Most roulette bets are placed on the table layout: a number, a colour, a dozen. But French roulette has a more elegant tradition. Players can bet on sections of the wheel itself, using special "call bets" or "announced bets" with evocative names like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre and Orphelins. These bets cover groups of numbers that sit next to each other on the wheel. Here is how they work.

What Are Call Bets?

Call bets are predefined combinations of bets that cover specific sections of the wheel. In land-based casinos, players traditionally "call" them to the dealer, who places the chips. Online, a "racetrack" layout lets you click the section you want.

These bets are available in many European and French roulette games, including tables at casinos like LevelUp where a racetrack panel often appears next to the main betting grid, depending on the game.

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbours of Zero)

Coverage: the 17 numbers around zero on the wheel.

Numbers: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25.

Chips: usually 9 chips: five splits, a corner covering 25, 26, 28 and 29 (two chips) and a trio covering 0, 2 and 3 (two chips).

This is the largest section, covering almost half the wheel.

Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel)

Coverage: the 12 numbers directly opposite zero.

Numbers: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33.

Chips: 6 chips, each on a split.

Orphelins (Orphans)

Coverage: the 8 numbers not included in Voisins or Tiers, in two separate sections.

Numbers: 1, 20, 14, 31, 9 and 17, 34, 6.

Chips: 5 chips: one straight-up on 1 and four splits.

Jeu Zéro (Zero Game)

Coverage: the 7 numbers closest to zero.

Numbers: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15.

Chips: 4 chips, including a straight-up on 26.

Neighbours Bets

A neighbours bet covers a chosen number plus a set number of neighbours on each side, typically two. For example, "17 and the neighbours" covers 17 plus the two numbers on each side of it on the wheel.

Finales

Finale bets cover all numbers ending in the same digit. "Finale 4" covers 4, 14, 24 and 34.

Do Call Bets Change the Odds?

No. Call bets are simply combinations of standard bets, so the house edge is the same as the underlying bets, about 2.7% on a European wheel. They offer a different way of betting, not better odds.

Why Players Love Call Bets

Elegance. They carry the tradition and atmosphere of classic European casinos.

Coverage. They let you cover sections of the wheel quickly.

Strategy feel. Some players enjoy betting on wheel sections based on how they perceive the ball's movement, even though results remain random.

Budget Considerations

Call bets use multiple chips at once. Voisins uses 9 chips, so a single bet can be larger than it looks. Make sure your chip value matches your budget.

Tips for Using Call Bets

1. Learn the chip requirements for each bet.

2. Use the racetrack to place bets accurately online.

3. Adjust chip size to your budget.

4. Remember the house edge remains unchanged.

5. Enjoy the tradition without assuming sections are "hot".

A Touch of History

Call bets developed in European casinos where regular players wanted quick ways to bet on sections of the wheel. The French names reflect roulette's origins and give the game its distinctive charm.

Call Bets and Minimum Stakes

Because call bets use several chips, the table minimum can apply per chip. On a live table with a minimum of 1 per chip, a Voisins bet costs at least 9. Check the table limits before using the racetrack so you are not surprised by the total cost.

Are Call Bets Available Everywhere?

Most European and French roulette games offer them, but American roulette tables usually do not, because the wheel sequence is different.

The Bottom Line

French roulette call bets let you bet on the wheel itself, covering sections like the neighbours of zero or the orphans. They add elegance and variety, but they do not change the odds. Learn the combinations, manage your chip sizes and enjoy this classic way to play.