You’re certainly familiar with the classic casino game of roulette, and that means you probably have a handle on the different types of bets you can place. There are Inside bets, based around betting on the numbers inside the wheel, and Outside bets found on the betting table the wheel is located on. But did you know about Call Bets? Also known as Announced bets, these are traditionally called out to the dealer when playing on the actual casino floor! So join us as we tell you all about this type of bets and how to use them next time you’re spinning the wheel at your favourite casino site.
What Are Call Bets?
We’ve described Call bets as being called out to the dealer, but is this all there is to them? Well, of course not! First off, these bets are typically found in games of European and French roulette, which explains why their names are in the French language. Second, these are bets that cover sections of the roulette wheel. There are six different Call bets, which are divided between Fixed and Variable categories. What do these involve? Glad you’ve asked!
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The Fixed Call Bets
Fixed Call bets are known as such because they cover the same sections of the roulette wheel, thus the name. There are 4 different Fixed Call bets, which are the following:
Voisins du Zero/Neighbours of Zero
As the name suggests the Neighbours of Zero bet covers the numbers that are closest to the green 0 pocket on the wheel. In total this bet consists of 17 numbers, namely those between (and including) the red 22 and red 25, with the green 0 right in the middle. This makes it the biggest Call bet, not to mention one of the biggest bets in roulette in general.
Jeu Zero/Zero Game
This is a smaller version of Neighbours of Zero that covers 7 numbers - specifically those from between and including the red 12 and the black 15.
Tiers du Cylindre/Thirds of the Wheel
The Thirds of the Wheel bet covers the 12 numbers that are roughly on the opposite side of the Voisins du Zero. The name refers to the fact that 12 numbers make a third of the roulette wheel if one does not include the 0.
Orphelins/Orphans
The Orphans bet covers the remaining 8 numbers that are not included in the Voisins du Zero or Tiers du Cylindre bets. For the curious, these are the 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. These remaining numbers are split apart in 2 groups on the wheel, which is why they are referred to as orphans.
The Variable Call Bets
The Variable Call Bets
While the numbers of the Fixed Call bets are always the same, the Variable Call bets allow you to choose your numbers on the wheel. There are 2 of these, Neighbours and Finals.
Neighbours
A Neighbours bet consists of a number of your choice plus the 2 numbers on both of its sides, making for a bet on 5 numbers. In this case, if you were playing at a land-based casino and called out for a Neighbours bet you would simply choose your number as if you’re making a Straight-Up bet, and the dealer adds the 4 other numbers for you.
Final
The “final” here does not refer to your last bet before calling an end to your gaming session! Instead it’s a bet on all numbers with a final digit of your choice. For instance, if you had to place your Final bet on 5 then you’d be betting on 5, 15, 25, and 35. There are 10 different single digits on the roulette wheel (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), meaning there are 10 Final bets you can try out.
The Odds and Payouts of Call Bets
While Call bets sound unique, their odds and payouts are actually based on those of the standard bets we’ve described in our other guides. In case you need a quick refresher these are as follows:
- Straight up: 35 to 1
- Split: 17 to 1
- Street: 11 to 1
- Corner: 8 to 1
Call bets cover multiple of these bets, meaning the payouts depend on the coverage of the bet and which number wins. Winning with a number covered by a Split with a Tiers du Cylindre bet bet would pay out 17:1, while winning with a number in an Orphelin bet pays out 35:1.
How to Place Your Call Bets
Traditionally at land-based casinos Call bets are simply called out to the croupier, but what about online casinos? Online roulette games that offer Call bets will have what is known as a “racetrack” on the betting table. This is a simplified wheel design that marks the Call bets described above. Simply click on the section representing your bet and you’ll be good to go!
Tips and Tricks for Call Bets in Roulette
Being different from the other bets available in roulette means Call bets require a bit of familiarity in order to place effectively. You can achieve this by studying the racetrack found on your game’s betting board. This will allow you to place your bets more quickly!
Other than that, it’s always important to play responsibly. Roulette is a game of pure chance, and there is no strategy that can determine where the ball will land at the end of the wheel’s spin. So set a bankroll for playing roulette, and make it last longer by placing small bets. Never chase your losses, and keep in mind there’s no such thing as hot or cold streaks when gambling.
A Call Out for Even More Fun in Roulette!
Call bets bring something unique to the game of roulette! These are bets with a difference, not to mention French titles that bring a spot of class to what might be an overly familiar game. And while they might appear complex, they are actually very easy to master, making them something to keep in mind next time you’re at the wheel. So enjoy roulette even more with Call bets and, as always, remember to play responsibly.
