Roulette Announced Bets: The Complete Guide to Call Bets & Strategies
Step up to the roulette table, and you’ll see the classic red and black, odds and evens. But beyond these simple wagers lies a more sophisticated and thrilling way to play, long favored by seasoned players in European casinos. Welcome to the world of roulette announced bets, also known as “call bets” or “French bets.”
This comprehensive guide for 2025 will demystify these advanced wagers. You will learn exactly what they are, the different types, how to make them, and how they fit into a winning roulette strategy. Prepare to take your game to the next level.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Type | European / French Roulette |
| House Edge | 2.7% (European), 1.35% (French on even-money bets) |
| RTP | 97.3% (European), 98.65% (French on even-money bets) |
| Key Feature | Bets cover sections of the wheel, not just the table |
| Min/Max Bets | Online: $0.10 – $10,000+ / Land-based: $5 – $100,000+ |
What Are Announced Bets in Roulette?
At their core, announced bets are wagers placed on specific sections of the roulette wheel itself, rather than on the numbered grid of the betting table. This is why they are primarily found in single-zero European and French Roulette, where the number sequence on the wheel is standard. In a land-based casino, a player would literally “call out” their bet to the croupier. Online, these bets are made simple thanks to a special oval-shaped betting area known as the “racetrack,” which mirrors the layout of the wheel.
The Main Types of European Roulette Announced Bets
There are several classic announced bets, each covering a different segment of the wheel and requiring a specific number of chips.
Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero)
This is the largest announced bet, covering the 17 numbers that surround the ‘0’ on the wheel (from 22 to 25 inclusive). It requires a total of 9 chips to place.
- Numbers Covered: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25.
- Chip Placement: 2 chips on the 0/2/3 trio; 1 chip on the 4/7 split; 1 on 12/15; 1 on 18/21; 1 on 19/22; 2 on the 25/26/28/29 corner; and 1 on the 32/35 split.
Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel)
This bet covers the 12 numbers located on the opposite side of the wheel from the zero. It requires 6 chips, with each chip placed as a split bet.
- Numbers Covered: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33.
- Chip Placement: 1 chip is placed on each of the following splits: 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, and 33/36.
Orphelins (Orphans)
The “Orphans” bet covers the two remaining sections of the wheel not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets. It covers 8 numbers and requires 5 chips.
- Numbers Covered: 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9.
- Chip Placement: 1 chip is placed straight-up on number 1, and 1 chip is placed on each of the following splits: 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34.
Jeu Zéro (Zero Game)
This is a smaller bet that covers the zero and its closest neighbors—the 7 numbers at the very heart of the Voisins du Zéro bet. It takes 4 chips to place.
- Numbers Covered: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15.
- Chip Placement: 1 chip is placed straight-up on 26, and 1 chip on each of the following splits: 0/3, 12/15, and 32/35.
Final Bets (Finales)
Final bets are a different type of call bet where you wager on all numbers ending with a specific digit. There are two main types:
- Finales en Plein: Betting straight-up on all numbers ending in one digit (e.g., Final 4 covers 4, 14, 24, 34).
- Finales a Cheval: Betting splits on all numbers ending in two digits (e.g., Final 2/5 covers splits on 2/5, 12/15, 22/25, 32/35).
How to Play: Placing an Announced Bet Step-by-Step
Placing an announced bet, especially online, is incredibly easy. Here’s how it’s done:
- Find the Right Game: Select a European or French Roulette table. Live dealer games from providers like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, or Pragmatic Play almost always feature them.
- Open the Racetrack: Once the betting window is open, look for a button to open the racetrack layout. It will be an oval-shaped representation of the wheel.
- Select Your Bet: Simply click on the name of the bet you wish to make (e.g., ‘Tiers du Cylindre’). The software will automatically place the required chips on the main betting grid for you.
- Set Your Stake: Choose your chip value. The total bet will be the chip value multiplied by the number of chips required for the announced bet.
- Confirm and Watch: Confirm your bet before the timer runs out and watch the croupier spin the wheel. Any winnings are paid out automatically.
Roulette Odds and Payouts: A Full Breakdown
Announced bets are simply clever combinations of standard inside bets. The payout for winning depends on which specific number within the group the ball lands on. Understanding the standard payouts is key.
| Bet Name | Payout | Numbers Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 1 |
| Split | 17:1 | 2 |
| Street | 11:1 | 3 |
| Corner | 8:1 | 4 |
| Six Line | 5:1 | 6 |
| Dozen/Column | 2:1 | 12 |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 18 |
| Odd/Even | 1:1 | 18 |
| High/Low | 1:1 | 18 |
What Should You Bet on Roulette? Strategies and Tips
The first and most important rule of roulette is that there is no guaranteed winning strategy. The house always has an edge. However, you can make informed decisions based on your goals.
- For the Lowest House Edge: The statistically best bet is any even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even) on a French Roulette table. The La Partage rule (which returns half your stake if the ball lands on zero) cuts the house edge to just 1.35%.
- For Covering the Table: Strategies like the “$150 Roulette Strategy” focus on covering a large portion of the numbers. A common setup is to bet $75 on High (19-36), $50 on a Six Line (e.g., 13-18), and $25 on zero. This covers 25 numbers but can result in a big loss if you miss.
- For Simplicity and Fun: If you’re new or just want to enjoy the game, stick to outside bets like Red/Black or Dozens. They offer frequent, smaller wins and make your bankroll last longer.
- For High Payouts: If you’re chasing a big win, inside bets like a Straight Up (35:1) are your goal. The risk is high, but so is the reward.
- Using Announced Bets Strategically: Announced bets are perfect for systematically covering specific wheel sections. They are less random than picking individual numbers and provide a structured way to bet on a large group of numbers at once.
Game Variations: Choosing the Right Roulette Game
- European Roulette: The gold standard. It has a single zero and a 2.7% house edge. This is the best version for playing announced bets.
- French Roulette: Even better. It’s the same as European but adds player-friendly rules like La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets, lowering the house edge to 1.35%.
- American Roulette: The one to avoid. It has an extra ’00’ pocket, which nearly doubles the house edge to a high 5.26%.
- Live Dealer Roulette: The most immersive online experience. A real croupier, a physical wheel, and interactive features make it feel like you’re in a real casino.
- Multiplier Roulette (e.g., Lightning Roulette): Exciting modern variations that add random multipliers to straight-up bets, offering huge potential payouts but often with reduced base payouts for non-multiplied wins.
Best Online Casinos for European Roulette
Finding a quality online casino is key to a great experience. Look for sites with a strong reputation, proper licensing, and a wide selection of live dealer games.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Why It’s Great for Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Top-Rated Casino A | Competitive First Deposit Match | Excellent selection of Evolution Gaming live French Roulette tables. |
| Reputable Operator B | Generous Welcome Package | Low minimum bets and a user-friendly mobile interface for roulette on the go. |
| Premier Live Casino Site | High-Roller Bonus Offers | Specializes in live dealer games with dedicated tables and high betting limits. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the House Edge: Always choose French or European Roulette over American Roulette when given the choice. It directly impacts your long-term chances.
- The Gambler’s Fallacy: Believing that past results influence future outcomes. If red has come up 10 times in a row, the chance of it being red on the next spin is still the same. Each spin is independent.
- Chasing Losses: One of the biggest mistakes. Never increase your bet size to try and win back money you’ve already lost. This is a fast way to deplete your bankroll.
- Betting Without a Budget: Always set a limit for how much you are willing to lose before you start playing and stick to it.
Bankroll Management for Roulette
Smart money management is the difference between a fun session and a frustrating one. Follow these simple rules:
- Set a firm loss limit and a realistic win goal for each session. Stop playing when you hit either one.
- Use a “unit” betting system. A unit should be 1-2% of your total session bankroll.
- Never gamble with money you need for essentials like rent, bills, or food.
- Keep your gambling funds separate from your daily finances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is statistically the best bet in roulette?
The statistically best bet is any even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) on a French Roulette table that uses the La Partage or En Prison rule. This reduces the house edge to just 1.35%, offering the player the best possible return over time.
What is the $150 roulette strategy?
This is a popular table coverage strategy. A common version involves placing three separate bets on a single spin: $75 on the High numbers (19-36), $50 on the six-line covering 13-18, and $25 on the single zero. It covers 25 of the 37 numbers, but a loss is significant, costing you all $150.
Has anyone ever put their life savings on roulette?
Yes. The most famous case is Ashley Revell, who in 2004 sold all his possessions for about $135,000, went to Las Vegas, bet it all on a single spin of the wheel on red, and won. This is an extremely high-risk story of luck and should never be seen as a viable strategy.
What does 12P, 12M, and 12D mean in roulette?
These are French abbreviations for the three Dozen bets seen on some tables. 12P stands for “Premier Douzaine” (First 12, numbers 1-12). 12M is “Milieu Douzaine” (Middle 12, numbers 13-24). 12D is “Dernier Douzaine” (Last 12, numbers 25-36).
Conclusion
Roulette announced bets transform the game from one of simple guesses to one of calculated, strategic coverage. By understanding bets like Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre, you can add a sophisticated and exciting new layer to your gameplay. They are best enjoyed on European or French tables where the odds are most in your favor.
Remember to master the rules, manage your bankroll wisely, and always play for fun. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from resources like GambleAware.
