Roulette Etiquette

Roulette etiquette generally is pretty straightforward and logical. The most pervasive parts of this unwritten code of conduct are in place to keep the game running smoothly and to prevent cheating.

Proper Timing

There is a right time to place your bets, and there is a wrong time. Luckily for all of us, this distinction is quite easy to make. While the ball is rolling on its track, the croupier (dealer) will call out "No more bets" which obviously means you need to use some restraint and stop placing bets for the round. After the losing bets have been collected and the winning bets have been paid out you will be able to make your new bets. Generally the croupier gives players one minute to make their bets at the beginning of each round. Before you make these bets though, it is important to verify that the layout is clear and that all bets from the previous round have been cleared from the table.

What happens if you post your bets at the wrong time? Well assuming the casino notices, which they probably will, your bet is obviously void, but it just goes downhill from there. Technically placing a bet when you know, or can reasonably predict, the winning pocket is called 'past posting' and is considered cheating. At the very least you will probably be escorted out of the casino, and in most places you can be turned over to the law as a criminal. Clearly you can save yourself a good deal of grief by making sure to bet at the right times.

Hands Off Please

When the ball comes to rest in the winning pocket, the dealer will place the marker on the winning location of the layout and in the process sends a clear message: keep your hands to yourself! Sure you might be excited if you just one a huge straight up bet, but you cannot just dive on the table and start collecting your chips. The croupiers are the only ones touching the chips at this point, and after they clear the losing bets, they will count out your winnings, and send them your way (along with your original bet).

Use Common Sense

Sure you might be in a 'sin city' but have some respect for others at the table. When you are at a roulette table you are in public and should behave as such. You don't need to act like you are in a library, feel free to get excited and cheer for the people around you, just try to maintain your table manners. Although it should go without saying, don't get into arguments with the players around you. Not only does it kill the fun atmosphere, it is also said to be bad luck!

You should not be ashing cigarettes on the table, knocking over drinks, or getting too intoxicated to control yourself. You will also want to keep your belongings away from the table; the layout is not the place to set your empty martini glass.