A Comprehensive Guide to Roulette Call Bets
Ever watched a high-stakes roulette scene in a movie and heard the player call out a bet in French like “Voisins du Zéro”? You were likely witnessing a ‘call bet’. These wagers, often seen as the domain of seasoned pros, are a special category of bets primarily found in European and French roulette that cover specific sections of the wheel, not just the numbers on the table grid.
This comprehensive guide for 2025 is designed to demystify roulette call bets completely. We’ll break down what they are, explain the different types in simple terms, and show you how to use them to enhance your understanding of the game. Get ready to move beyond simple red or black bets and explore the strategic depth of the roulette wheel.
Quick Facts: Roulette Call Bets at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here’s a quick overview comparing the roulette variants where you’ll most often find these exciting betting options.
| Metric | European / French Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| House Edge | 2.7% (1.35% on even money bets in French) | 5.26% |
| Return to Player (RTP) | 97.3% (98.65% on even money bets in French) | 94.74% |
| Call Bets Available? | Yes (Standard) | Rarely (Only in some online versions) |
| Key Call Bets | Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins | Not standard |
| Minimum Bet | Varies ($0.10 – $5 online) | Varies ($1 – $10 online) |
| Maximum Bet | Varies (Up to $10,000+ online) | Varies (Up to $10,000+ online) |
What Are Call Bets in Roulette?
The most important thing to understand about call bets (also known as “announced bets”) is that they are based on the physical sequence of numbers on the roulette wheel itself, not the numerical order you see on the main betting table layout. This is the critical distinction that separates them from standard inside and outside bets.
In a land-based casino, a player might literally “call out” the bet to the croupier (the dealer), who then places the chips on their behalf. Online, this process is much simpler. Most online European and French roulette games feature a special oval-shaped betting area called the “racetrack,” which mirrors the layout of the wheel. You can place a call bet with a single click on the desired section of the racetrack.
This is also why traditional european roulette call bets are the standard. The number sequence on an American wheel is different, making these classic French bets incompatible with the double-zero game.
The Main Types of European & French Roulette Call Bets
There are four main “fixed” call bets, each covering a predetermined section of the wheel. Let’s break them down one by one.
Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero)
This is the largest call bet, covering the 17 numbers on the wheel that surround the green ‘0’.
- Numbers Covered: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25.
- Bet Structure: This bet requires a total of 9 chips (or multiples of 9). The croupier (or software) places them as follows:
- 2 chips on the 0/2/3 trio.
- 1 chip on each of the splits: 4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22, 32/35.
- 2 chips on the 25/26/28/29 corner.
Le Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel)
This bet covers the 12 numbers located on the opposite side of the wheel from the Voisins du Zéro section.
- Numbers Covered: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33.
- Bet Structure: This bet requires 6 chips (or multiples of 6). They are all placed as split bets:
- 1 chip on each of the splits: 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, 33/36.
Orphelins (The Orphans)
This bet covers the two remaining small sections of the wheel that are not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets, totaling 8 “orphan” numbers.
- Numbers Covered: 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9.
- Bet Structure: This bet requires 5 chips (or multiples of 5). The placement is a mix of straight-up and split bets:
- 1 chip straight-up on number 1.
- 1 chip on each of the splits: 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, 31/34. (Note that number 17 is part of two different splits).
Neighbors Bets (Voisins d’un Numéro)
Unlike the others, this is a variable call bet. You choose any single number, and the bet covers that number plus the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel, for a total of five numbers.
- Example: A bet on “8 and the neighbors” would cover the numbers 11, 30, 8, 23, and 10 on the European wheel.
- Bet Structure: This is always a 5-chip bet (or multiples of 5), with one chip placed as a straight-up bet on each of the five selected numbers.
How to Place a Roulette Call Bet Online
Placing a call bet at an online casino is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Load a European or French Roulette Game: Make sure the game you choose supports call bets. Look for the “racetrack” betting area.
- Select Your Chip Value: Choose the amount you wish to wager per chip.
- Click on the Racetrack: Instead of the main betting grid, move your cursor over the oval-shaped racetrack.
- Place Your Bet: Click on the name of the bet you want to make (e.g., “Tiers,” “Voisins,” “Orphelins”). The game will automatically place the required number of chips in the correct positions on the main table. For a Neighbors bet, you would click directly on a number on the racetrack.
- Click ‘Spin’: Confirm your bet and watch the wheel spin!
Understanding All Roulette Betting Options
To fully appreciate call bets, it’s helpful to see how they compare to the standard inside and outside bets available in every roulette game.
| Bet Category | Bet Name | Payout | Description / Numbers Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Bets | Straight-Up | 35:1 | A bet on a single number. |
| Inside Bets | Split | 17:1 | A bet on two adjacent numbers on the table. |
| Inside Bets | Street | 11:1 | A bet on a row of three numbers. |
| Inside Bets | Corner | 8:1 | A bet on four numbers that form a square. |
| Inside Bets | Six Line | 5:1 | A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers. |
| American-Only | Five-Number Bet | 6:1 | (Keyword Answer) A bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, 3. Note: This bet has the worst house edge in roulette at 7.89%. |
| Outside Bets | Red/Black | 1:1 | (Keyword Answer) What are outside bets in roulette? Bets on large groups of numbers, like color. |
| Outside Bets | Odd/Even | 1:1 | A bet on whether the number will be odd or even. |
| Outside Bets | High/Low (1-18/19-36) | 1:1 | A bet on whether the number will be high or low. |
| Outside Bets | Dozens (1st, 2nd, 3rd 12) | 2:1 | (PAA Answer) A bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). |
| Outside Bets | Columns | 2:1 | A bet on one of the three vertical columns on the table. |
| Call Bets | Voisins, Tiers, etc. | Varies | As described above; these cover sections of the physical wheel. |
Strategies and Tips for Using Roulette Call Bets
While no strategy can overcome the house edge, using call bets wisely can add a new dimension to your gameplay. Here are some actionable tips:
- Always Choose European/French Roulette: This is the most important tip. The lower house edge (2.7% or 1.35% in French Roulette) is the single biggest advantage a player has. Call bets are specifically designed for this single-zero wheel.
- Understand You’re Covering Sections: Think of call bets as a way to wager on a “hot” or “cold” section of the wheel without placing dozens of individual chips. It’s a strategy based on wheel geography, not lucky numbers.
- Know the Chip Requirements: Remember that each call bet has a fixed chip cost (Tiers is 6 chips, Voisins is 9, etc.). This is vital for managing your bankroll effectively. A $1 Tiers bet will cost you $6 per spin.
- Use Call Bets to Manage Volatility: The broad coverage of a bet like Voisins du Zéro (17 numbers) gives you a much higher chance of winning on any given spin compared to the high-risk, high-reward nature of a single straight-up bet.
- Practice for Free: Before wagering real money, use the demo or free-play modes widely available at online casinos. This allows you to get comfortable with the racetrack layout and see how the payouts work without any risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When exploring call bets, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Playing Call Bets on an American Wheel: This is a fundamental mistake. The number layout is different, and the house edge is nearly double, making it a poor choice.
- Chasing Losses with Betting Systems: Progressive strategies like the Martingale system do not beat the house edge in the long run. They are extremely risky and can deplete your bankroll quickly.
- Believing in the Gambler’s Fallacy: Thinking a number or section is “due” to hit because it hasn’t appeared recently is a myth. Every spin of the roulette wheel is an independent event with the same odds.
- Ignoring Bankroll Management: Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Betting too large a percentage of your funds on a single complex wager is a recipe for a short and frustrating session.
Best Online Casinos for Roulette Call Bets
When looking for a place to play, prioritize sites that offer a good selection of European and French Roulette, especially live dealer versions which often feature clear and easy-to-use racetrack layouts.
| Casino Profile | Key Roulette Feature | Typical Bonus Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Reputable Live Casino Provider | Excellent Live Dealer French Roulette | Welcome Bonus or Deposit Match |
| Large Game Library Casino | Wide variety of RNG Roulette games | Free Spins and Reload Bonuses |
| Beginner-Friendly Casino | Low-stakes tables perfect for practice | No Deposit Bonus or Free Play Options |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are call bets in roulette?
Call bets are wagers on specific sections of the roulette wheel’s number sequence, rather than the table layout. They are standard in European and French Roulette and are easily placed using the “racetrack” layout in online games.
What is a call bet?
A “call bet” is just another name for an “announced bet.” The term comes from the tradition in land-based casinos where a player would “call out” the wager to the croupier instead of placing the chips themselves.
What does 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 12 mean in roulette?
This refers to the “Dozens” bet. It is a standard outside bet where you wager on a block of twelve numbers for a 2:1 payout. The three options are 1-12 (1st 12), 13-24 (2nd 12), and 25-36 (3rd 12).
What is statistically the best bet in roulette?
Statistically, the “best” bet is one with the lowest house edge. In French Roulette, any even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) is the best because of rules like La Partage or En Prison, which cut the house edge in half to just 1.35%. In standard European Roulette, all bets have the same 2.7% house edge.
Are there any illegal bets in roulette?
In any licensed and regulated casino, there are no “illegal” bets offered on the table. The term “illegal bets” in a casino context refers to acts of cheating, such as “past-posting,” which is placing a bet after the ball has already landed. All wagers offered by the house are legal to make.
Is the 5-number bet in roulette a good bet?
Absolutely not. The 5-number bet (covering 0, 00, 1, 2, 3) is only found on American Roulette tables. It carries a massive house edge of 7.89%, making it statistically the single worst bet in the entire game of roulette. It should always be avoided.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Roulette is a game of chance, and the house always has an edge. Please play for entertainment purposes only. Set limits, stick to a budget, and never chase losses. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
