Roulette Sector Betting: A Pro’s Guide to Targeting the Wheel
Most players start their roulette journey with a simple bet on Red or Black. It’s easy, iconic, and offers even odds. But what if you want to move beyond the basics and adopt a more sophisticated approach? Enter roulette sector betting—a strategy that focuses on the physical layout of the wheel itself, not just the numbered grid on the table. This guide is your ultimate resource for mastering this advanced technique. We will break down everything from the core concepts of racetrack betting to specific strategies that can elevate your gameplay, answering all your key questions along the way.
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette | French Roulette |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% | 1.35% (on even-money bets) |
| RTP | 97.30% | 94.74% | 98.65% (on even-money bets) |
| Numbers | 37 (0-36) | 38 (0, 00-36) | 37 (0-36) |
| Key Advantage | Low House Edge | Widely Available | Best Player Odds |
| Min/Max Bets (Online) | ~$0.10 – $10,000+ | ~$0.10 – $10,000+ | ~$0.10 – $10,000+ |
What is Roulette Sector Betting? The Racetrack Explained
Roulette sector betting, also known as “called bets” or “announced bets,” uses a special betting area called the racetrack. This oval-shaped grid, often found next to the main table in online and European casinos, mirrors the exact order of numbers as they appear on the physical roulette wheel. This is a crucial distinction from the standard betting table, where numbers are arranged in numerical sequence for convenience. The logic behind sector betting is simple yet powerful: instead of betting on random numbers, you wager on a specific “sector” or a group of adjacent numbers on the wheel, predicting which section the ball is most likely to land in.
How to Play a Round of Roulette: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose Your Game: The most important first step is selecting the right variant. Always opt for European or, even better, French Roulette. The single zero (‘0′) offers a significantly lower house edge compared to the double zero (’00’) in American Roulette.
- Place Your Bets: Decide on your wager and place your chips on the desired spot. This can be the standard table for inside/outside bets or the racetrack for sector bets.
- The Dealer Spins: The croupier will spin the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite. After a moment, they will announce “no more bets.”
- The Result: The ball will eventually lose momentum and land in one of the numbered pockets. The dealer places a marker, or “dolly,” on the winning number on the table.
- Payouts: All losing bets are collected from the table, and winning bets are paid out according to their odds. The table is then cleared for the next round.
A Deep Dive into Roulette Sector Bets (Called Bets)
These are the classic French bets that form the core of any sector targeting strategy. Each one covers a different section of the wheel and requires a specific number of betting units.
Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero)
- Covers the 17 numbers that are neighbors to the ‘0’ on the wheel (from 22 to 25).
- This is the largest sector bet, requiring 9 betting units.
- The bet is a combination of splits, corners, and a trio bet covering 0, 2, and 3.
Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel)
- Covers the 12 numbers directly opposite the ‘0’ on the wheel (from 27 to 33).
- This is a straightforward bet requiring 6 units.
- All 6 units are placed as split bets, offering a consistent 17:1 payout if any number hits.
Orphelins (The Orphans)
- Covers the 8 numbers that are “orphaned”—they are not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets.
- This bet requires 5 units to place.
- It’s a combination of one straight-up bet on the number 1 and four split bets.
Jeu Zéro (Zero Game)
- A smaller version of Voisins du Zéro, this bet covers only the 7 numbers closest to zero.
- It requires just 4 units.
- It includes one straight-up bet on 26 and three split bets.
All Roulette Betting Options
Understanding all your betting options is key to a flexible strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the most common bets you can make in roulette.
| Bet Category | Bet Name | Payout | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Bets | Straight Up | 35:1 | A bet on a single number. |
| Split | 17:1 | A bet on the line between two adjacent numbers. | |
| Street | 11:1 | A bet on a row of three numbers. | |
| Corner | 8:1 | A bet on the corner where four numbers meet. | |
| Six Line | 5:1 | A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers. | |
| Outside Bets | Column / Dozen | 2:1 | A bet on a column of 12 numbers or a block of 12. |
| Red / Black | 1:1 | A bet on the color of the winning number. | |
| Odd / Even | 1:1 | A bet on whether the number will be odd or even. | |
| High / Low (1-18/19-36) | 1:1 | A bet on the range of the winning number. | |
| Sector Bets | Voisins du Zéro | Varies | A 9-unit bet covering 17 numbers around zero. |
| Tiers du Cylindre | 17:1 | A 6-unit bet covering 12 numbers. | |
| Orphelins | Varies | A 5-unit bet covering 8 numbers. |
Strategies and Tips for What to Bet on Roulette
- Prioritize French/European Roulette: This cannot be stressed enough. Your single greatest strategic advantage is choosing a game with a lower house edge. The 2.7% edge in European Roulette is twice as good as the 5.26% in American Roulette. French Roulette is even better for even-money bets.
- Master One Sector Betting Strategy: Instead of randomly trying them all, pick one sector bet like Tiers du Cylindre. Learn the numbers it covers and the 6-unit placement required. Practice it in free-play mode to build confidence before wagering real money.
- Understand the “$150 Roulette Strategy”: This is a popular “table coverage” system. The goal is to cover over two-thirds of the numbers. A typical breakdown is betting $50 on the first dozen (1-12), $50 on the second dozen (13-24), and $5 on ten different single numbers in the third dozen. While it aims for consistent small wins, remember it is not a guaranteed system and can lose quickly if the zero or uncovered numbers hit.
- Avoid High-Risk Progressive Systems: Systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after every loss) are extremely dangerous. They require an infinite bankroll and no table limits to work in theory, neither of which exists in reality. They are a fast track to losing your entire bankroll.
- Use Outside Bets for Lower Volatility: If you are a beginner or have a smaller bankroll, sticking to outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even is a smart choice. They provide a nearly 50/50 chance of winning and allow for longer play sessions.
Popular Roulette Game Variations
European Roulette (The Gold Standard)
Featuring 37 pockets with a single ‘0’, this is the version most strategy guides are based on. It offers a great balance of classic gameplay and fair odds.
American Roulette (The One to Avoid if Possible)
The addition of a double zero (’00’) pocket increases the total numbers to 38, nearly doubling the house edge to 5.26%. This makes it statistically less favorable for the player.
French Roulette (The Best for Player Odds)
Using the same wheel as European Roulette, this version adds two player-friendly rules: La Partage (you get half your stake back on even-money bets if ‘0’ hits) and En Prison (your bet is held for another spin). These rules cut the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%.
Live Dealer Roulette (The Immersive Experience)
Streamed in high-definition from a real studio with a human croupier, live dealer roulette combines the convenience of online play with the social atmosphere of a land-based casino.
Lightning Roulette (For Multiplier Chasers)
An exciting online variant from Evolution Gaming that adds random multipliers (from 50x to 500x) to several “lightning numbers” each round. This applies to straight-up bets only, offering the chance for massive payouts.
Best Online Casinos for Roulette
Disclaimer: Please ensure online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction and always play at licensed and regulated casinos. The following is for informational purposes only.
| Casino Brand | Top Roulette Feature | Available Variations |
|---|---|---|
| *[Casino Name 1]* | Best for Live Dealer Roulette | European, American, French, Lightning, Immersive |
| *[Casino Name 2]* | Great Mobile Roulette Interface | Multi-Wheel Roulette, European Pro, American |
| *[Casino Name 3]* | Low Minimum Bets | Penny Roulette, European, Live Dealer |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The Gambler’s Fallacy: Believing that a number is “due” to hit because it hasn’t appeared in a while. Every spin of the roulette wheel is an independent event, and past results have no influence on future outcomes.
- Chasing Losses: One of the biggest pitfalls. This involves increasing your bet size to try and win back money you have already lost. This often leads to even greater losses.
- Ignoring the House Edge: Willfully playing American Roulette when a European or French table is available is a fundamental strategic error that gives the house a bigger advantage.
- Not Having a Plan: Playing without a clear bankroll management strategy is like sailing without a rudder. Set your limits before you start and stick to them.
Smart Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is what separates casual players from strategic ones. Follow these simple rules to play smarter and extend your gameplay.
- Set a firm budget for your session before you even open the game. Treat this money as an entertainment expense.
- Establish a “stop-loss” limit (e.g., you will stop if you lose 50% of your starting bankroll) and a “take-profit” goal (e.g., you will stop if you win 50%).
- Keep your bet size consistent and small relative to your total bankroll. A good rule of thumb is to wager only 1-5% of your total bankroll on any single spin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the areas of roulette betting?
There are three main areas for roulette betting. Inside Bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main grid. Outside Bets are placed on broader categories like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or Dozens. Finally, Sector/Racetrack Bets are placed on groups of numbers as they appear physically next to each other on the wheel.
What is the best betting strategy for roulette?
There is no foolproof strategy that can overcome the house edge in the long run. The mathematically “best” strategy involves two key parts: 1) Always play French or European Roulette to get the lowest house edge possible, and 2) Practice strict bankroll management. Sector betting is a fun way to cover the wheel systematically, but it does not guarantee a win.
What is the $150 roulette strategy?
This is a table coverage system designed to win frequently. On a $150 budget, a player might bet $50 on the first dozen (1-12), $50 on the second dozen (13-24), and then place $5 bets on ten different single numbers in the third dozen (e.g., 25, 26, 28, 29…). This covers 34 of the 38 numbers on an American table, aiming for small, consistent wins. However, it still loses if the zero, double zero, or the two uncovered numbers hit.
Is roulette 100% luck?
Yes, the outcome of any individual spin is 100% random and determined by luck. Strategy in roulette is not about predicting the ball’s landing spot. Instead, it’s about managing your money effectively, choosing bets that align with your risk tolerance, and, most importantly, selecting the version of the game that gives you the best statistical odds of winning.
Conclusion
Roulette sector betting elevates your game from simple guesses to a calculated engagement with the wheel’s physical properties. By understanding the racetrack and the classic called bets like Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre, you can add a new and exciting dimension to your playstyle. However, always remember the golden rules of roulette: choose French or European tables whenever possible, manage your bankroll with discipline, and above all, play for fun. Armed with this knowledge, you are now ready to approach the wheel with confidence.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Gambling should always be a form of entertainment. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization. Set limits, play responsibly, and know when to walk away.
