How to Play European Roulette: Rules Explained

European Roulette is played by predicting where a ball will land on a wheel numbered 0 to 36. To learn how to play European roulette, choose a bet, place your chips before the spin, watch the ball settle, and compare the result with the payout table.

Objective

The objective is to predict the winning number, colour, number range or other approved combination before the dealer spins the wheel. European Roulette has one zero, unlike American Roulette, which has both 0 and 00. That single-zero layout gives European Roulette a lower house edge than the American variant, although every bet still carries a mathematical disadvantage for the player.

A roulette round is independent of previous rounds. A run of red results does not make black more likely on the next spin, and no betting system removes the house edge. Treat the game as entertainment rather than a way to make income.

Setup

A standard European Roulette table includes:

• A wheel with numbers 0 through 36, including 18 red numbers, 18 black numbers and one green zero.
• A betting layout showing inside and outside betting options.
• Chips used to mark wagers on the layout.
• A dealer, often called a croupier, who controls the wheel and ball in a live game.
• A minimum and maximum table limit, which vary by casino and should be checked before playing.

In an online game, the same basic layout appears on screen. A digital or live-dealer version may have different interface controls, time limits and table rules, so read the displayed information before placing a wager. If you are considering a particular game, play European Roulette online only after checking the current operator terms and local availability.

Glossary

• Banker or house: The casino that operates the game.
• Croupier: The dealer who spins the wheel in a live game.
• Inside bet: A wager placed on individual numbers or small number combinations.
• Outside bet: A wager on broader groups such as red or black.
• Straight-up bet: A bet on one number.
• Split bet: A bet covering two adjacent numbers.
• Street bet: A bet covering three numbers in one row.
• Corner bet: A bet covering four numbers meeting at one corner.
• Dozen: One of three groups: 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36.
• Column: One of the three vertical groups on the table.
• Even-money bet: A red/black, odd/even or low/high bet that normally pays 1:1 if successful.
• House edge: The casino’s mathematical advantage over time.
• Push or returned stake: A wager returned under a specific table rule; check the rules because treatment of the zero can differ.

How a Round Works

The round follows a simple sequence:

1. Choose a table. Check that it is European Roulette and review the table limits, available bets and any special zero rule.
2. Select a stake. In a live casino, exchange money for chips. Online, choose the chip value shown by the game.
3. Place your bet. Put chips on a number, line or outside betting area before betting closes.
4. Wait for the spin. The dealer spins the wheel and sends the ball in the opposite direction.
5. Betting closes. No new wagers or changes are accepted once the dealer announces that betting is closed.
6. The ball lands. The dealer identifies the winning number and colour.
7. Winning bets are paid. Losing wagers are removed, while winning wagers are settled according to the payout table.
8. The next round begins. You may place another bet, change your selection or stop playing.

For example, suppose you place $5 on red and the ball lands on 18 red. A 1:1 winning bet produces a $5 profit, and your original $5 stake is returned. If the ball lands on 0, a red bet normally loses because zero is neither red nor black. The exact treatment of zero should be confirmed at the table.

Bets Explained

European Roulette rules divide bets into inside and outside categories. Inside bets cover fewer numbers and usually offer larger payouts. Outside bets cover more outcomes and usually offer smaller payouts, but they do not guarantee a win.

Inside bets

• Straight-up: Place a chip on one number, such as 17.
• Split: Place a chip on the line between two adjacent numbers, such as 17 and 20.
• Street: Place a chip at the end of a row covering three numbers.
• Corner: Place a chip at the intersection of four numbers.
• Six-line: Place a chip between two rows to cover six numbers.

A straight-up bet has the highest standard payout but also covers only one of the 37 possible results. A wider inside bet covers more numbers while paying less if successful.

Outside bets

• Red or black: Predict the colour.
• Odd or even: Predict whether the number is odd or even. Zero is neither.
• Low or high: Low covers 1–18; high covers 19–36.
• Dozens: Choose 1–12, 13–24 or 25–36.
• Columns: Choose one of the three table columns.

Outside bets are often easier for beginners to understand, but a larger coverage area does not remove the house edge. Before a first game, confirm that you understand which numbers are included and how zero is handled.

Payouts

The standard European Roulette payout table is shown below. The figures describe the profit on a winning wager; the original stake is normally returned as well.

A $2 straight-up bet that wins at 35:1 produces a $70 profit plus the returned $2 stake. A $10 column bet that wins at 2:1 produces a $20 profit plus the returned stake. These examples show payout calculation only; they do not change the probability of winning.

The zero is the key reason European Roulette has a house edge. Even-money bets cover 18 numbers but not the zero, so they do not win on every other spin. Some tables use a “la partage” or “en prison” rule for certain even-money bets when zero appears. These rules can affect the amount returned, so check the table information rather than assuming they apply.

First-game checklist

• Confirm that the wheel has a single 0 and is labelled European Roulette.
• Read the payout table and the rules for zero.
• Check the minimum and maximum stake before buying chips.
• Decide your maximum spend and session length in advance.
• Place only bets you can explain in your own words.
• Check the selected chip value before confirming a wager.
• Wait for the result and settle the round before making another decision.
• Stop when you reach your time or spending limit.

Common Mistakes

Confusing European and American Roulette. A 00 changes the layout and the mathematical odds. Confirm the wheel type before betting.

Treating patterns as predictions. Previous spins do not control the next spin. A sequence such as red, red, black, red is not a reliable signal about what comes next.

Using a loss-chasing system. Increasing the stake after a loss can quickly exceed a budget and does not overcome the house edge. Systems such as doubling bets change the size of possible losses, not the underlying odds.

Ignoring zero. Zero is green and is not odd, even, red, black, low or high. It is a losing result for many outside bets unless a special rule says otherwise.

Misreading the layout. Dozens, columns, streets and corners cover different numbers. Check the highlighted area before confirming an online bet.

Forgetting table limits. A strategy may require stakes that the table does not permit. Limits also affect how much risk a single round can create.

Assuming all games are identical. Live dealer, software-based and free-play games may differ in interface, side bets or zero rules. Review the information panel for the exact version.

FAQ

How to play European roulette?

Choose a European Roulette table, select a stake, place an inside or outside bet before betting closes, and wait for the wheel to determine the winning number. Compare the result with the payout table, collect any winning return, and decide whether to stop or play another round. Start with a small practice stake or demo mode so you can learn the layout without treating early play as a test of skill.

How do you play European Roulette?

You play by predicting one or more outcomes on the table. A straight-up wager selects one number, while a red, black, odd, even, dozen or column wager covers a larger group. The croupier spins the wheel, the ball lands on one number, and the casino settles each wager according to the published payouts. Check the minimum, maximum and zero rules before beginning.

Can I play European Roulette online for free?

Yes, many casinos and game sites offer free European Roulette in demo mode so you can practise the rules without risking money. Free play is useful for learning how to select chips, place bets and read the result, but it may not reproduce every feature of a real-money or live-dealer table. If you move to real-money play, verify age, local availability, payment terms and current operator rules first. For a direct game overview, see the European Roulette guide.

Is European Roulette a game of skill or luck?

It is primarily a game of chance. Players can use skill to understand the layout, compare bets, manage a budget and avoid mistakes, but they cannot control the ball or guarantee a result. Betting choices affect the type and size of possible wins and losses, not the casino’s built-in mathematical advantage.

Responsible Gambling

European Roulette is for adults aged 18 or over, or 21 where local law requires. Set a spending and time limit before playing, never chase losses, and do not borrow money to gamble. Gambling rules vary by US state, Canadian province and New Zealand; check your local regulator or official gambling-help service for current guidance.

In the US, call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New Zealand, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655. In Canada, contact your provincial problem gambling service.

Information last reviewed: October 2026.