Roulette is a table game built on a fixed structure rather than changing mechanics. The wheel, the ball, and the printed layout work as a matched system where every outcome is already mapped before a round begins. A spin does not create new options. It simply selects one result from the set of numbered pockets, then the table layout determines which wagers relate to that result.
The wheel contains numbered pockets in a defined order, while the felt layout organizes those same numbers into betting areas. Each betting area represents a specific grouping, and that grouping controls both coverage and payout.
Core Rules and Game Flow
The game runs in repeating rounds with the same sequence each time. A betting window opens, chips are placed on the layout, and betting closes before any result is produced. Once betting closes, the layout stays unchanged until the outcome is confirmed.
The dealer spins the roulette wheel and releases the ball, which travels around the rim before dropping into a numbered pocket. The pocket where the ball settles is the winning result for that round, including its number and color. The dealer announces the outcome and marks the winning number on the layout to keep the result visible during settlement.
Settlement happens in a fixed order. Losing chips are removed first, then winning bets are paid according to their defined payout ratios. After payouts are completed and the marker is cleared, the next round begins when betting opens again.
Table Layout Structure Explained
The roulette table is a visual map of every outcome the wheel can produce. Its structure separates single-number positions from grouped fields, so coverage is defined by printed boundaries rather than interpretation. The central grid presents the numbered outcomes, while the surrounding fields present classifications such as ranges, columns, colors, and parity.
| Layout Area | Where It Appears | What It Represents | What It Covers |
| Number Grid | Center of the felt | Individual outcomes and inside bet geometry | Numbers 1 to 36 |
| Columns | Three vertical lanes in the grid | Vertical grouping by position | 12 numbers per column |
| Dozens | Boxes labeled 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12 | Range grouping by value | 1 to 12, 13 to 24, 25 to 36 |
| Zero Area | Above the first row | Special pockets outside the 1 to 36 grid | 0 in European, 0 and 00 in American |
| Even Money Fields | Bottom and sides | Broad group categories | Red Black Odd Even 1 to 18 19 to 36 |
The zero area sits apart because it does not belong to the 1 to 36 grid and does not fit inside the outside classifications. This separation is visible on both European and American layouts, with American tables adding a distinct box for double zero.
Inside Bets and Numerical Coverage
Inside bets are defined by the geometry of the numbered grid and the lines that separate squares. Each wager corresponds to a precise placement, and that placement determines the exact set of numbers included. Because the layout is standardized, the same chip positions represent the same coverage across roulette tables.
| Bet Type | Where the Chip Sits | Numbers Covered | Standard Payout |
| Straight Up | On a single number | 1 | 35 to 1 |
| Split | On the line between two numbers | 2 | 17 to 1 |
| Street | On the outer edge of a row of three | 3 | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | On the intersection of four numbers | 4 | 8 to 1 |
| Six Line | On the line joining two streets | 6 | 5 to 1 |
A split only exists between adjacent numbers that share a border, while a corner only exists where four numbered squares meet at one point. The six-line is created by linking two neighboring streets, which produces a six-number rectangle that is clearly defined by the printed grid.
Outside Bets and Grouped Outcomes
Outside bets appear beyond the main number grid and represent broader numerical categories. Color bets separate numbers into red or black groups. Odd and Even divide numbers based on parity, excluding zero outcomes. Low and High bets split the grid into two numerical halves. Dozen bets group numbers into sets of twelve, while column bets follow the vertical structure of the grid itself.
These betting areas reflect mathematical groupings rather than individual positions. Each section is clearly labeled on the table, allowing outcomes to be identified instantly when a winning number is announced.
Payout Ratios and Result Settlement
Every bet type corresponds to a fixed payout ratio based on how many numbers it includes. Bets covering fewer numbers carry higher payout multiples, while broader group bets offer lower multiples. These ratios do not change during play.
Once the winning number is confirmed, the dealer places a marker on the corresponding spot. Losing bets are removed first, followed by payouts to winning bets. Winning chips are placed next to the original wager to maintain visibility.
This settlement process follows a strict and repeatable order. The structured layout ensures that each payout can be visually verified through chip placement and table markings.
Bringing Rules, Bets, and Layout Into One System
Roulette operates through alignment between the wheel and the table. The wheel determines the outcome, while the table translates that outcome into predefined betting categories. Each section of the layout exists to mirror a specific numerical relationship on the wheel.
Because this structure is fixed, results are easy to track once the layout is familiar. The table design removes ambiguity by clearly showing how numbers connect to each bet type.
Together, the wheel, the table layout, and the payout system form a unified framework. This consistency allows roulette to function smoothly across different casinos while preserving the same core mechanics every time the wheel spins.
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