The Goal of Roulette
The main goal in roulette is to guess where the small ball will land on the spinning wheel. You might already know this. While it’s easy to play roulette online, there’s more to it than just picking a number or color. Our simple guide will cover the basic rules, types of bets, and payouts, and we’ll also introduce different versions of roulette so you’re ready to play smart.
Basic Rules of Roulette
Playing roulette is pretty simple, but it’s more than just guessing where the ball will land. As a beginner, it helps to understand the rules so you can play better and have a better chance to win.
- The Roulette Wheel:
- The wheel has a big outer rim where the ball spins and several small pockets where the ball can end up.
- The pockets are numbered from 1 to 36. Half of these pockets are red, and the other half are black.
- There’s also a green pocket with the number 0. In some versions of roulette, there’s an extra green pocket with 00 (double zero).
- Placing Your Bets:
- You put your bets on the table before the wheel starts spinning. You can place several bets at once if you want, but if you’re new, it’s a good idea to start with just one bet to get comfortable.
- The Spin:
- After you place your bets, the dealer puts the ball on the spinning wheel.
- The wheel spins until the ball falls into one of the pockets.
- If the ball lands on the number or color you bet on, you win according to the payout rules. If not, you lose your bet, and the game starts over.
Most Popular Roulette Game Variations
Roulette is a versatile game with several variations depending on where you play. Here are some of the most common versions you might encounter:
European Roulette
- Where It’s Played: European Roulette is popular in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- Key Feature: This version has only one green pocket, labeled 0. It does not have the extra green pocket (00) found in American Roulette.
- Advantage: The absence of the double-zero pocket reduces the house edge, meaning you have a slightly better chance of winning compared to American Roulette.
- Special Rule: Some tables use the ‘en prison’ rule. If you bet on even-money bets (like red/black or odd/even) and the ball lands on zero, you might get half of your bet back or keep the bet for the next spin.
French Roulette
- Similar to European: French Roulette is very similar to European Roulette but has some visual and rule differences.
- Visual Difference: All the numbers on the table might be labeled in red, though the wheel still has black pockets.
- Special Bets: French Roulette introduces “French Bets.” These bets cover different parts of the wheel. For example, you can place a bet on all numbers close to zero.
- Special Rule: The ‘en prison’ rule is present and is known as ‘la partage’ in French Roulette. It works similarly, giving you a chance to recover part of your bet or use it for the next spin.
American Roulette
- Where It’s Common: American Roulette is often found in casinos in the United States.
- Key Feature: This version includes 38 pockets: the numbers 1-36, a single zero, and an additional double zero (00).
- House Edge: The extra double zero increases the house edge, making it less favorable compared to European Roulette. However, some casinos offer single-zero wheels with higher limits and lower house edges similar to European Roulette.
Roulette Bets & Payouts
Roulette bets are divided into two main types: inside bets and outside bets. The type of bet you choose affects your odds and potential payouts.
- Inside Bets:
- Single Number Bet: Bet on one specific number. Pays the highest but is harder to win.
- Split Bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays less than a single number bet but covers more options.
- Street Bet: Bet on three numbers in a row. Offers a decent payout with a larger coverage area.
- Corner Bet: Bet on four numbers that form a square. Covers a block of four numbers.
- Line Bet: Bet on six numbers across two rows.
- Outside Bets:
- Column Bet: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of twelve numbers.
- Dozen Bet: Bet on one of three groups of twelve numbers.
- Even Money Bets: Bet on options like red or black, odd or even, high or low. These bets offer almost 50/50 odds.
Payouts
The amount you win depends on your bet type and the specific roulette variation. Generally, inside bets have higher payouts but are harder to win, while outside bets have lower payouts but better chances of winning.
Inside Bets
If you’re someone who enjoys taking risks, inside bets might be right for you. These bets offer higher payouts, but they are harder to win. Here are the different inside bets you can make:
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number. If the ball lands on this number, you win 35 times your bet. For example, if you bet $1, you win $35.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing your chips between them. If the ball lands on either number, you win 17 times your bet.
- Street: Bet on three numbers in a row by placing your chips at the end of the row. If the ball lands on one of these numbers, you win 11 times your bet.
- Corner Bet: Bet on four numbers that form a square. Place your chips in the middle of these four numbers. If the ball lands on any of these numbers, you win 8 times your bet.
- Six Line: Bet on six numbers that cover two rows. Place your chips on the line between the two rows. If the ball lands on one of these numbers, you win 5 times your bet.
Outside Bets
Outside bets give you a better chance of winning, but the payouts are lower. Here are the types of outside bets:
- Column Bet: Bet on a column of twelve numbers. If the ball lands on one of these numbers, you win 2 times your bet.
- Odd/Even: Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Zero does not count for this bet. If your chosen category wins, you win even money (1 to 1).
- Red/Black: Bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. If your color wins, you win even money (1 to 1).
- 1-18 / 19-36: Bet on whether the winning number will be in the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36). If your chosen range wins, you win even money (1 to 1).
As a beginner, start with the simpler bets until you get comfortable with the game. Once you feel more confident and if you have a larger bankroll, you can try different bets and find out which ones you prefer. Our guide to Roulette Odds and Payouts might also help you understand these bets better.
Live vs Online Roulette – Which is Better?
Both live and online roulette have similar basic rules, but there are some differences. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference:
- Online Roulette:
- Better Odds: Online casinos usually have better odds and payouts because they have lower operating costs compared to physical casinos.
- Convenience: You can play from anywhere with an internet connection and choose from many variations of the game.
- Wide Range of Bets: Online roulette often offers a wider range of bet sizes, which is good if you prefer smaller or larger bets.
- Privacy: Playing online allows you to keep your gambling private and avoid distractions.
- Live Roulette:
- Real Casino Experience: If you enjoy the atmosphere of a physical casino, live roulette can offer a similar experience with real dealers and a real casino environment.
- Limited Tables: There might be fewer roulette tables to choose from in a physical casino.
- Atmosphere: The social and physical aspects of playing in a casino can be exciting and enjoyable.
Roulette Tips and Tricks
Now that you understand the basics of roulette, here are some helpful tips and tricks to improve your game and make the most of your experience:
- Try the Game for Free:
- Before you start betting real money, try playing roulette for free online. This will help you get familiar with the game and build confidence without risking your money.
- Set a Bankroll:
- Always play within your financial limits. Decide how much money you can afford to lose and stick to that amount. This helps you avoid overspending and keeps your gambling under control.
- Choose the Right Bets:
- Different bets have different odds. Pick bets that fit your budget and playing style. If you have a small budget, be careful with making many bets at once, as it can be risky.
- Be Patient:
- After a spin, wait until all winning bets are paid out before placing new bets. This helps you avoid making mistakes and ensures you don’t miss out on payouts.
- Avoid the Top Line Bet:
- In American Roulette, the Top Line bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It has a high house edge of almost 8%, so it’s better to avoid this bet as it’s less favorable.
- Be Cautious with Betting Systems:
- Betting systems like the Martingale system do not change the house edge. If you want to use a betting system, do your research first and understand its limits. Check the casino’s rules on betting systems before you use one.
- Look for the Surrender Option:
- Some casinos offer a Surrender option, which can improve your odds. If you find a casino with this option, it might give you a better chance of winning.
- Don’t Chase Losses:
- It’s natural to lose some bets. Don’t try to win back your losses by betting more money. This usually leads to even bigger losses.
- Watch the Odds:
- Single number bets have the worst odds. Try to place bets that have odds closer to even money, such as red/black or odd/even bets.
Roulette Game Summary
By now, you should have a good understanding of roulette. The more you play, the more confident you’ll become, and you may find yourself preferring certain roulette variations or bets.
Always check the odds and be aware of the table’s minimum bets. You don’t want to be in a game where the minimum bet is too high for your comfort.
Remember, roulette is a game of chance. Enjoy the game, but always gamble responsibly.