European Roulette Wheel Racetrack Explained

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey roulette fans! Today, we're diving deep into something super cool that often gets overlooked: the European roulette wheel racetrack. You know, that extra little betting area on the side of the table? It's not just for show, guys! It's actually a key feature that can totally change how you play and understand European roulette.

What is the European Roulette Wheel Racetrack?

So, what exactly is this racetrack thing? Simply put, the European roulette wheel racetrack is an additional betting section found on most European roulette tables. It's designed to mimic the layout of the numbers on the actual roulette wheel itself, but in a sequential order. Unlike the main inside and outside betting areas, which group numbers by color (red/black) or odd/even, the racetrack arranges them in the exact order they appear around the wheel. This makes it super easy to place bets on specific sections of the wheel, like groups of numbers that are neighbours. Think of it as a shortcut for placing 'neighbour' bets or other section-specific wagers without having to painstakingly point out each individual number on the main felt. It's a really handy feature for players who like to bet on a 'slice' of the wheel, and it adds another layer of strategy and fun to the game.

The racetrack layout typically features three main sections that correspond to specific sets of numbers on the wheel. These are:

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): This is probably the most popular section on the racetrack. It covers the seventeen numbers surrounding the zero (0) pocket, from 22 to 25. Specifically, it includes the numbers 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25. A bet on Voisins du Zéro usually involves placing a chip on the line between the 0 and the 17 number sections, covering 9 chips to span these 17 numbers. It's a substantial bet covering a large portion of the wheel, and because it includes the zero, it's a bet that appeals to many players. The strategy behind betting on Voisins du Zéro often comes down to covering a significant chunk of the wheel that contains both red and black numbers, offering a balanced exposure.
Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel): This section covers twelve numbers that are directly opposite the zero. It spans from 33 to 16. The numbers included are 33, 13, 34, 27, 36, 14, 11, 20, 7, 30, 31, and 9. A Tiers du Cylindre bet typically requires 6 chips, with each chip covering two adjacent numbers. This bet is designed to cover approximately one-third of the wheel. It's a popular choice for players looking to cover a specific segment that doesn't include the zero pocket, offering a different risk-reward profile compared to Voisins du Zéro. The allure of Tiers du Cylindre lies in its spread across the wheel, providing a sense of covering a significant portion without the direct inclusion of the zero, which some players prefer to avoid in their larger section bets.
Orphelins (Orphans): These are the numbers that fall outside of both the Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre sections. They are the 'orphaned' numbers, hence the name. The Orphelins section covers eight numbers: 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 17, 34, and 6. Betting on Orphelins usually involves placing 5 chips to cover these eight numbers. This bet is often seen as a more niche strategy, covering the remaining numbers on the wheel not included in the other two main racetrack sections. It's a way to bet on the 'leftovers' or 'gaps' on the wheel, providing a unique betting pattern. Many players find the Orphelins bet appealing because it covers numbers that are often less bet on, offering a different kind of potential payout if one of these numbers hits.

Beyond these main three, players can also place 'Neighbours' bets directly on the racetrack. A neighbour bet allows you to select a single number and then bet on that number along with a specified number of adjacent numbers on either side, as they appear on the wheel. For example, you could place a bet on '17 and its neighbours,' which would typically include 34, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, and 7 (depending on the casino's rules for how many neighbours are included). This is where the racetrack really shines, as it visually represents these neighbour relationships, making it intuitive to place such bets. The flexibility of neighbour bets, combined with the visual aid of the racetrack, makes it a powerful tool for players looking to experiment with different betting strategies that focus on specific wheel sections rather than just the number groups on the main felt. The ease of placing these bets directly on the racetrack significantly enhances the player experience, allowing for quicker and more informed betting decisions.

How to Bet Using the Racetrack

Betting using the European roulette wheel racetrack is all about placing bets on groups of numbers as they appear sequentially on the wheel. Instead of placing chips on the individual numbers on the main betting layout, you'll place your chips on specific sections of the racetrack. The dealer will then place your bet across the relevant numbers on the main part of the table. It's a super convenient way to bet on sections of the wheel without having to call out each number individually. This is especially useful for the Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins bets we just talked about. You simply place your chips on the designated area on the racetrack, and the dealer takes care of the rest. For example, to bet on Voisins du Zéro, you'd place your chips on the line between the '0' and 'Tiers du Cylindre' sections. The dealer then translates this into the correct individual number bets on the main layout.

Neighbour bets are another prime example of how the racetrack simplifies things. Let's say you want to bet on the number 17 and its two neighbours on each side. On the racetrack, you would place your chip directly on the number 17. The dealer understands this means you want to bet on 17 plus the two numbers to its left and the two numbers to its right as they appear on the wheel. This would typically translate to a five-chip bet covering 34, 17, 20, 7, and 22, or a similar combination depending on the casino's specific rules for neighbour bets. The visual representation on the racetrack makes it incredibly easy to identify which numbers are neighbours. You don't need to remember the sequence of numbers on the wheel; you can see it right there on the racetrack layout. This makes placing these types of bets much faster and less prone to errors, allowing you to focus more on the game and less on the mechanics of placing your wager. It's this intuitive design that makes the racetrack such a valuable tool for both new and experienced roulette players alike.

It’s important to remember that when you place a bet on the racetrack, you're essentially placing multiple individual bets. For instance, a Voisins du Zéro bet, which typically covers 17 numbers, is actually 9 separate bets. This means that if the ball lands on one of those 17 numbers, you win on that specific number bet, but you lose on the other 8 bets that make up the Voisins du Zéro wager. The payout is then calculated based on the odds for a single number bet. This is a crucial point to grasp because it affects the overall risk and potential reward of racetrack bets. While these bets might seem like a single wager covering a large area, the underlying mechanics are that of multiple individual bets. Understanding this allows players to better manage their bankroll and make more informed decisions about which sections of the wheel they want to cover. For example, if you're playing with a smaller budget, betting on individual numbers within a section covered by Voisins du Zéro might be more cost-effective than placing the entire Voisins du Zéro bet, as you'd only be risking one chip per number instead of multiple chips spread across the section.

Why Use the Racetrack?

So, why should you bother using the European roulette wheel racetrack? Well, for starters, it's incredibly convenient. If you're a player who enjoys placing bets on specific sections of the wheel, like neighbours or groups of numbers that are physically close to each other on the wheel, the racetrack is your best friend. It eliminates the need to point out multiple numbers to the dealer or meticulously place chips on the main betting layout. You just plonk your chips down on the racetrack section, and the dealer does the rest. This speed and ease of betting can be a real game-changer, especially during a fast-paced roulette session.

Beyond convenience, the racetrack also appeals to players who like to employ specific betting strategies. Many popular roulette systems focus on betting on certain segments of the wheel. The Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins bets are classic examples. By having these clearly marked on the racetrack, it makes it much simpler to execute these strategies. You don't have to be a math whiz or have the wheel's number sequence memorized to place these complex bets accurately. The racetrack provides a visual guide that simplifies the process. This is particularly beneficial for players who are new to these betting patterns or those who want to try out more advanced strategies without getting bogged down in the details of placing the bets themselves.

Furthermore, the racetrack adds a visual element to the game that many players find appealing. It mirrors the actual wheel, giving you a better sense of the game's flow and the distribution of numbers. This can enhance your connection to the game and make the betting process feel more intuitive and engaging. For some, it's about feeling more involved in the physical reality of the roulette wheel, understanding how the bets relate to the spinning wheel itself. It's not just abstract numbers on a felt; it's about covering a specific arc, a specific cluster of numbers that you can see laid out sequentially. This visual feedback loop can be quite satisfying and contribute to a more immersive gaming experience. It’s these combined factors – convenience, strategic simplicity, and visual appeal – that make the racetrack a valuable and often preferred betting area for many European roulette enthusiasts.

It's also worth noting that the racetrack can sometimes be an indicator of the type of roulette game you're playing. While standard European roulette tables almost always feature a racetrack, American roulette wheels (which have a double zero, 00) typically do not. This is because the addition of the double zero changes the number sequence and makes the traditional racetrack layout less practical or standard. So, if you see a racetrack, you can be pretty sure you're playing European roulette, which has a lower house edge than American roulette. This is a small but significant detail for players who are conscious of the odds and are looking to play games with the best possible statistical advantage. The presence of the racetrack is a subtle cue that you're engaging with a game variant that is generally more player-favourable due to its single zero.

Common Racetrack Bets Explained

Alright, let's break down the most common bets you'll encounter on the European roulette wheel racetrack. Knowing these will seriously up your game and help you understand the strategies players often use.

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero)

As mentioned before, Voisins du Zéro covers the seventeen numbers surrounding the zero pocket. These numbers are 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25. Placing this bet usually requires nine chips. Typically, you'll place a chip on the line between 0 and the Tiers du Cylindre section, and then the dealer will distribute the chips to cover the following:

A split bet (two numbers) on 0-26, 0-32, 15-19, and 4-18. (4 chips)
A corner bet (four numbers) on 19-22, 21-25, 2-7, and 12-15. (4 chips)
A three-number bet (straight up) on 32-15-19. (1 chip)

This is a substantial bet covering a big chunk of the wheel, and it's popular because it includes the zero and many red numbers, offering a balanced exposure. Many players feel this bet offers a good balance between covering a wide range of numbers and having a reasonable payout potential. The complexity of the chip distribution highlights why the racetrack is so useful – the dealer handles the intricate placement based on your single bet on the racetrack area.

Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel)

This covers twelve numbers directly opposite the zero. The numbers are 33, 13, 34, 27, 36, 14, 11, 20, 7, 30, 31, and 9. To bet on Tiers du Cylindre, you typically need six chips. The bet is placed on the line separating the Voisins du Zéro section from the Orphelins section. The dealer then places these chips as:

A split bet (two numbers) on 33-16, 34-17, 13-10, 27-24, 36-9, and 30-23. (6 chips)

This bet covers roughly one-third of the wheel and is popular among players who want to bet on a significant section without including the zero. It's often seen as a more 'balanced' bet than Voisins du Zéro because it doesn't contain the zero itself, potentially offering a slightly different risk-reward dynamic. The visual separation on the racetrack makes it clear which numbers fall into this category, allowing players to easily identify and choose this bet if it aligns with their strategy.

Orphelins (Orphans)

These are the eight numbers left over that aren't covered by Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre. The numbers are 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 17, 34, and 6. A typical Orphelins bet requires five chips, usually placed on the line between the Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre sections, but on the opposite side of the Orphelins. The dealer then places the bets as:

A split bet (two numbers) on 1-20, 14-31, and 34-17. (3 chips)
A straight-up bet (single number) on 6 and 9. (2 chips)

This bet is less common than the other two but is favoured by players who like to cover the 'gaps' on the wheel or those who have specific reasons for betting on these particular numbers. It's a way to cover a diverse range of numbers scattered across the wheel, offering a unique betting pattern. The 'orphan' status of these numbers can sometimes make them seem less appealing, but they represent a significant portion of the wheel that a player might want to cover as part of a broader strategy.

Neighbours

As we've touched upon, Neighbours bets are a cornerstone of racetrack betting. You select a number, and then you bet on that number plus a specified number of neighbours on either side, as they appear on the wheel. For example, if you bet on '17 and its 2 neighbours,' you'd be betting on 34, 17, 20, 7, and 22 (assuming 2 neighbours means two on each side). This is a 5-chip bet. The beauty of the racetrack is that it shows you exactly which numbers are neighbours, making these bets super intuitive to place. You simply point to the number on the racetrack and indicate how many neighbours you want. This is perfect for players who like to bet on clusters of numbers that are physically close on the wheel, believing that numbers that appear close together on the wheel are more likely to hit. It’s a very visual and direct way to bet on sections of the wheel.

It's crucial to understand that the exact number of neighbours included in a 'Neighbours' bet can vary depending on the casino's rules. Some may offer 2 neighbours on each side (a total of 5 numbers), while others might offer 3 or even 4. Always clarify with the dealer before placing your bet. This variation means that the cost of the bet and the potential payout can change, so understanding the specific rules of the table you're playing at is essential for effective strategy.

The European Roulette Wheel Racetrack vs. American Roulette

One of the biggest distinctions you'll find in roulette is between the European roulette wheel racetrack and its American counterpart. The most obvious difference, and the one that directly impacts the racetrack, is the presence of the double zero (00) on the American wheel. This extra pocket on the American wheel significantly alters the number sequence and, consequently, the layout of the racetrack.

In American roulette, the numbers on the wheel are arranged differently to accommodate the 0 and 00. Because of this altered sequence, traditional racetrack bets like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins are generally not available or are presented in a completely different format on American roulette tables. While you can still place 'neighbour' bets in American roulette, they are usually done by simply calling them out to the dealer and specifying the numbers, rather than using a dedicated racetrack betting area. The absence of a standardized racetrack on most American tables is a direct consequence of the double zero changing the wheel's number order and its overall configuration.

Another key difference, which is directly related to the house edge, is that European roulette, with its single zero and the availability of racetrack bets (which allow for various section betting strategies), generally offers a lower house edge compared to American roulette. The house edge on European roulette is typically around 2.7%, whereas on American roulette, it's closer to 5.26% due to the double zero. The racetrack, by facilitating strategic bets on specific wheel sections, can be seen as a feature that caters to players looking to take advantage of the lower house edge and employ more nuanced betting patterns. The availability of the racetrack and the single zero make European roulette a more favorable game for players in the long run.

So, if you see a distinct 'racetrack' betting area on the felt, you're almost certainly playing European roulette. This distinction is important for players who want to optimize their chances of winning, as the European version is statistically more generous. The presence of the racetrack is a visual cue that you're likely playing the version of roulette with better odds.

Tips for Using the Racetrack

Guys, using the European roulette wheel racetrack effectively can really add another dimension to your game. Here are some pro tips to help you make the most of it:

Understand the House Edge: Remember that even with the racetrack, the house still has an edge. Bets like Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre cover many numbers, but they are essentially multiple single-number bets. The odds are still in favour of the casino in the long run. Don't get fooled into thinking these bets are a 'sure thing' just because they cover a large portion of the wheel. Always be aware of the inherent probabilities and the house advantage. This awareness is key to responsible gambling and setting realistic expectations.
Know Your Neighbours: When placing neighbour bets, always clarify with the dealer exactly how many neighbours are included. This can vary from table to table and significantly impacts the total bet amount and the numbers covered. Don't assume; always ask to confirm. This simple step can save you from unexpected costs and ensure you're betting on the numbers you intend to.
Practice with Virtual Money: If you're new to racetrack betting or a specific strategy like Voisins du Zéro, try it out in a free-play or demo mode online. This allows you to get familiar with the layout and the mechanics of placing these bets without risking real money. You can experiment with different sections and see how they play out before you commit your chips at a real table.
Consider Your Bankroll: Racetrack bets, especially Voisins du Zéro, can consume a significant portion of your bankroll quickly because they involve multiple chips. Make sure your bets are proportionate to your total budget. It might be wiser to place fewer, larger bets on sections if your bankroll allows, or stick to smaller neighbour bets if you have a limited budget. Managing your bankroll is arguably the most critical aspect of any gambling strategy.
Don't Forget the Main Layout: While the racetrack is fantastic for specific bets, remember that the main betting layout is still where you place many other types of bets (like single numbers, splits, streets, corners, reds, blacks, odds, evens, etc.). The racetrack is a supplementary tool, not a replacement for the entire betting area. Understand when to use which betting area for maximum flexibility.
Observe the Table: Watch how experienced players use the racetrack. You can often pick up useful tips and strategies by observing others who seem to be having success. Pay attention to the types of bets they place and how they manage their chips.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy the strategic depth and convenience that the European roulette wheel racetrack brings to the game. It's a fantastic feature that enhances the overall roulette experience for players who appreciate a bit more strategy and variety in their betting.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! The European roulette wheel racetrack is so much more than just a fancy design on the table. It’s a vital part of the European roulette experience, offering convenience, strategic betting options, and a visual connection to the wheel itself. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, understanding how to use the racetrack can seriously enhance your gameplay. It simplifies complex bets, allows for quicker wagering, and caters to players who enjoy betting on specific sections of the wheel.

Remember the key bets like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, and Neighbours. Each offers a unique way to engage with the game, and by utilizing the racetrack, you can place these bets with ease and confidence. Don't forget the advantage European roulette has over American roulette, partly due to its single zero and the functional racetrack. So next time you're at a roulette table, pay attention to that racetrack – it might just be your ticket to a more enjoyable and strategic game. Happy spinning!