button in SafariWhat is Correct Etiquette at the Roulette Table? (Guide)
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As with any table game at the casino, roulette has a specific etiquette that must be followed when stood (or sat) at the table.
But what does roulette etiquette actually mean? It doesn't refer to how you should bet or how to play, but rather to following specific "unspoken rules" and keeping the pace of the game, as well as being respectful towards other players, and the croupier. Whether it be at a land-based casino, or a live table at an online casino, it's important to be courteous.
Unlike table games involving cards, where the pace of play is dictated by the players' decision-making, roulette stops for nobody. Bets are made, the wheel is spun, and payouts are given: if you're slower than the dealer, your bet won't be placed. When everybody understands how the game should be played, it runs much more smoothly.
Roulette Etiquette - At a Glance
- Wait Until Bets are Open - Don't try to place a bet (chips) while the dealer is still clearing the table or paying out from the last spin.
- Don't Bet Late - At the same time, don't make a bet after the croupier announces 'no more bets.'
- Don't Touch Other Players' Chips - Only touch your own chips and never try to move other players' chips.
- Wait for Payouts Before Collecting - Don't reach over the table while the croupier is still paying out other players' bets. Wait until he's finished calculating everyone's winnings.
- Respect the Croupier - Roulette outcomes are completely random, so don't blame the croupier for losses and always be respectful towards them.
- Respect Other Players - Avoid commenting on other players' bets, losses or actions - an inconsequential loss for you might be more significant for them.
- Don't Hog the Table - If the roulette table is busy, be mindful of other players. Make sure they have enough space to access the table and place bets.
Why is Roulette Etiquette Important?
Etiquette in roulette, like etiquette in poker, is extremely important as it's a shared game, meaning that multiple players surround the table for each spin. Although they play their own numbers, and place their own bets, everybody shares the same croupier, and the same wheel.
As both are shared, all players must make sure to follow the dealer's instructions. For example, placing a bet after "no more bets" has been announced can lead to confusion among both players and the dealer, which could completely ruin the flow of the game.
Also, any unexpected actions that take place at the table can lead to a spin being voided, which certainly wouldn't go down well with those awaiting payouts.
Roulette Payout Calculator
Want to learn more about roulette betting and how much each bet pays? Check out our FREE roulette payout calculator. Place your own bets (using play chips) as you would on an actual table, and find out how much you'd win or lose each spin.
How to Join and Play at a Roulette Table
Roulette follows a set pattern of play with every single spin, but first, you must find a table and acquire the chips. For beginners, this can be intimidating, but knowing exactly how the process works and what etiquette to follow can help to alleviate any concerns. Here's a quick step-by-step rundown of exactly how to start playing roulette at a physical casino.
- Find an available roulette table at your desired stakes (stakes and limits usually displayed clearly on the table).
- Wait until a spin has been completed and bets have been paid out.
- Place the money you want to exchange for chips on the table.
- If the table has chips available (each player often has different colored chips), the dealer will take your money and slide the equivalent amount of chips to you.
- Wait until betting is open - the dealer might say ''bets open'' or you can simply look at the other players and wait for them to start betting.
- Place chips on your desired numbers, corners or outside bets, being careful not to touch other players' chips or prevent anyone else from betting.
- The croupier will spin the ball around the wheel, the spin will take place and the croupier will then announce the outcome.
- Wait for the croupier to settle all bets on the table.
- Collect any winnings and wait for betting to reopen for the next spin.
To begin playing roulette, put your cash onto an available roulette table. The dealer will then exchange this for chips you can bet with. Wait for the betting to open, then simply place your bets or wait for the current spin to finish before doing so if "no more bets" has been announced. Online live dealer roulette makes this very easy, as you will be unable to place a bet if a spin is in progress.
To start off a spin, all players will place their bets on the board. If necessary, the croupier can help in placing a bet. The ball is then launched into the wheel, and the croupier pays out on all winning bets. All losing bets are then collected, and the process repeats.
How to Place Roulette Bets
In roulette, there are two main ways to bet: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside bets take place on the inside of the board, and are high-risk, high-reward bets. They include betting on numbers (0-36), as well as neighbours, streets, corners and lines. On a physical roulette table, it may be necessary to ask the dealer to place a far-away bet for you to not slow down the game.
Outside bets include anything other than number betting, which are low-risk, low-reward bets. The most common bet is red or black, but it is also possible to place odd/even bets, high/low bets, as well as dozen/columns bets.
Following this guide at the roulette table will make you a more than welcome guest, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all players, as well as yourself!
