To protect themselves and their customers, casinos have developed rules of Roulette etiquette that every player should follow. These apply not only to when and how bets may be placed, but also the touching of chips after placement, when winnings may be collected, and so on. The easiest way to become familiar with these is to watch a few spins. It should be able to pick them up quickly. Following is a summary of the practices most commonly seen.

Seating – The chairs at the table are there for the comfort of players, not for taking a rest. Only those who are actually betting should be seated. Belongings such as coats, purses, and shopping bags should not be placed on empty seats, and the chairs should never be used as footrests.

Observers – Anyone just watching the game should stand and leave available seats open for those interested in playing. By-standers are not allowed behind the table, the croupier, or anywhere within the pit, which is usually separated from the players’ area by velvet ropes. Standing next to the wheel may also be off limits in some cases.

Chips – Special unmarked chips are used in Roulette play. They may only be obtained directly from the croupier by exchanging cash or denominated casino chips for them. The colors of the chips indicate which players are using them, so that payouts are made appropriately. These chips should never leave the table. They cannot be redeemed or exchanged except at the table where they were issued. During play, they should be stacked neatly in front of the player, not piled up or spread out loosely.

Betting – Chips are placed directly on the table layout to indicate which numbers are being bet on. When a chip touches a line, it is treated as a wager on whatever numbers are adjacent to the line, so care must be taken in positioning bets. If a chip needs to be repositioned, it should be done without touching or disturbing other players’ chips. Should that prove impossible because other chips are stacked on top, the croupier may be asked to reposition the bet. No bets may be placed until the croupier calls for them by saying, “Place your bets,” and none may be made after the croupier calls, “No more bets.”

Winnings – The croupier will usually pay winning outside bets first and then the winning inside bets. If a player has more than one winner inside, the payouts will be aggregated, stacked up, and pushed toward the winner. However, winnings should not be collected from the table until after the winning marker has been removed from the layout.

Assistance – The Roulette layout is an elongated rectangle, which makes placing bets from one end of the table to the other difficult at times. Players should only bet on the areas that can be easily reached from their seats. The croupier may be asked to position any chips on areas that would require stretching out across or walking around the table.

Smoking – Most casinos allow cigarette smoking and some even permit cigars and pipes. Ashtrays on the table are a good sign that smoking is allowed, but it never hurts to ask permission. As a courtesy to other players who may be nonsmokers, ashtrays should be positioned directly in front of the player’s seat, not to the side where it may encroach on another player’s space.

Drinking – The guidelines for smoking also apply to drinking. Cupholders are usually available to prevent glasses from being knocked over or drinks spilled as bets are being placed. The cupholder should be positioned directly in front of the player’s seat, secured by the table railing.

Phones – Ringtones should be set to silent or vibrate. If a call must be made or taken, it should be done away from the pit area. In fact, many casinos have a prohibition against the use of mobile communication devices anywhere within the gaming area.

Cashing Out – When ending a session, the player should neatly stack the colored Roulette chips and push the entire amount toward the croupier with a request to “cash out” or “color up.” This should be done only between spins, as soon as the winning marker has been removed and before “No more bets” is called. Be careful not to interfere with other players who will be positioning their bets. Also be sure to confirm the amount exchanged before leaving the table.

Tipping – It is customary to tip the cocktail server when beverages are brought to the table. Most casinos allow chips to be used for this purpose. Following a big payout or when cashing out after winning, it is also a goo practice to tip the croupier and crew a few chips.