Roulette may seem simple on the surface—a spinning wheel, a ball, and some chips—but beneath that elegance lies a rich vocabulary that every serious player should understand. Whether you’re playing in a glamorous land-based casino or online, knowing the right terms can enhance your gameplay and confidence. From bet types to table etiquette, this glossary will walk you through the most important roulette terminology. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your knowledge, this guide will help you play smarter and speak the language of the game.
Basic Roulette Table Terms
Let’s start with the core elements of the game—those you’ll see and hear every time you sit at the table.
- Wheel: The spinning device with numbered pockets where the ball lands. European wheels have 37 pockets (0–36); American ones have 38 (0, 00, 1–36).
- Ball: The small ivory or synthetic sphere that spins around the wheel and determines the winning number.
- Layout: The betting area on the table where players place their chips on numbers or groups.
- Croupier (Dealer): The person who spins the wheel and manages the game. In online versions, this may be automated or a live dealer.
- Marker (Dolly): The device used to mark the winning number on the layout after each spin.
Understanding these basics gives you a foundation before diving into the bets themselves.
Types of Roulette Bets: Inside and Outside
Roulette bets are typically divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
- Inside Bets:
- Straight Up: Betting on a single number.
- Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers.
- Street: A row of three numbers (e.g., 1–2–3).
- Corner (Square): A bet on four numbers that form a square.
- Six Line (Double Street): Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers).
- Outside Bets:
- Red/Black: Betting on all red or all black numbers.
- Odd/Even: Betting on all odd or even numbers.
- High/Low: Betting on low (1–18) or high (19–36) numbers.
- Dozens: Betting on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.
- Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns.
These terms are essential for placing your bets and understanding your odds.
Advanced Terms & Special Rules
Now that you know the basics, here are some advanced or regional roulette terms that add complexity to the game:
- En Prison: A rule in European roulette where if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on 0, your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If you win, you get your money back.
- La Partage: Similar to en prison. If zero comes up, half your even-money bet is returned, and the other half goes to the house.
- House Edge: The built-in advantage the casino has. European roulette has a house edge of about 2.7%, while American roulette (with the 00) is higher at 5.26%.
- Hot/Cold Numbers: Frequently or infrequently hit numbers based on past results. Often used by players who believe in patterns (though outcomes are random).
- Call Bets (French Bets): These are advanced bets typically used in European roulette and include:
- Voisins du Zéro: A bet covering numbers near 0.
- Tiers du Cylindre: A bet covering a third of the wheel opposite to 0.
- Orphelins: A bet covering the “orphaned” numbers not in the two above groups.
These bets are usually placed by announcing them to the dealer in live play.
Chip and Table Etiquette Terms
Casino etiquette is a big part of roulette culture, and knowing the terms helps keep the game smooth.
- Color Chips: In physical casinos, each player gets a unique color to avoid confusion.
- Stack: A pile of 20 chips, often used in betting and payouts.
- No More Bets: Announced by the dealer to signal the betting phase is over.
- Payout: The money or chips awarded for a winning bet.
Online players will see many of these terms in the interface, and live casino players will hear them from the dealer.
Final Thoughts
Understanding roulette terminology isn’t just about sounding like a seasoned gambler—it’s about playing smarter and feeling more confident at the table. Whether you’re betting straight up, playing the tiers, or watching the wheel spin in anticipation, mastering these terms helps you engage more deeply with the game. From beginner to advanced, this glossary ensures you’re always one step ahead. So the next time you take a seat at the roulette table, you’ll do so like a pro—fluent in the language of the wheel.