Roulette is one of the most glamorous and iconic casino games in the world. With its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and array of betting options, roulette has captivated players for centuries. The game combines simplicity with excitement, making it accessible to beginners whilst offering enough variety to keep experienced players engaged. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing roulette, from basic rules to advanced betting strategies.
What Is Roulette?
Roulette, which means “little wheel” in French, is a casino game where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, and players can wager on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colours, or whether the number will be odd or even. The game’s appeal lies in its elegant simplicity and the wide range of betting options available, from safe bets with lower payouts to risky wagers offering substantial returns.
The iconic image of the roulette wheel has made it synonymous with casino gambling, featured prominently in films, literature, and popular culture. Despite its appearance of pure chance, understanding the different bet types and odds can significantly enhance your roulette experience.
Types of Roulette
European Roulette
European roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets numbered 0-36. The single zero gives the house an edge of 2.7%, making it the most player-friendly version of the game. The numbers alternate between red and black, with the zero pocket coloured green. This is the original and most common version found in casinos worldwide.
American Roulette
American roulette adds an additional double zero (00) pocket, bringing the total to 38 pockets. This extra pocket increases the house edge to 5.26%, nearly doubling the casino’s advantage compared to European roulette. The layout and betting options remain similar, but the additional zero makes this variant significantly less favourable for players.
French Roulette
French roulette uses the same 37-pocket wheel as European roulette but includes special rules that further reduce the house edge. The “La Partage” rule returns half your stake on even-money bets when the ball lands on zero, reducing the house edge to 1.35% on these wagers. The “En Prison” rule allows you to leave your bet imprisoned for the next spin rather than losing it immediately. French roulette also features a different table layout with French terminology.
Mini Roulette
Some online casinos offer mini roulette, which uses a smaller wheel with only 13 pockets (0-12). Whilst this speeds up gameplay, it typically carries a higher house edge and is less common than traditional versions.
How to Play Roulette
The Basic Gameplay
Playing roulette follows a straightforward sequence that repeats with each spin:
Place Your Bets: Before the wheel is spun, players place their chips on the betting layout, indicating which outcome they’re wagering on. In land-based casinos, there’s a designated betting period whilst the dealer announces “place your bets.”
The Spin: Once all bets are placed, the croupier (dealer) spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction. In online roulette, this happens automatically after the betting period closes.
No More Bets: The dealer will announce “no more bets” (or “rien ne va plus” in French casinos) once the ball begins to slow down. After this point, no further bets can be placed or modified.
The Result: The ball eventually loses momentum and falls into one of the numbered pockets. The dealer announces the winning number, its colour, and whether it’s odd or even.
Payouts: All losing bets are cleared from the table, and winning bets are paid according to the payout odds for each bet type. Players can then place bets for the next spin.
Understanding the Roulette Wheel and Table
The Wheel Layout
The numbers on a roulette wheel aren’t arranged in numerical order. In European and French roulette, they’re specifically sequenced to ensure numbers are well-distributed around the wheel, alternating between red and black, odd and even, and high and low numbers. The arrangement is: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26.
American roulette wheels use a different sequence to accommodate the double zero.
The Betting Layout
The roulette table features a betting layout with all the numbers arranged in a grid, plus additional areas for outside bets. The layout allows you to place various types of bets by positioning your chips in specific locations.
Types of Roulette Bets
Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main number grid.
Straight Up: A bet on a single number. Place your chip directly on any number including zero. Pays 35:1.
Split Bet: A bet on two adjacent numbers. Place your chip on the line between two numbers. Pays 17:1.
Street Bet: A bet on three numbers in a horizontal row. Place your chip on the edge of the row. Pays 11:1.
Corner Bet (Square): A bet on four numbers that form a square. Place your chip where the four numbers meet. Pays 8:1.
Line Bet (Double Street): A bet on six numbers across two adjacent rows. Place your chip on the edge where two rows meet. Pays 5:1.
Trio Bet: Available in European and French roulette, this covers 0, 1, and 2, or 0, 2, and 3. Pays 11:1.
Basket Bet: In American roulette, this covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Pays 6:1 but has the worst house edge (7.89%).
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are located on the outer sections of the betting layout.
Red or Black: Bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. Pays 1:1 (even money).
Odd or Even: Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Pays 1:1.
High or Low (1-18 or 19-36): Bet on whether the number will be in the low half (1-18) or high half (19-36). Pays 1:1.
Dozen Bets: Bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). Pays 2:1.
Column Bets: Bet on one of three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.
Announced Bets (Call Bets)
Popular in French roulette and some European games, these are special combinations covering specific sections of the wheel:
Voisins du Zéro (Neighbours of Zero): Covers 17 numbers between 22 and 25 on the wheel, requiring nine chips.
Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel): Covers 12 numbers opposite zero, requiring six chips.
Orphelins (Orphans): Covers the eight numbers not included in Voisins or Tiers, requiring five chips.
Jeu Zéro (Zero Game): Covers seven numbers closest to zero, requiring four chips.
Neighbours: A bet on a specific number and the two numbers on either side of it on the wheel.
Roulette Odds and Payouts
Understanding the relationship between payouts and probability is essential for informed betting.
Inside Bet Odds (European Roulette)
- Straight Up: 35:1 payout, 2.7% probability (1 in 37)
- Split: 17:1 payout, 5.4% probability (2 in 37)
- Street: 11:1 payout, 8.1% probability (3 in 37)
- Corner: 8:1 payout, 10.8% probability (4 in 37)
- Line: 5:1 payout, 16.2% probability (6 in 37)
Outside Bet Odds (European Roulette)
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low: 1:1 payout, 48.6% probability (18 in 37)
- Dozen or Column: 2:1 payout, 32.4% probability (12 in 37)
In American roulette, all probabilities are slightly lower due to the extra pocket, whilst payouts remain the same, resulting in the higher house edge.
Roulette Strategies and Betting Systems
Whilst no strategy can overcome the house edge, various betting systems aim to manage your bankroll and potentially capitalize on short-term trends.
The Martingale System
The most famous roulette strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss on even-money bets. When you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. However, this requires a substantial bankroll and can quickly reach table limits during losing streaks.
Advantages: Simple to understand and implement. Guarantees profit if you can sustain enough spins.
Disadvantages: Requires large bankroll. Table limits can prevent further doubling. A long losing streak can be financially devastating.
The Reverse Martingale (Paroli)
Instead of doubling after losses, you double your bet after wins and return to your base bet after a loss. This system aims to capitalize on winning streaks whilst limiting losses.
Advantages: Less risky than Martingale. Limits potential losses whilst maximizing winning streaks.
Disadvantages: One loss wipes out previous gains. Winning streaks are relatively rare.
The D’Alembert System
A more conservative approach where you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one unit after a win. Based on the theory of equilibrium, it’s less aggressive than Martingale.
Advantages: Gentler progression. Easier on your bankroll.
Disadvantages: Doesn’t guarantee profit. Can still result in significant losses.
The Fibonacci System
Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21…), you move one step forward in the sequence after a loss and two steps back after a win.
Advantages: Slower progression than Martingale. More sustainable during losing streaks.
Disadvantages: Complex to track. Still vulnerable to extended losses.
The James Bond Strategy
A flat betting system where you place specific bets covering more than half the table: 14 units on high numbers (19-36), 5 units on the line bet (13-18), and 1 unit on zero. This covers 25 of 37 numbers on European roulette.
Advantages: Covers large portion of the wheel. Good for short sessions.
Disadvantages: Requires 20 units per spin. Losses are substantial when the ball lands on 1-12.
Flat Betting
Simply betting the same amount on each spin, regardless of wins or losses. This is the most sustainable long-term approach.
Advantages: Complete bankroll control. No risk of catastrophic loss. Simple and stress-free.
Disadvantages: Won’t recover losses quickly. Less exciting for some players.
Essential Tips for Playing Roulette
Always Choose European or French Roulette
The single zero reduces the house edge significantly compared to American roulette. If French roulette with La Partage is available, it offers the best odds at just 1.35% house edge on even-money bets.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start playing. Divide this into session bankrolls and never chase losses by exceeding your limit.
Understand That Each Spin Is Independent
Past results don’t influence future spins. The wheel has no memory. If red has appeared ten times in a row, the probability of red on the next spin remains 48.6% (in European roulette).
Avoid the Gambler’s Fallacy
Don’t believe that outcomes are “due” to happen. Each spin is random and independent. Betting systems don’t change the mathematical house edge.
Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses
Online casinos often offer bonuses, but read the terms carefully. Roulette usually contributes less to wagering requirements than slots, if it’s allowed at all.
Practice with Free Games
Many online casinos offer free roulette games. Use these to understand the betting layout and test strategies without risking real money.
Don’t Fall for Betting Systems Sold Online
No system can guarantee profits at roulette. Anyone selling a “guaranteed” system is trying to scam you. The house edge is a mathematical certainty.
Watch for Biased Wheels
In land-based casinos, physical imperfections can occasionally create biased wheels favouring certain numbers. However, modern casinos maintain equipment meticulously, making truly biased wheels extremely rare.
Bet Within Your Comfort Zone
Don’t feel pressured to bet large amounts. The house edge applies equally to £1 bets and £1,000 bets. Play at stakes that allow you to enjoy the experience.
Know When to Walk Away
Set both winning and losing limits. If you reach either, have the discipline to stop playing. The longer you play, the more the house edge works against you.
Common Roulette Mistakes to Avoid
Believing in “Hot” and “Cold” Numbers
Electronic displays showing previous results encourage this fallacy, but numbers don’t run hot or cold. Each spin is random.
Playing American Roulette
With nearly double the house edge of European roulette, American roulette should be avoided unless no alternative is available.
Increasing Bets to Chase Losses
This emotional response often leads to larger losses. Stick to your strategy and budget.
Not Understanding the Payouts
Know exactly what each bet pays before placing it. Don’t discover payout structures during play.
Betting More Than You Can Afford
Roulette can be captivating, but never gamble with money needed for essentials or that you can’t afford to lose.
Using Multiple Systems Simultaneously
Combining betting strategies creates confusion without improving odds. Choose one approach and stick with it.
Online Roulette vs Land-Based Roulette
Advantages of Online Roulette
- Lower minimum bets
- Play at your own pace
- Access to European and French variants
- Free practice games available
- Convenient 24/7 access from home
- Often features better odds
- No pressure from dealers or other players
Advantages of Land-Based Roulette
- Social atmosphere and excitement
- Physical wheel and tangible experience
- Interaction with dealers and players
- The glamour and ambiance of casino floors
- No concerns about software fairness
- Immediate cashout of winnings
Live Dealer Roulette
Live dealer roulette bridges the gap, offering real wheels and dealers streamed to your device. You get the authenticity of land-based play with the convenience of online gaming.
Roulette Etiquette
At Land-Based Casinos
- Wait for the dealer to finish paying out before placing bets for the next spin
- Don’t touch your chips once the dealer calls “no more bets”
- Place inside bets yourself but ask the dealer to place complex announced bets
- Don’t lean over the table or obstruct other players
- Tip dealers occasionally, especially during winning sessions
- Be respectful to dealers and fellow players
- Don’t offer unsolicited advice to other players
- Exchange cash for chips at the table rather than handing cash directly to dealers
Online Roulette
- In live dealer games, be respectful in chat functions
- Don’t slow down play unnecessarily
- Follow table minimums and maximums
- Report technical issues promptly
Roulette Variations and Side Bets
Multi-Wheel Roulette
Play up to eight wheels simultaneously, each with independent outcomes. This increases action and potential wins but also accelerates losses.
Multi-Ball Roulette
Two or three balls are released simultaneously on one wheel, creating multiple winning opportunities per spin.
Lightning Roulette
A gameshow-style variant where random “lightning” multipliers (up to 500x) are applied to straight-up bets on selected numbers.
Pinball Roulette
Combines elements of pinball with roulette, adding an extra layer of randomness and entertainment.
Rapid Roulette
Electronic betting terminals connected to a live wheel, allowing faster gameplay and lower stakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bet in roulette? In European roulette, all bets (except the basket in American roulette) have the same house edge of 2.7%. In French roulette with La Partage, even-money bets offer the lowest house edge at 1.35%.
Can I beat roulette with a strategy? No strategy can overcome the house edge in the long term. Betting systems can help manage your bankroll but don’t change the mathematical odds.
Is online roulette rigged? Licensed and regulated online casinos use certified random number generators and undergo regular audits. Stick to reputable operators with proper licensing.
What are the odds of hitting a specific number? In European roulette, the odds are 1 in 37 (2.7%). In American roulette, they’re 1 in 38 (2.63%).
Should I bet on numbers that haven’t appeared recently? No. Each spin is independent, and the wheel has no memory. Past results don’t influence future outcomes.
What’s the maximum I can win in roulette? This depends on table limits and your bet. A straight-up bet at 35:1 offers the highest single-bet payout. Your maximum win is 35 times your straight-up stake, assuming it doesn’t exceed table maximums.
Conclusion
Roulette is a timeless casino classic that offers excitement, elegance, and a relatively fair house edge when you choose European or French variants. Whilst it’s primarily a game of chance, understanding the different bet types, odds, and game variations allows you to make informed decisions and maximise your entertainment value.
Remember that the house always maintains a mathematical edge, and no strategy can guarantee profits. Approach roulette as entertainment rather than a money-making opportunity, set clear budgets, and know when to walk away. Whether you’re drawn to the simple pleasure of betting on red or black, or you prefer the complexity of announced bets covering specific wheel sectors, roulette offers something for every type of player.
Play responsibly, choose games with favourable rules, and enjoy one of the most iconic and thrilling games in the casino. The spinning wheel and bouncing ball have captivated players for generations, and with the knowledge from this guide, you’re well-equipped to join them at the table.