Roulette comes in two forms - American and European, which are very similar, however there are some differences including different features in the roulette wheel and table layout. For a better understanding of the roulette betting options and the game rules let's look at both American and European roulette tables.
Table Layout
Any variation of roulette game is played at a specific table with a roulette wheel at one end (or in the middle). The table itself is covered in a green felt layout with boxes that stand for bets. Each number is either black or red, while the 0 and 00 (in American roulette) numbers are green. So, the numbers on the roulette table are marked:
Red: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, 36
Black: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33
Green: 0, 00
Roulette tables are divided into two parts for different types of roulette bets. The part of the table with all the numbers (from 1 to 36 and the additional zero pockets) in the grid is for Inside bets.
Outside the number boxes there are additional bets, called the Outside bets. These bets cover up to 18 numbers at one time while there are those that cover only 12. Read more about roulette betting and payouts for the different types of bets before you start the game.
American Roulette Table
European Roulette Table
You already know that an American roulette table does not differ much from an European one, the main differences being in the 00 slot and a place for additional call bets or announced bets. There is a special betting area for call bets which looks like:
Call bets are also known as "French bets" as they came from original roulette game played in France. Today these bets are not found in all casinos, either land or online. Still if you happen to find a roulette table with call bets, first learn the rules as they can differ from casino to casino. To get the brief information about the roulette tables and bets use our roulette cheat sheet.
Mini Roulette Table (Online)
Mini-roulette is one of the latest variations of an online roulette game. It is played according to the rules of traditional European roulette, but it has a smaller table layout with a smaller range of betting options. The players can bet on just 12 numbers and receive payouts from even money to 11 to 1. Usually mini-roulette tables have a much lower betting limit than traditional roulette games.
Roulette Chips
As there can be up to 8 players at a roulette table at the same time, the chips used in the game are not regular ones as the dealers could easily confuse them. Instead, each player gets a different colour of chips. Even friends and couples are required to play with chips of different colors.
The dealer asks players to denominate a single chip in his/her pile. The player then chooses the chips values, from $1 upwards, and the dealer places a chip of that particular color and another one of particular denomination near the wheel to control the payouts.
Roulette chips have no value outside the table, as the player after you may play with the same color but another denomination. Therefore it is strongly advised that you exchange the chips when you leave the table.