Roulette is a very popular game, especially for beginners starting out at real money online casinos, as it requires no skill. It is a simple game involving a roulette wheel with slots numbered 1 to 36 as well as two additional slots for 0 and 00. Watch as the dealer whips the white ball around the wheel, and you make bets as to where it will land. There are so many ways to play and to win; it is worth giving it a try.
In this guide, we reveal how to play roulette, different strategies you can incorporate into your game, the odds of winning, payouts, and so much more.
What is Roulette?
The roulette wheel was first invented in the 18th century by a French physicist named Blaise Pascal. In the 18th century, a primitive form of roulette was played in England using a gaming wheel similar to the current roulette wheel. This game was known as EO (Even/Odd).
The zero did not exist on the roulette wheel until the middle of the 19th century. Francois and Lois Blanc then designed a wheel with a single zero. Adding the zero gave the house a bigger advantage.
In the 1800s, roulette made its way to US soil. This is when the double zero was added to the roulette wheel, giving the house an even bigger edge. Instead of 37 numbers, the American Roulette wheel has 38 – 1 to 36, 0, and 00.
Today, the roulette wheel with a single zero is known as European roulette, and the wheel with a double zero is known as American roulette.
How Does Roulette Work? – The Roulette Rules
Roulette is an easy-to-play casino game that does not involve complicated rules compared to other table games. This makes it a great opportunity for beginners to win.
The roulette table is made up of the betting board/Felt and the wheel. The board has all the possible bets you can make, and you will place your betting chips on it. The wheel is what will determine the result of each round played.
The two versions of roulette will have two different wheel designs. The European version will have 37 pockets with a single zero, while the American version will have 38 pockets with a single zero and a double zero. The European version is a favorite, as it has better-winning opportunities. Each number on the wheel will be either black or red, and the zero pockets will be green. The white ball is placed on the spinning wheel, and when the ball stops, it will land on any pocket number, and that will determine the outcome of the round.
How to Play Roulette
Now that we have discussed the game’s layout let’s examine how the game actually works and is played.
Step 1: Place your bet – before any round starts, you will place your bet. To increase your opportunity of winning, it is possible to have multiple bets in one round. You are betting on where you think the white ball is likely going to land.
Step 2: Spin the wheel – whether playing at an online casino, a live casino, or a land-based casino, the dealer will then spin the wheel and drop the white ball over the wheel. You will need to speculate where the ball will land.
Step 3: The outcome – when the wheel comes to a stop, the ball will settle into a pocket. In online roulette casino games, RNG (Random Number Generator) is used to determine the outcome.
Step 4: The result – if you are lucky, you will receive a payout. The next round will begin after the result and the process will be repeated.
Handy Tip:
When placing your bet, you do not need to always wager on a specific pocket. There are many different types of bets you can make. For example, red or black, odd or even, etc.
Different Types of Roulette Bets
As mentioned above, there are many different types of bets you can make in roulette. Each of these bets has specific roulette odds and payouts, which will be discussed later. The many bets you can place in roulette are divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
As the name implies, these are bets placed in the inside segments of the table. Inside bets are placed on numbers. The chances of winning with these bets are low, but payouts are higher. There are 6 possible inside bets that you can make. These are:
- Straight Up – This is a single-number bet. You will place your chips over a specific number. If the ball lands on that number, you will win.
- Split – This is when you will bet on two adjacent numbers. You will place your betting chips on the edge between the 2 numbers. If the ball lands on either of those 2 numbers, you will win.
- Street – This is also known as a trio bet and it is when you place your bet on three numbers. It will be your preferred 3 numbers in a vertical line. You will win if the ball lands on any of these numbers in the row.
- Corner – This is when you place a bet on four numbers that form a square on the felt. You will place your chips at the core of all 4 numbers. You will win if the ball drops on any 4 of these numbers.
- Basket – This bet covers 5 digits (0, 00, 1, 2 & 3). If the ball drops in any of these 5 digits, you win. You will place your chips on the cord between 0 and 1.
- Line – This bet covers 6 numbers in 2 rows. It is 2 adjacent streets. You will bet by placing your bets between your ideal 2 streets. If the ball falls on any of the 6 numbers, then you will win.
Outside Bets
These are bets that are placed on the outside of the outer segment of the roulette table. The probability of winning with these bets is higher than with inside bets, but they offer lower payouts. Outside bets can be divided into 5 categories:
- Black/Red – You will place your bet according to the color. You will place your chips on either the black section or red section of the belt. If the ball lands on any number with the color that you have chosen, you win.
- Odd/Even – With this bet, you will choose whether the ball will land on an odd or an even number. If the ball lands on the option you chose, you will win.
- High/Low – With this bet, you will decide whether the ball will land on a high number (19-36) or a low number (1-18). You will place your chips on either the high or low option on the left.
- Column – At the bottom of the roulette felt there is a ‘2 to 1’ written. You will place your chips in the column of your choice. You will win if the ball lands on any number in your chosen column.
- Dozen – Here, you bet that the ball will land on one of the three ‘12’ squares. Place your chips in either the first, second, or third 12 sections. If the ball lands on any of the numbers in your 12-section, you will win.
How Many Numbers Are on A Roulette Table? – Roulette Table Rules
The roulette table is arranged in 2 sections, the inside and the outside. The inside section has 36 numbered squares that are either black or red in color. The outside has boxes that cover a wider range of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, etc. The roulette table has numbers from 1 to 36, with 0 and 00 for the American roulette version.
The European roulette version has 37 numbers on the table. These are 1 to 36 and a single zero. The French roulette Table also has 37 numbers and the same formation with a single zero as the European version does. You can bet on any squares or numbers on the table or a combination of them, as we mentioned before.
How Many Numbers Are There on A Roulette Wheel?
Roulette wheels are numbered from 0 to 36. The European roulette wheels have 18 red pockets, 18 black pockets, and a single 0, which is a green pocket. The American roulette wheel is numbered the same as the red and black pockets but will have an extra green pocket with a 00.
The numbers on a roulette wheel do not run in order; they are arranged to balance high and low numbers and odd and even numbers. The numbers are also in different positions for the two different versions of roulette.
What Numbers Hit the Most in Roulette?
As roulette is a game of chance, and it relies on luck to determine where the ball will land each spin, it is difficult to say which numbers will hit the most.
Generally speaking, the numbers that come up the most in roulette will be in the outside bets category. With a good roulette strategy, you are likely to find the following bets being the most common to win.
- First 12 and Second 12.
- Odd or Even bets
- Red or Black
- High or Low bets
Many people believe that the number 7 is a lucky number, so it is the most popular number bets are placed on. Number 17 is in the middle of the roulette table, and it is associated with many mathematical theories and is also very popular amongst bettors. Lastly, the numbers 23 and 24 are also located in the middle of the table, and many bets are placed on these 2 numbers.
How to Win at Roulette – Best Roulette Strategies
Roulette is a game of chance, and it is important for anybody wanting to play roulette to know this. There are, however, many strategies that have helped players to increase their bankroll. Below are a few of the most common strategies, but take note that none of them will work 100% to perfection, and nothing is guaranteed.
The Martingale Strategy
This is probably the most common strategy used by roulette players. Simply put, this strategy encourages you to make even bets only. You will then double your previous chip stake whenever you lose.
Labouchere System
The strategy states that you should set the win amount that you desire. Depending on whether you’re winning or losing, you’ll need to change your stake amounts. This technique allows you to picture how much more you need to win to hit your target amount. By doing that, you’ll be avoiding more losses.
D’Alembert System
This roulette strategy is very similar to the Martingale system. When a player loses a round, this strategy prompts them to increase their bets.
Fibonacci System
This strategy relies on the well-known Fibonacci mathematical sequence. Here, you bet as per the Fibonacci sequence. If you win, you proceed to the succeeding number. If you lose, you go back two steps in the series.
Different Variations of Roulette
As we have mentioned before, there are different versions of the game of roulette, and each version is slightly different from the next. The three main versions that are commonly known include American roulette, European roulette, and French roulette. Each of these will be explained in more detail below.
How to Play American Roulette
American roulette is different from the European and French versions in that it has a double zero 00 as well as a single zero 0. This extra zero lowers your chances of winning. The house edge will be higher. Even money wagers will lose if the ball lands on the 0 or 00 in American roulette. If you are a beginner and new to roulette, the American version should be avoided for obvious reasons. High-rollers and risk-takers, on the other hand, can enjoy this version.
How to Play European Roulette
The European version of roulette is the most commonly played roulette game at both land based as well as offshore casinos. Many new online casinos are now offering this version due to its popularity among players. The main reason for this is that there is a higher chance of winning. Compared to the American roulette version, the European wheel only has a single zero. The house edge of European roulette is lower. As with American roulette, you will lose your even chip bets if the ball lands on the 0.
How to Play French Roulette
The French roulette version has the lowest house edge of them all. As with the European version, French roulette also only has a single zero pocket. There are 2 specific rules in French roulette, which we will discuss below.
- La Partage – The rule allows players to get back half their stake on even money bets if the ball falls on zero.
- En Prison – This rule is similar to la partage, except half of the player’s stake remains on the table. The term can translate to ‘in prison’ in English since the player’s stake is not returned to them. Instead, it’s saved for the next bet.
Comparing Roulette Variants
| Feature | American roulette | European roulette | French roulette |
| Pockets | 38 | 37 | 37 |
| Zeros | Double Zero | Single Zero | Single Zero |
| House edge | 5.26% | 2.7% | 1.35% |
Tips and How to Play Roulette for Beginners
- Start off by playing European roulette, as the probability of winning is greater than American roulette.2.
- Many casinos offer a demo version of the game; practice here before placing your real money bets.
- Set yourself limits and never wager more than what you can afford. Always practice responsible gambling.
- Remember that roulette is a game of chance, so do not rely on tactics and strategies too much- no strategy is perfect and will not guarantee you win.
- You may place your bets while the wheel is spinning, but once the ball is placed in the area of the numbered pockets, the dealer will say, “No more bets.”
- Remember that you will not get rich by playing roulette – in the long term, you will lose money.
What Are the Odds in Roulette and How Much Does Roulette Pay?
Once you know how to play roulette and understand the rules and how the game works, knowing how much you stand to win with each bet and how much the game pays out is essential. Understanding the roulette odds and payouts will help you make decisions involving your bets.
As with any casino game, the goal is to win as much as possible and not lose all your money. Roulette odds and roulette payouts are generally the same across all three versions of the game. The difference comes with regard to win probabilities. As mentioned before, the house edge also differs between each variant.
The basket bet option is only available in the American roulette version, not the European or French version. American roulette’s win probabilities are lower than those of European and French roulette, so it would be better to play the European version for better winning opportunities.
What is the Payout on Roulette? – Win Probabilities and Odds
Below, we have created a table summarizing the odds and payouts of the three different roulette variants and the win possibilities. You can refer to this table as a guide any time you play the game.
| Bet Type | Bets | Odds & Payouts | Win Possibility in % | ||||
| – | – | European | French | American | European | French | American |
| Inside | Straight up | 35:1 | 35 to 1 | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.70% | 2.60% |
| Inside | Split | 17:1 | 17 to 1 | 17:1 | 5.40% | 5.40% | 5.30% |
| Inside | Street | 11:1 | 11 to 1 | 11:1 | 8.10% | 8.10% | 7.9% |
| Inside | Corner | 8:1 | 8 to 1 | 8:1 | 10.80% | 10.80% | 10.50% |
| Inside | Basket | – | – | 6:1 | – | – | 13.20% |
| Inside | Line | 5:1 | 5 to 1 | 5:1 | 16.20% | 16.20% | 15.80% |
| Outside | Red/Black | 1:1 | 1 to 1 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Outside | Odd/Even | 1:1 | 1 to 1 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Outside | High/Low | 1:1 | 1 to 1 | 1:1 | 48.65% | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Outside | Column | 2:1 | 2 to 1 | 2:1 | 32.40% | 32.40% | 31.60% |
| Outside | Dozen | 2:1 | 2 to 1 | 2:1 | 32.40% | 32.40% | 31.60% |
What Does 00 Pay in Roulette?
If you bet on 0 or 00 in American roulette, and your bet hits, you will get a payout of 35 to 1. If you place a row bet, which means betting on both the 0 and 00, and your bet hits, you will get a payout of 17 to 1.
The Final Word on Online Roulette
After a detailed look at the three different roulette versions, namely American roulette, European roulette, and French roulette, it is evident why European roulette is the version of choice for most gamblers. European roulette is the easiest to learn, and the single 0 provides better winning opportunities.
Regardless of which variation you choose, enjoy roulette online using top casino apps and sites that provide generous welcome offers, such as those listed below.
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