A-Z Roulette Terminology
Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player refining your knowledge, this glossary covers every important term you'll encounter at the roulette table.
American Roulette
Roulette variant with 38 pockets: numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). House edge: 5.26%. Compare with European →
Biased Wheel
A roulette wheel with physical imperfections causing certain numbers or sections to hit more frequently than probability predicts. Exploited by advantage players. Learn about bias detection →
Black Bet
An outside bet on any black number (2,4,6,8,10,11,13,15,17,20,22,24,26,28,29,31,33,35). Pays 1:1 with 48.65% win probability in European roulette.
Column Bet
An outside bet covering one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1 with 32.43% win probability. Best bets guide →
Corner Bet (Square)
An inside bet covering four adjacent numbers. Payout: 8:1. Win probability: 10.81% (European).
D'Alembert System
A conservative negative progression betting system where you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one after a win. Full D'Alembert guide →
Dealer Signature
Predictable patterns in how a dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball, potentially exploitable by advantage players. Advantage play guide →
Dozen Bet
An outside bet covering 12 consecutive numbers (1st:1-12, 2nd:13-24, 3rd:25-36). Pays 2:1 with 32.43% win probability.
En Prison Rule
French roulette rule where even-money bets are "imprisoned" rather than lost when the ball lands on zero. If the next spin wins, the original bet is returned.
European Roulette
Roulette variant with 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0). House edge: 2.70%. The standard for optimal odds. Full comparison →
Even-Money Bet
Outside bets with 1:1 payout: Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low. Highest win probability (48.65% European). Best bets explained →
Fibonacci System
Negative progression betting system based on the Fibonacci number sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8...). Full Fibonacci guide →
Five-Number Bet
American roulette bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. House edge: 7.89% — worst bet in roulette. Avoid at all costs.
French Roulette
European wheel with La Partage and En Prison rules, reducing the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets. French roulette guide →
High Bet
Outside bet on numbers 19-36. Pays 1:1 with 48.65% win probability (European).
House Edge
The casino's mathematical advantage. European: 2.70%, American: 5.26%, French: 1.35% (even-money bets). Odds explained →
Immersive Roulette
Evolution Gaming live dealer game with multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays, and cinematic presentation. Live dealer guide →
Inside Bets
Bets placed on specific numbers or small groups inside the betting grid: Straight Up, Split, Street, Corner, Line. Higher payouts, lower win probability.
La Partage Rule
French roulette rule where half of even-money bets are returned when the ball lands on zero. Reduces house edge to 1.35%.
Labouchere System
Flexible negative progression system where you create a number sequence representing your profit target. Full Labouchere guide →
Lightning Roulette
Evolution Gaming live dealer game with random multipliers (50x-500x) on selected Lucky Numbers. More about Lightning →
Line Bet (Six Line)
Inside bet covering two adjacent rows (6 numbers). Payout: 5:1. Win probability: 16.22% (European).
Low Bet
Outside bet on numbers 1-18. Pays 1:1 with 48.65% win probability (European).
Martingale System
Aggressive negative progression where you double your bet after each loss. Full Martingale guide →
Odd Bet
Outside bet on odd numbers. Pays 1:1 with 48.65% win probability (European).
Outside Bets
Bets placed on larger sections outside the number grid: Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, Dozens, Columns. Lower payouts, higher win probability.
Red Bet
Outside bet on any red number. Pays 1:1 with 48.65% win probability (European).
RNG Roulette
Random Number Generator roulette — computer-generated results with the same odds as physical wheels but faster gameplay.
Roulette Wheel
The spinning wheel with numbered pockets. European: 37 pockets (0-36). American: 38 pockets (0,00,1-36).
Speed Roulette
Fast-paced live dealer roulette with 25-second betting rounds. Live dealer guide →
Split Bet
Inside bet covering two adjacent numbers. Payout: 17:1. Win probability: 5.41% (European).
Straight Up Bet
Inside bet on a single number. Payout: 35:1. Win probability: 2.70% (European). Highest payout, lowest probability.
Street Bet
Inside bet covering three numbers in a row. Payout: 11:1. Win probability: 8.11% (European).
Visual Ballistics
Advantage play technique tracking ball and wheel movement to predict landing zones. Requires exceptional reflexes. Advantage play guide →
Wheel Bias
Physical imperfections causing certain numbers to hit more frequently. Exploitable by advantage players. Wheel bias guide →
Betting System Terminology
| Term | Definition | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Martingale | Double bet after each loss | Negative progression |
| Fibonacci | Sequence-based progression (1,1,2,3,5,8...) | Negative progression |
| D'Alembert | +1 after loss, -1 after win | Negative progression |
| Labouchere | Cancellation system with custom sequence | Negative progression |
| Reverse Martingale | Double after wins, reset after loss | Positive progression |
| 1-3-2-6 System | Bet progression: 1,3,2,6 units | Positive progression |
Learn more about each system in our Complete Roulette Strategy Guide.
Quick Reference: Bet Payouts
| Bet Type | Payout | European Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 2.70% |
| Split | 17:1 | 5.41% |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.11% |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.81% |
| Line | 5:1 | 16.22% |
| Dozen / Column | 2:1 | 32.43% |
| Even-Money | 1:1 | 48.65% |
Full odds explanation in our Roulette Odds & Payouts Guide.
