There are those of you out there who believe that there are only one type of roulette set. Unfortuantely, if that is what you think then I am going to tell you right now that you are dead wrong. There are at least two different variations on the roulette set. There is the less commonly used American version and the more commonly used European version, otherwise known as the French version.

The French roulette set is by far the oldest of these two main types of roulette games and was first invented over three centuries ago in France. It consists of a wheel that has thirty-seven number slots that range from zero to thirty-six.

While the layout of the wheel is different from the American version, which has thirty-eight numbered slots, it is not the only difference between the two. The French roulette set also has a board where bets are placed that is quite different, as well. The French roulette set board is laid out a little differently.

On an American roulette set, the numbers on the wheel go in sequential order. This is not true of the French version, where the numbers are placed on the wheel in random order. The French roulette set also has a wider table width than the American version and the chips are usually handled by stickmen who rake in the chips.

Now, to add a further complication to the whole roulette set explanation, there is a sub-set of the American roulette set called English roulette. The rules are the same for American roulette, except that there is only a single zero and not the double zero as is found in the French version. It sounds like a dubious distinction, but can be easily remembered this way. An American roulette set located in the United States is called American roulette. If you would place this same table in a British or French casino then it would be called an English roulette set. Understand? Good.

It is also worth noting that French roulette sets also have additional betting options located right on the board. These options include Neighbors bet (this is a five chip bet that covers a number and the two numbers next to it), Zero Neighbors bet (nine chip covers the zero, plus it covers seven numbers to the right and nine numbers to the left), and a A Third section of the Wheel bet (which covers a third of the wheel with one bet). Other bets on a French roulette set include a Full Orphans bet and a Orphans Split bet.

So, that sums up the differences in the basic roulette sets. Choosing a particular roulette set is really up to personal preference and one should choose one that fits their style of game-play and is the most comfortable. Roulette is a fast paced game of chance and can provide hours of entertainment. Just remember to choose a roulette set that you like and be sure to bet within your limit. If you keep these two things in mind then roulette will bring you a lifetime of enjoyment.