How to Play Neighbours in Roulette: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on August 5, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Neighbours Bet?
3. Understanding the Odds and Payouts
4. Advantages of Neighbours Bets
5. How to Play Neighbours Bets Online
6. Neighbours Bets vs. Section Bets
7. Responsible Gambling
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself frustrated when the roulette ball lands just one number away from your chosen bet? This experience is common among roulette players, and it’s this very feeling that has led many to discover the strategic advantages of neighbours bets in roulette. Neighbours bets allow players to cover several numbers at once, enhancing their chances of winning while offering a more engaging gameplay experience.

At Top10Casinos.org, we believe in empowering players with the knowledge needed to gamble safely and make informed decisions. With our rigorous 25-step review process, we ensure that every gaming experience is transparent, secure, and fun. This guide will explore everything you need to know about how to play neighbours in roulette, including the mechanics of the bet, its advantages, how to place it both online and in land-based casinos, and the odds involved.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of neighbours bets, enabling you to approach your next roulette session with confidence and strategy.

What is a Neighbours Bet?

A neighbours bet is a specific type of wager in roulette that covers a group of five numbers: one central number and the two numbers on either side of it. This means that when you place a neighbours bet, you are essentially making multiple straight-up bets by announcing just one number to the dealer.

For instance, if you choose the number 14 as your central bet, your neighbours bet would include the following numbers:

• 1
• 14
• 20
• 31
• 9

This strategic approach allows you to cover a small section of the roulette wheel while only placing one bet, making it a favourite among both novice and seasoned players.

The Mechanics of Neighbours Betting

In a traditional roulette setup, particularly on European or French wheels, numbers are arranged in a specific order that does not match the layout of the betting table. Thus, when you place a neighbours bet, it’s essential to understand that you are betting on the numbers as they appear on the wheel itself, not as they are displayed on the table’s grid.

How to Place a Neighbours Bet

To place a neighbours bet in a land-based casino, you would typically call out your bet to the croupier. For example, you might say, “14 and the neighbours for £5.” The dealer will then place your total stake on the number 14 and allocate £5 to each of the adjacent numbers. The total stake for a standard neighbours bet is usually £25, as each of the five numbers receives a £5 bet.

In online roulette, placing a neighbours bet is even simpler. Most online casinos that offer European roulette will have a racetrack feature that displays the numbers in the same order as the wheel. Players can choose their central number and determine how many neighbours they wish to include, increasing the convenience of this betting style.

Understanding the Odds and Payouts

When considering how to play neighbours in roulette, it’s crucial to understand the associated odds and potential payouts. In European roulette, there are 37 numbers, giving each number a 1 in 37 chance of winning.

Payout Structure

The payout for a single number bet in roulette is 35 to 1. However, when you place a neighbours bet, your actual payout will be adjusted based on the number of bets you have placed. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Total Stake: If you place a £25 neighbours bet, you are effectively placing five £5 bets.
• Potential Win: If the ball lands on one of your numbers, you win £175 (35 times your £5 bet).
• Net Profit: After deducting the losses from the other four bets (£20), your net profit would be £155.

House Edge

It’s essential to understand that every bet in roulette has a house edge. For European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.7%. This means that while neighbours bets can enhance your chances of winning, they still operate within the house’s advantage, making it crucial to play responsibly.

Advantages of Neighbours Bets

There are several advantages to utilizing neighbours bets in your roulette strategy. Understanding these benefits can enhance your gaming experience and potentially improve your outcomes.

1. Coverage of Multiple Numbers

One of the most significant advantages of neighbours bets is that they allow players to cover a section of the wheel with just one bet. This is particularly beneficial for players who feel confident about a specific area of the wheel but are unsure which exact number will hit.

2. Reduced Risk of Near Misses

Players often experience the disappointment of a near miss when the ball lands one number away from their chosen bet. With neighbours bets, you effectively eliminate this frustration by covering adjacent numbers, increasing the likelihood of winning.

3. Strategic Betting

For players who prefer a more strategic approach to roulette, neighbours bets can be a great way to focus on specific sections of the wheel based on personal hunches or perceived patterns. This strategy can make the game feel more engaging and less random.

4. Convenience

Placing a neighbours bet simplifies the betting process. Instead of placing multiple individual bets, players can announce one bet to cover several numbers, streamlining their gameplay experience.

How to Play Neighbours Bets Online

Playing neighbours bets online is a straightforward process, but it does differ slightly from land-based casinos. Here’s a step-by-step guide to placing neighbours bets in an online environment:

Step 1: Choose a Casino

First, select a reputable online casino that offers European or French roulette with a racetrack feature. At Top10Casinos.org, we recommend checking out our detailed reviews of partnered casinos to find the best options.

Step 2: Locate the Racetrack

Once you’ve selected your preferred casino, navigate to the roulette section and locate the racetrack. This feature may require you to toggle an icon to display it.

Step 3: Select Your Central Number

Choose any number on the racetrack that you want to be the center of your neighbours bet.

Step 4: Determine the Number of Neighbours

Most online roulette platforms will allow you to select how many neighbours you want to include. You can adjust this using plus and minus buttons.

Step 5: Choose Your Bet Amount

Decide how much you want to stake on your neighbours bet. Ensure that your total stake is easily divisible by the number of bets you are placing.

Step 6: Spin the Wheel

After placing your bets, hit the spin button and enjoy the thrill of watching the ball land on your selected numbers!

Neighbours Bets vs. Section Bets

While neighbours bets are popular among players, it’s also worth exploring section bets, which cover larger segments of the wheel. Here’s a brief overview of some common section bets:

Les Voisins Du Zero (Neighbours of Zero)

This is a popular section bet that covers 17 numbers on the wheel, specifically from 22 to 25. This bet typically requires a larger stake but offers comparable payouts.

Tiers Du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel)

The Tiers bet covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from the Neighbours of Zero. It’s often used by players who want to bet on a larger section without placing multiple individual bets.

Les Orphelins (The Orphans)

This bet covers the numbers not included in the other two section bets, comprising eight numbers. The payout odds are similar to other bets, but it provides players with unique coverage options.

Jeu Zero (Zero Game)

This is another unique betting option that focuses on the numbers surrounding the zero, offering a different strategy for players who prefer to focus on that area of the wheel.

Responsible Gambling

While neighbours bets can enhance your gameplay experience, it’s essential to remember that gambling should always be approached responsibly. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Set a Budget: Always play within your means. Determine your budget before you start playing and stick to it.
• Take Breaks: Don’t let the excitement of the game lead you to gamble for long periods without breaks.
• Know When to Stop: If you find yourself chasing losses or feeling pressured to continue playing, it may be time to step back and reassess your approach.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you feel that your gambling habits may be becoming problematic, don’t hesitate to seek help from professional support services.

Conclusion

Neighbours bets are an exciting and strategic way to enhance your roulette gaming experience. By covering multiple numbers with a single bet, players can reduce the risk of near misses and focus on specific sections of the wheel they feel confident about. Whether playing in a land-based casino or online, understanding how to play neighbours in roulette can improve not only your chances of winning but also your enjoyment of the game.

At Top10Casinos.org, we encourage players to explore the various betting strategies available, including neighbours bets, and to play responsibly. For more information on the best online casinos and comprehensive reviews, be sure to visit our homepage at Top10Casinos.org.

FAQs

How Do Neighbours Bets Pay?

Neighbours bets pay 35 to 1 on the number that hits, but since you are betting on multiple numbers, your net profit will be calculated based on the total stake minus the losses from the other bets.

When Are Neighbours Bets Suitable?

Neighbours bets are suitable for players who want to cover a section of the wheel without placing multiple individual bets. They are especially useful for those who have a preferred number and want to increase their chances by covering adjacent numbers.

Are Neighbours Bets Available on All Roulette Tables?

No, neighbours bets are not available on all roulette tables. You will typically find them on European and French roulette tables that feature a racetrack.

What Is the House Edge on Neighbours Bets?

The house edge for neighbours bets in European roulette is approximately 2.7%, which is lower than the American roulette house edge of 5.26%.

Can I Play Neighbours Bets at Online Casinos?

Yes, many online casinos offer neighbours bets as part of their European and French roulette games. Ensure to check for the racetrack feature in the game.

By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently approach your next roulette game with a solid understanding of how to play neighbours in roulette. Happy spinning!