The Wheel

“Roulette” is French for “little wheel”. The wheel has numbered pockets that alternate between red and black. A European wheel has the numbers 1 to 36 plus a single green zero – 37 pockets in total. An American wheel adds a second green pocket, double zero (00), making 38.

A popular piece of casino folklore: add up all the numbers from 1 to 36 and you get 666 – which is why roulette is sometimes nicknamed “the devil’s wheel”.

The Table and the Croupier

A roulette table usually seats six to eight players, all playing against the house. The croupier (dealer) spins the wheel, launches the ball, collects losing bets and pays out winners. In a land-based casino, each player receives chips of a different colour so bets on the layout can’t be confused.

Buying Chips

In a casino you buy chips at the table. For example, if you hand the croupier €20 and ask for €1 chips, you’ll receive 20 chips; ask for €5 chips and you’ll get four. Online, your balance is shown on screen and you simply select a chip value before placing a bet.

Understanding Table Limits

Every table shows its minimum and maximum bets on a sign (or in the game information online). A typical sign might read:

• Inside minimum €2 – your total bets on the numbers themselves must add up to at least €2. With €1 chips, you could place two chips on different numbers.
• Outside minimum €2 – each individual outside bet must be at least €2. You can’t split it into two €1 outside bets.

Inside and Outside Bets

Inside bets are placed on a single number or small groups of numbers on the layout and pay more but win less often. Outside bets cover larger groups:

• 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12 (dozens, pays 2:1)
• 1–18 and 19–36 (low/high, pays 1:1)
• Even and Odd (pays 1:1)
• Red and Black (pays 1:1)
• Columns (pays 2:1)

For the full list of bets and payouts, see How to Play Roulette.

How a Round Plays Out

1. Place your bets on the layout – inside, outside or both, including zero.
2. The croupier spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
3. Shortly before the ball settles, the croupier calls “No more bets”. From then on, no one can place or change a bet.
4. The ball drops into a pocket. The croupier places a marker (the “dolly”) on the winning number and clears losing bets.
5. Winning bets are paid, the dolly is removed and you can bet again.

Online, the same sequence happens with an on-screen betting timer: when it reaches zero, betting closes for that spin.

Table Etiquette

• Wait for the dolly to be removed before placing new bets.
• Don’t touch your chips once “no more bets” has been called.
• At live tables online, keep chat friendly and respectful – the dealer and other players will appreciate it.
• When you leave a land-based table, exchange your coloured chips for cash chips before going to the cashier.

Final Word

Roulette is popular because it is simple to learn and exciting to play. Learn the layout, check the table limits, set your budget – and enjoy the spin. Ready to try it live? Compare our top live roulette casinos for Irish players.