At BETO, we're all about helping you get to grips with different European roulette games and finding top-notch online casinos that tick all your boxes. Our aim is to boost your casino know-how and point you towards the cream of the crop in gaming options.
Our team of pokies pros reckon that if you're keen on online roulette, you can't go past Evolution Gaming. They're the ones dishing up the best roulette variants on the web.
Here's hoping you have a ripper time spinning the wheel online. May the odds be ever in your favour!
Aussie guide to European roulette from Evolution Gaming
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Let's dive into some common questions punters have about European Roulette.
Blaise Pascal accidentally stumbled upon the creation of roulette while tinkering with his inventions. He wasn't aiming to design a pokie game, but that's how it turned out.
When it comes to odds, European roulette definitely trumps its American counterpart. While French roulette technically offers the best chances, you'd be hard-pressed to find it in most casinos or betting shops around Australia.
European Roulette, with its French roots, got its name from the word 'little wheel'. The game's design was influenced by two other popular pastimes of the era: Roly Poly and Even-Odd. These days, you'll find this classic at most Aussie casinos and online pokie sites.
You'll spot European roulette tables at major casinos across Australia, including Crown and The Star.
European roulette features 37 numbers, including a single green zero pocket alongside 18 red and 18 black pockets.
No worries about fairness when you're playing at licensed casinos in Australia. They've got you covered.
Sure, you might strike it lucky and score a few wins on the trot. But let's be real - you could just as easily cop a string of losses. It all comes down to chance, and there's no foolproof way to guarantee you'll always come out on top.
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