Tier Roulette Explained: Game Types, Odds & House Edge

Heard about tier roulette but not sure what it actually is or how it all works? You are not alone. With so many casino game options out there, both online and in person, it can get a bit confusing, especially for beginners.

This guide covers the basics without any complicated jargon, breaking down what tier roulette means, the different ways it can be played, and what makes it stand out from standard table bets. Read on to learn more. 

What Is Tier Roulette?

Tier roulette is a type of bet in roulette that relates to the position of numbers on the wheel. A European roulette wheel contains 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36, which are not arranged in numerical order around the rim. Certain groups of neighbouring numbers have specific names, and one of these groups is the Tiers du Cylindre, which translates as “thirds of the wheel.”

The tier bet covers 12 numbers on one side of a single-zero wheel: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33. In practice, the bet is usually placed as six split bets covering pairs of these numbers, often arranged as 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, and 33/36.

Many roulette tables include a racetrack-style section where selecting the Tiers option places these splits automatically. This layout helps keep the table organised and makes it easier to see which numbers are included in the bet.

The presentation and availability of tier bets can vary between games. If a racetrack or Tiers label is not visible, the table’s information panel will generally indicate whether the bet is available and how it should be placed.

If you do decide to try your hand at roulette, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose. 

How Do The Different Types Of Tier Roulette Work?

Tier roulette appears in a few contexts, mainly depending on where you play and which version of roulette the table uses. In a land-based casino with a single zero wheel, declaring Tiers du Cylindre leads to six split chips being placed to cover the 12 numbers described above. Dealers often help with these section bets, especially when announced as call bets.

Online, the setup mirrors the same idea. Digital tables let you click the racetrack to apply the six splits in one go, while live dealer streams show a real wheel with an on-screen racetrack so you can pick sections naturally. 

Presentation, game speed, table limits, and any optional features depend on the provider. A quick look at the table’s rules or paytable could tell you exactly how the Tiers bet is implemented at that table.

Tier Roulette Odds Explained

The odds for a tier bet come from its coverage of 12 specific numbers on a European wheel that has 37 pockets in total. That is 12 out of 37, which is about 32.4% for any single spin if the tier bet is in place.

Because the tier bet is made up of six split bets, the payout follows standard split rules. On European roulette, a split pays 17 to 1. With a typical Tiers stake of six equal chips, when a covered number lands, one of the splits wins and the other five splits lose. The winning split returns 17 chips in winnings plus the chip that was staked on that split, so the usual net result for the spin is a profit of 12 chips overall. If those were £1 chips, that would be a £12 net gain for that outcome. Adjust the figures in proportion to your chip size or any extra coverage you add.

This structure means the tier bet pays out less frequently than even-money bets, but more often than straight-up single numbers. The result of each spin is random, and there is no way to predict where the ball will land.

What Is The House Edge In Tier Roulette?

The house edge is the long-term percentage advantage the casino holds. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%. This comes from the presence of the single zero, which does not fit into the even 36-number payout structure used for most bets. 

A tier bet uses the standard European roulette bets, so its house edge is the same 2.7%. Grouping numbers into a wheel section does not change the underlying maths. If you encounter American roulette with a double zero, the house edge rises to 5.26% because there are 38 pockets.

How Does Tier Roulette Compare To Other Roulette Variants?

Tier roulette is not a separate game. It is a way of choosing numbers by their position on the wheel rather than by table layout. That contrasts with common table bets such as red or black, dozens, or straight-up numbers, which are arranged by number order on the felt. The Tiers bet is designed for single zero wheels, so you will not typically find it on American layouts.

Other named wheel section bets work in a similar way. Voisins du Zéro and Orphelins cover different sets of neighbouring numbers and are also placed through the racetrack, usually as a group of splits with an occasional street or corner depending on the table’s house style. Some French tables also apply La Partage or En Prison to even-money bets, which reduces the house edge on those even-money wagers, but these rules do not affect Tiers because it is not an even-money bet.

Explore Roulette Games Online at Red Casino

If you are interested in seeing how roulette works in a setting that is easy to navigate, Red Casino makes it straightforward to explore. You will find a range of roulette tables, along with a wide variety of slot games and other table games. 

All games on our site are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). They are tested for fairness, and your account is protected by industry-standard security. You can also use practical account tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and reality checks.

If you have questions or need help, support options are clearly signposted and quick to reach. Take a look around, compare a few tables, and if you choose to play, set a budget that suits you and stick to it. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.

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_{**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.}

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}