If you’ve played roulette online or at a casino, you might have noticed a curious oval on the betting layout known as the racetrack. It looks different from the standard grid of numbers and can seem a little mysterious at first.
This article explains what the racetrack is, how call bets work on it and why some players prefer using it. Read on to see whether the racetrack could change how you think about placing bets.
What Is the Roulette Racetrack Layout?
The racetrack is an oval-shaped section on the table that mirrors the order of numbers as they appear on the wheel rather than the numerical grid. While the main betting area arranges numbers for straight-up bets, columns and dozens, the racetrack arranges them in wheel sequence to make bets based on wheel position quick and intuitive.
Its main purpose is to simplify bets that cover neighbouring pockets on the wheel. Instead of placing chips on individual numbers scattered across the main grid, the racetrack lets a player select a contiguous set of numbers as they sit on the wheel. This is especially useful for the group bets commonly called call bets, which are focused on sections of the wheel rather than the main betting layout.
Next, we’ll look at how call bets function and what each one covers.
How Do Call Bets Work on the Racetrack?
Call bets, sometimes called announced bets, are ways to stake on groups of numbers that are adjacent on the wheel. By selecting an area on the racetrack you are effectively choosing numbers by their physical proximity on the wheel, so the bet reflects wheel geography rather than table position.
Common call bets include Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins and neighbour bets. Each combines a defined set of numbers: Voisins du Zéro covers a large cluster around zero, Tiers du Cylindre covers the side opposite zero, Orphelins picks out the remaining numbers, and neighbour bets focus on a chosen number plus its immediate neighbours on the wheel. These combinations are standard at most European-style tables and are shown on the racetrack to speed up placing them.
To place a call bet at a live table, a player indicates the desired section to the dealer; in online or live-dealer games the racetrack is usually clickable. Because these bets cover multiple pockets, stake amounts and payouts differ from single-number bets. Keep in mind that the racetrack offers an alternative way to place wagers; it does not change the underlying odds. Before playing, set sensible limits and stick to them to keep the experience controlled and enjoyable.
With that process clear, it helps to know why some players prefer the racetrack to the main grid.
Why Do Players Prefer the Racetrack Over the Main Betting Grid?
The racetrack makes it straightforward to bet on wheel-based groupings without searching the main grid for each number. For players who want to cover a contiguous segment of the wheel quickly, the racetrack reduces time and complexity: several numbers can be selected in one action rather than placing multiple chips across the table.
Some find the racetrack more intuitive because it represents the wheel visually. That can make placing certain bets easier, particularly for those who concentrate on neighbour-style wagers or want to cover larger wheel sectors with a consistent staking pattern. It also suits live-dealer play where matching the wheel’s layout feels more immediate.
Ultimately, preference comes down to how a player likes to engage with the game—whether they favour the familiar numerical grid or the wheel-based perspective offered by the racetrack. The next section breaks down the main racetrack sections so you can see precisely which numbers each classic call bet covers.
Which Racetrack Sections Correspond to Famous Bets?
The racetrack maps the wheel into named sections that make longstanding bets quick to place. These group bets have clear definitions and cover specific pockets around the wheel.
Voisins du Zéro, meaning “neighbours of zero,” spans 17 numbers adjacent to zero. On the wheel these are: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2 and 25. It reaches across almost half the wheel and is often placed as a combination of splits and straight bets.
Tiers du Cylindre, or “third of the wheel,” covers 12 pockets directly opposite the Voisins section. These are 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16 and 33. The Tiers bet is usually placed as six split bets, reflecting its contiguous position on the wheel.
Orphelins, “orphans,” consists of the eight numbers not included in Voisins or Tiers. They form two separate segments on the wheel: 17, 34 and 6 on one side, and 1, 20, 14, 31 and 9 on the other. Because they’re split, Orphelins are handled as a pair of smaller combinations rather than a single continuous block.
Neighbour bets are more flexible: a player names one number and covers it plus a set number of adjacent pockets on each side—commonly two either side—so the stake applies to a compact cluster around a chosen number.
Knowing these sections makes it easier to translate a strategy into the corresponding racetrack selection. That understanding also helps when deciding whether a newcomer should start with the racetrack or stick to the main grid.
Is Using the Racetrack Essential for Beginners?
The racetrack is a useful tool but not essential. New players can learn the game perfectly well using the main betting grid, which covers single numbers and the basic outside bets. The racetrack is simply an alternative for those who want to place wheel-oriented group bets more quickly.
Beginners who are curious about call bets may find the racetrack a helpful visual aid, since it shows how numbers sit around the wheel. At the same time, someone who prefers the straightforward layout of the main grid can play effectively without ever using the racetrack.
Whichever layout a player chooses, the same principles apply: understand what each bet covers, be aware of how bets change stake and payout, and play within set limits so the game remains enjoyable and controlled.
This wraps up the guide to the racetrack and call bets; with the distinctions and sections now clear, you should be able to choose the approach that best suits how you want to play.
**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.