If you’ve ever glanced at the roulette table and wondered what that oval-shaped track or those unusual betting names are all about, you’re not alone. The racetrack and call bets can look intimidating at first, but they are designed to make certain wagers quicker and easier to place.
Understanding these features opens up different ways to play by following the wheel’s order rather than the main table grid. Whether you’re new to roulette or already familiar with the basics, this guide walks you through what the racetrack does, how call bets work and what to expect when you use them.
Ready to demystify the racetrack and call bets? Let’s get into the detail so you’ll feel confident at the table.
What Is The Roulette Racetrack?
The racetrack is a separate oval-shaped betting area that mirrors the actual sequence of numbers on the roulette wheel, not the grid layout on the table. Its purpose is practical: it lets you place bets that cover specific sections of the wheel in a single move, saving time and making these bets easier to visualise.
In live casinos the racetrack is a physical part of the betting area; online, it is usually presented as a digital overlay you can click or tap. Either way, the racetrack groups numbers in the same order they appear on the wheel so you can place group bets that follow the wheel’s geography rather than the table’s rows and columns.
This layout is particularly useful when you want to cover clusters of neighbouring numbers quickly, or when you prefer bets that reflect how numbers sit on the wheel itself.
Understanding the Racetrack Layout & Sectors
The racetrack reproduces the wheel’s number order and divides it into recognisable sectors that players commonly choose. The three principal sectors are neighbours of zero, thirds of the wheel and orphans, each covering a distinct portion of the wheel.
Voisins du Zéro, or neighbours of zero, covers 17 numbers that sit around the zero position. Tiers du Cylindre, meaning thirds of the wheel, covers the 12 numbers roughly opposite zero. Orphelins, the orphans, are the remaining eight numbers not included in the other two sectors. In addition, you can place a neighbours bet that covers a single number plus a set number of numbers on each side of it on the wheel.
Seeing these sectors laid out in order makes it straightforward to choose the area you want to back, and it helps explain why the racetrack is a useful alternative to placing many individual chips on the main grid.
What Are Call Bets in Roulette?
Call bets are wagers that cover groups of numbers as they sit on the wheel, placed in a single action. Instead of marking individual numbers on the table, you pick a named sector or a neighbours bet on the racetrack and the stake is distributed across the numbers included in that call.
These bets rely on the wheel’s sequence rather than the table grid, so they’re a different way of expressing the same underlying odds. They are popular because they simplify complex bets: one selection can represent a mix of straight-up, split or corner bets without you having to lay each chip yourself.
Call bets are therefore a convenient shorthand for covering particular wheel patterns and are available in most European and French-style roulette offerings.
Common Types of Call Bets
Voisins du Zéro covers the cluster near zero, combining splits, corners and a trio bet. Tiers du Cylindre covers a block of numbers on the opposite side of the wheel and is typically made up of split bets. Orphelins fills the gaps not included in the other two sectors and includes a mix of straight-up and split bets. Neighbours bets let you pick any single number and include a set number of adjacent numbers on each side.
Each type represents a different spread of numbers and chip placements, but they all map to the wheel’s arrangement rather than the table layout.
How Do You Place Racetrack & Call Bets?
Placing these bets differs only in how you indicate your choice. In a land-based casino you place chips on the racetrack area that corresponds to the call bet you want; dealers are used to handling these bets and can help if you need clarification. Online, you select the racetrack section or the named call bet and enter your stake; the software then allocates the chips across the relevant numbers.
Before you play, check the table limits and how the stake will be divided, since call bets distribute your wager across multiple numbers. A short moment to confirm these details helps you avoid surprises and keeps your play within any limits you set for the session.
Rules for Racetrack & Call Bets
Call bets must be placed before the dealer or online timer closes betting for the spin. Once the betting window is finished, wager changes are not permitted. Each call bet covers the exact numbers shown on the racetrack diagram, and wins are paid according to the usual roulette payout rules for the type of bets included in that call.
All bets must comply with the table minimums and maximums set by the operator. Games in the UK are regulated to ensure fair play and proper protections for players. It’s sensible to check the game information or ask staff for any table-specific rules before you start.
Roulette Racetrack & Call Bets Payouts Explained
Payouts for call bets are calculated from the individual bets that make up the call. For example, a straight-up pays 35 to 1, while a winning split normally pays 17 to 1 and a corner pays 8 to 1. Because call bets combine several of these elements, your return depends on which number within the group comes up and what type of bet covers it.
Voisins du Zéro typically includes a mix of splits, corners and a small trio; Tiers du Cylindre mainly uses splits; Orphelins mixes straight-up and split bets; and a neighbours bet treats each covered number as an individual straight-up. The racetrack or the game’s paytable will show exactly how chips are allocated and which payouts apply, so take a quick look there if you want to see the breakdown for a specific call.
Are Racetrack Bets Available Online & In UK Casinos?
Many roulette games, both in venues and online, offer a racetrack feature, especially on French and European roulette variants. However, not every table includes it, so it is worth checking the game description or asking a dealer or support agent if you specifically want racetrack options.
Games in the UK require players to be 18 or over and to play on licensed platforms or in licensed venues. That regulatory framework helps ensure that racetrack features and call bets are implemented fairly and transparently.
If you need help locating a table with a racetrack, customer support or the dealer can usually point you to a suitable game.
Common Myths About Call Bets in Roulette
A few misconceptions tend to circulate about call bets. One is that they offer better odds. In reality, call bets simply group existing bets that could be placed on the main table, so they do not change the underlying probabilities. Another myth is that there is a “secret system” that makes call bets consistently profitable. Roulette spins are independent of prior results, so no method can alter the built-in odds.
Some players assume call bets are only for experienced players, but they are accessible to anyone and often help newcomers place complex bets more easily. Approach them as a convenient option for covering particular wheel sectors rather than a route to guaranteed success.
Remember to set sensible limits on play and be aware of the costs associated with each call, so you can enjoy the variety these bets bring without unexpectedly stretching your budget.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.