The Roulette Orphans Bet Explained: A Complete Guide to Orphelins
Ever heard the croupier call out ‘Orphelins’ and wondered what mysterious bet was just placed? You’re not alone. This popular wager, often heard at the bustling tables of European casinos, covers a unique group of numbers that many players overlook. In this definitive guide for 2025, we’ll demystify the Roulette Orphans bet, explain its odds, payouts, and show you how it fits into a broader roulette strategy to enhance your gameplay.
Quick Facts: The Roulette Orphans Bet
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | European / French Roulette |
| Bet Type | Call Bet / Announce Bet |
| Numbers Covered | 8 (1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34) |
| Chips Required | 5 (or multiples of 5) |
| Probability | 21.62% (8 in 37) |
| House Edge | 2.7% |
| RTP | 97.3% |
| Min/Max Bet | Varies by Casino (e.g., $1 – $5,000) |
What is the Orphans (Orphelins) Bet in Roulette?
The Orphans bet, or Orphelins en Plein in French, is one of the three classic “call bets” you’ll find on French and European roulette tables. These bets cover specific sections of the physical roulette wheel, rather than adjacent numbers on the betting layout. The Orphans bet is a clever way to wager on eight specific numbers with just five betting units.
The Roulette Orphan Numbers
The Orphelins bet covers 8 numbers that are grouped together in two sections on the wheel but are scattered across the betting grid. The numbers are:
- 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34
Why Are They Called “Orphans”?
The name is quite literal. These eight numbers are “orphaned” because they do not belong to the other two major call bets: Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero) and Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel). They are the leftover numbers, forming two small slices of the wheel that are left between those two larger sections.
How to Place the Orphans Bet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Placing the Orphelins bet is simple once you understand its structure. It always requires five chips (or a multiple of five).
- Understand the Bet Structure: The bet is not a single wager but a combination of one straight-up bet and four split bets designed to cover all eight orphan numbers.
- Chip Placement: Your five chips are placed on the betting layout as follows:
- 1 chip on 1 (Straight-up)
- 1 chip on the split between 6 and 9
- 1 chip on the split between 14 and 17
- 1 chip on the split between 17 and 20
- 1 chip on the split between 31 and 34
- Placing the Bet (Land-Based vs. Online):
- Land-Based Casino: In a physical casino, you don’t typically place these chips yourself. You simply “call out” the bet (e.g., “Orphelins by five dollars”) to the croupier, who will expertly place the chips for you.
- Online Casino: In digital roulette, it’s even easier. Most games feature a “racetrack” layout or a special bets menu. You can simply click “Orphelins,” and the software will automatically place the five chips in the correct positions.
Roulette Orphans Odds and Payouts
With 8 numbers covered out of 37, your overall chance of winning an Orphans bet on any given spin is 21.62%. The payout, however, depends entirely on which specific number the ball lands on. Here’s a breakdown of the potential profits from a 5-chip bet.
| Winning Number | Bet Type | Payout | Net Profit (on a 5-chip bet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Straight-up | 35:1 | 31 chips (35 win – 4 lost) |
| 6, 9, 14, 20, 31, 34 | Split | 17:1 | 13 chips (17 win – 4 lost) |
| 17 | Split (x2) | 17:1 | 31 chips (34 win – 3 lost) |
A special note on number 17: Astute players will notice that number 17 is part of two different splits (14/17 and 17/20). If the ball lands on 17, both split bets win! You are paid 17:1 for each, for a total return of 34 chips, resulting in a net profit of 31 chips.
Complete Roulette Betting Options
To understand where the Orphans bet fits, it helps to know all the ways you can bet on roulette. Bets are typically categorized into three main groups.
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Bets | Bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They have higher payouts but lower odds of winning. | Straight-up (one number), Split (two numbers), Street (three numbers), Corner (four numbers), Six Line (six numbers). |
| Outside Bets | Bets placed on large groups of numbers. They have lower payouts but a much higher chance of winning. | Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low (1-18/19-36), Dozens, Columns. |
| Call Bets (French Bets) | Bets covering sections of the roulette wheel. The Orphans bet is in this category. | Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, Jeu Zéro. |
Top 5 Strategies and Tips for Betting on Roulette
While no strategy can overcome the house edge, smart play can improve your experience and extend your playtime. Here are five essential tips.
- Choose the Right Wheel: This is the most important tip. Always play on a European (2.7% house edge) or French (1.35% edge on even-money bets) wheel. Avoid American Roulette and its double-zero pocket, which inflates the house edge to a hefty 5.26%.
- Understand the Gambler’s Fallacy: The roulette wheel has no memory. If “red” has come up ten times in a row, the odds of the next spin being “black” are still exactly the same. Past results do not influence future outcomes.
- Use Outside Bets for Higher Win Frequency: If you’re a beginner or have a smaller bankroll, sticking to even-money bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even gives you a nearly 50% chance to win each spin, making your funds last longer.
- Be Cautious with Betting Systems: Systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after every loss) are extremely dangerous. They do not work in the long run and can wipe out your entire bankroll in a shockingly short amount of time.
- Practice for Free: Before wagering real money, take advantage of the free-play or demo versions of online roulette. This is the perfect way to learn the game flow, test betting patterns like the Orphans, and build your confidence without any risk.
Game Variations and Which to Play
- European Roulette: The gold standard. It features a single zero (0) and a house edge of 2.7%. This is the best version for placing the Orphans bet.
- French Roulette: Even better for players. It uses a European wheel but adds special rules like “La Partage,” which gives you half your even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero. This cuts the house edge on those bets to just 1.35%.
- American Roulette: The one to avoid. It adds a double zero (00) to the wheel, which nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26%, giving players significantly worse odds.
- Modern Variations: Online casinos now offer exciting twists like Live Dealer Roulette for a social experience and Lightning Roulette, which adds random multipliers for massive potential payouts on straight-up bets.
Best Online Casinos for European Roulette
When looking for a place to play, prioritize platforms known for their game selection, security, and fair play. Look for these features:
| Casino Feature | What to Look For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Game Variety | Offers European and French Roulette tables | Ensures you are playing with the best possible odds. |
| Live Dealer Options | A wide selection of Live Dealer tables | Provides an immersive and authentic casino experience. |
| Mobile Compatibility | A great mobile interface or dedicated app | Allows you to play your favorite games on the go. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common pitfalls to protect your bankroll and enjoy the game more.
- Playing American Roulette instead of European/French.
- Chasing losses by increasing your bets after a losing streak.
- Believing in “hot” or “due” numbers. Every spin is independent.
- Not understanding the payout and odds of a bet before placing it.
- Betting more money than you can comfortably afford to lose.
Bankroll Management for Roulette
The most important strategy in any casino game is smart money management. This is the only way to ensure you play responsibly and stay in control.
- Set Session Limits: Before you even start playing, decide on a maximum loss amount. If you reach that limit, you stop playing for the day. No exceptions.
- Set a Win Goal: It’s equally important to know when to walk away a winner. Set a realistic profit target, and if you hit it, cash out and enjoy your winnings.
- Use Unit Sizing: A good rule of thumb is to bet only 1-2% of your total session bankroll on any single spin. This prevents one or two unlucky spins from wiping you out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are orphans in roulette?
A: Orphans (Orphelins) is a special call bet in roulette that covers 8 specific numbers (1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34). They are called “orphans” because they aren’t included in the other two major call bets, Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre.
Q: What is the smartest bet in roulette?
A: The “smartest” bet from a mathematical standpoint is any even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) placed on a French Roulette table that uses the La Partage rule. This reduces the house edge to a very low 1.35%.
Q: What are the odds on the orphelins in roulette?
A: The overall probability of winning the Orphelins bet is 21.62%, as it covers 8 of the 37 numbers on a European wheel. The payouts vary from 13x to 31x your 5-chip investment, depending on which number hits.
Q: Has anyone ever put their life savings on roulette?
A: Yes, there are famous stories. In 2004, a man named Ashley Revell sold all his possessions, bet over $135,000 on red, and won. However, this is an extremely rare and incredibly high-risk event that should never be attempted. It is a story of extreme luck, not a viable strategy.
Q: Are there any illegal bets in roulette?
A: No, all the betting spots on the table layout represent legal bets offered by the casino. However, certain actions are illegal. These include “past posting” (placing a bet after the ball has landed), using electronic devices to cheat, or colluding with casino staff. These actions can lead to being banned and facing legal prosecution.
Always remember to gamble responsibly. Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and be sure to set limits for yourself. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
