Roulette is a classic casino game enjoyed around the world. Whether you’re playing in Monte Carlo, Las Vegas, or your local casino, there are clear rules for both players and the house. Rules protect players & casinos alike and that keeps the game running smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of the key rules on both sides of the table.
In this blog I am talking about Roulette Tables at a casino and no online games – FYI, I never trust online roulette and wont ever play it.
Like all gambling, never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
The rules exist to protect both players and the casino.
Roulette Rules: What Players and Casinos Must Follow
Rules for Players
The rules are simple but also very important. Casinos will not tolerate breaking the rules and you could be removed, or even worse, banned!
- Place Bets Before the Dealer Closes Betting
Players can place bets anytime before the dealer (croupier) calls out “No more bets!” This means betting can continue even after the wheel has started spinning, but once the dealer calls no more bets, that’s it. Take your hands away. No more chips can be placed, moved, or removed. - Understand the Bet Types
Players can bet on:- Inside bets (like single numbers, splits between two numbers, or groups of up to six numbers)
- Outside bets (such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low numbers, dozens)
Each type has different odds and payouts. It’s up to the player to decide the risk they’re comfortable with. Outside bets often cost twice the table denomination.
- Use Casino Chips
In most casinos, players must use special roulette chips, different from standard casino chips, to avoid confusion at busy tables. - Never Touch Other’s Chips
An enormous error to make is touching another players chips – never do that. - Respect Table Limits
Every table has minimum and maximum bet limits. Players must bet within these limits for each type of bet. - Follow the Dealer’s Instructions
Players must respect when betting closes, winnings are paid, and new rounds begin. Touching chips after “No more bets” is called can result in removal from the table. - Don’t Touch Chips When Game Ends
After the game completes do not touch any chips until the croupier has removed all losing chips and paid all winners. They will usually call out “Place your bets” when it is time to play again.
Rules for the Casino
- Fair Wheel and Ball Spin
The casino must ensure that the wheel is balanced and the spin is random. Any tampering or bias would violate gaming regulations. - Clear Declaration of Betting Limits
Casinos must display table limits clearly, so players know the minimum and maximum amounts they can wager. - Prompt Payouts According to Odds
When the ball lands, the dealer must call out the winning number and colour, clear losing bets, and pay out winning bets according to the official odds (e.g., 35:1 for a single number bet). - “La Partage” or “En Prison” Rules (Optional)
In some European casinos, special rules like La Partage (where players lose only half on even-money bets if zero comes up) or En Prison (where the bet stays for another spin) may be offered. These must be declared upfront. - Compliance with Gaming Laws
All roulette games must follow the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction they operate in, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Getting Casino Chips
At casinos each roulette table will have their own unique chips which cannot be used on other tables. They are often marked in some way, for example: a table number stamped on the chip. If you are going to play that table you will need those chips.
Never hand cash to the croupier. To get chips, put your cash on the table and the croupier will count it then give you chips. Each player will have different coloured chips to distinguish one player from another.
Cashing Out Table Chips
Place your chips on the table and tell the croupier you’re leaving and want Cash Chips. The croupier will count up your chips and give you Cash Chips which can be exchange for cash at the cashier.
In summary: Players must place bets properly and respect the table rules, while casinos must run a fair and well-regulated game. Knowing both sides of the rules helps everyone enjoy roulette more.
Remember, roulette is a game of chance, and the outcome of each spin is independent of the previous ones. So, play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of this iconic casino game!
Beginners Guide – How to play roulette.
For more information on payouts click here. Some of the popular strategies are shown here.
Read more about Roulette on Wikipedia.
Happy Roulette Adventures everyone!
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