How to Play Roulette

Roulette is definitely one of the most exciting games you'll find in US online casinos. If you want to learn how to play roulette, this is a great place to start. We'll break down everything you need to know about the wheel and all those different betting options and help you dive right in.

Basic Roulette Rules

Roulette rules revolve around a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball. Essentially, the main goal is to predict where the ball will land after the wheel stops spinning. Players place bets on the table before the dealer spins the wheel. Following this, the winning number and color are announced when the ball drops into a numbered pocket.

How roulette works is straightforward once you understand the table layout and wheel design. The wheel contains numbered pockets from 0 to 36. American roulette adds an extra "00" pocket. Numbers alternate between red and black colors. The green pocket holds the zero (and double zero in American versions).

The dealer, also called a croupier, controls the game flow. Players make their bets by placing chips on the betting table. After the dealer announces "no more bets," the wheel spins in one direction. The ball travels in the opposite direction around the wheel's rim. Eventually, the ball loses speed and falls into one of the numbered pockets.

Different Roulette Bets

Roulette offers many betting options that affect your chances of winning and potential payouts. The betting table displays all possible bets in an organized layout. Bets fall into two main categories: outside bets and inside bets.

Outside Roulette Bets

Outside bets sit on the perimeter of the number grid. Specifically, they cover larger groups of numbers and offer better winning chances but lower payouts.

1. Red or Black: Bet on whether the winning number will be red or black.

• Covers 18 numbers

• Pays 1:1 (even money)

• Nearly 50% chance of winning on European wheels

2. Odd or Even: Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.

• Covers 18 numbers

• Pays 1:1 (even money)

• Nearly 50% chance of winning on European wheels

3. High or Low: Bet on number ranges 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).

• Covers 18 numbers

• Pays 1:1 (even money)

• Nearly 50% chance of winning on European wheels

4. Dozens: Bet on groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36).

• Covers 12 numbers

• Pays 2:1

• 32.4% chance of winning on European wheels

5. Columns: Bet on one of three vertical columns of numbers.

• Covers 12 numbers

• Pays 2:1

• 32.4% chance of winning on European wheels

Outside bets appeal to beginners and cautious players. They offer more frequent wins and less risk. The zero and double zero don't count for red/black, odd/even, or high/low bets, creating the roulette house edge.

Inside Roulette Bets

Inside bets cover fewer numbers and sit within the main number grid. Consequently, they offer higher payouts but come with lower chances of winning.

1. Straight Up: Bet on a single number.

• Covers one number

• Pays 35:1

• 2.7% chance of winning on European wheels

2. Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing chips on the line between them.

• Covers two numbers

• Pays 17:1

• 5.4% chance of winning on European wheels

3. Street: Bet on three numbers in a horizontal row.

• Covers three numbers

• Pays 11:1

• 8.1% chance of winning on European wheels

4. Corner: Bet on four numbers that form a square on the table.

• Covers four numbers

• Pays 8:1

• 10.8% chance of winning on European wheels

5. Six Line: Bet on six numbers that form two adjacent horizontal rows.

• Covers six numbers

• Pays 5:1

• 16.2% chance of winning on European wheels

Inside bets attract players seeking bigger payouts. The roulette table payout increases as the number of covered positions decreases. Notably, straight-up bets on single numbers offer the highest payout at 35:1.

How to Play Roulette Online

Figuring out how to play roulette online is really quite similar to playing in a physical casino, but with one difference: the convenience of playing from wherever you are. Online roulette games typically have clear interfaces that make betting simple and enjoyable.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for playing online roulette:

1. Choose a game: Select from European, American, or French roulette variants

2. Set your betting amount: Select chip denominations from the available options

3. Place your bets: Click on the table where you want to place chips

4. Add multiple bets: Continue placing different bets until satisfied with your selection

5. Confirm your bets: Click the "Spin" button to start the round

6. Watch the wheel: Observe as the virtual wheel spins and the ball finds its pocket

7. View the results: The game automatically highlights the winning number and pays the winnings

8. Collect or rebet: Choose to place the same bets again or make new selections

Online roulette offers helpful features that improve the gaming experience. For example, many games include statistical displays showing recent numbers and patterns. Some platforms provide practice modes where players can test strategies without risking real money.

Live dealer roulette combines online convenience with a real casino atmosphere. Real croupiers spin physical wheels while players bet through digital interfaces. Video streams show the action in real time for an immersive experience. Chat features allow interaction with live dealers and occasionally other players, which further makes the experience authentic.

Online Roulette Tips

Understanding basic roulette strategy helps improve your roulette experience. While no system guarantees wins, these tips improve your chances. 

To begin with, how to play roulette and win involves choosing the right game variant first. European roulette offers better odds than American roulette. The European wheel has 37 pockets, including a single zero, while American wheels have 38 pockets with an additional double zero. Due to this, the extra pocket nearly doubles the house edge from 2.7% to 5.26%.

The French roulette variation includes the "La Partage" rule. Essentially, this rule returns half your stake on even-money bets when zero hits. French roulette reduces the house edge to just 1.35% on even-money bets, which makes it the most player-friendly version available.

Manage your bankroll carefully for longer play sessions. Set aside a specific amount for gambling before you start playing. Then, divide your bankroll into smaller units for individual betting rounds. Never chase losses by increasing bets when you're on a losing streak.

Consider using betting progressions in a controlled manner. The D'Alembert system increases bets by one unit after losses and decreases them by one unit after wins. This approach proves gentler than doubling bets after each loss. The Fibonacci system follows the famous number sequence for bet sizing.

Different Roulette Variants at Online Casinos

US online casinos feature several roulette versions with unique rules and features, including:

• European Roulette: The classic version features a total of 37 pockets, which includes a single zero. European roulette is quite a favorite because it offers a lower house edge of just 2.7%. The wheel layout follows the traditional European sequence. This variant is still the most widely available and is a highly recommended option.

• American Roulette: This variant features an additional double-zero pocket for 38 slots. The house edge is 5.26%, and the wheel follows a different number sequence than European versions. The extra pocket makes this variant more challenging for players.

• French Roulette: Similar to European but includes special rules like "La Partage" or "En Prison." These rules apply when the ball lands on zero during even-money bets. French tables often use French language terms for bets. Plus, the house edge drops to 1.35% on even-money bets with La Partage.

• Mini Roulette: A smaller version with fewer numbers, usually 1-12 plus zero. While mini roulette offers simpler gameplay, it typically has a higher house edge. This variant works well for beginners learning the basic mechanics.

• Multi-Wheel Roulette: Allows betting on up to eight wheels spinning simultaneously. Multi-wheel roulette creates more action and potential wins per round. Bets apply to all active wheels, multiplying your total stake.

• Double Ball Roulette: This variant features multiple balls spinning on the same wheel. Multiple results per spin increase winning chances. Payouts adjust based on the number of balls used.

• Lightning Roulette: Adds random multipliers to straight-up number bets. Lightning strikes randomly enhance payouts up to 500x on certain numbers. Even-money outside bets pay less than traditional roulette to balance the game.

Common Roulette Mistakes to Avoid

New players often make preventable mistakes that hurt their chances at the roulette table.

• Playing American roulette instead of European or French versions

• Chasing losses by increasing bets after losing spins

• Believing in the gambler's fallacy that numbers are "due" to hit

• Using betting systems that claim to overcome the house edge

• Not understanding the odds and payouts of different bet types

• Playing without a predetermined bankroll and betting limits

• Focusing too much on complex betting patterns and combinations

• Getting distracted by other players' bets and strategies

• Playing while tired, emotional, or under the influence

• Attempting to make back large losses in a single session

• Ignoring the entertainment value and playing only to win money

• Not taking advantage of casino bonuses and promotions

Avoiding these mistakes improves your overall roulette experience. Smart players approach the game as entertainment with potential wins. They understand the mathematical realities of the house edge. Successful players take care of their bankroll wisely, ensuring they have the best possible enjoyment from their games."

Roulette Payouts Explained

Roulette payout rates vary based on the specific bet placed. Understanding these payouts helps make more informed and smart betting decisions.

The difference between the true odds and the payout creates the house edge. For example, a straight-up bet has true odds of 36:1 on European roulette. However, it pays only 35:1, creating a 2.7% house advantage. This small percentage ensures the casino profits over time.

How to Win at Roulette

While no strategy guarantees wins, certain approaches improve your chances. First, how to win at roulette starts with understanding that each spin stands independently. Previous results don't influence future spins. The wheel has no memory.

The first step toward successful play involves selecting the right game. In particular, European or French roulette offers significantly better odds than American versions. The single-zero wheel reduces the house edge substantially. French roulette with the La Partage rule provides the most favorable conditions.

Focus on outside bets for more consistent results. Red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets win nearly half the time. These bets pay 1:1, helping extend your bankroll through more spins. Dozen and column bets win one-third of the time with 2:1 payouts.

Combine inside and outside bets for balanced play. Place smaller amounts on straight-up numbers while covering larger sections. This approach balances risk while maintaining win potential and allows for occasional big wins while ensuring more frequent smaller ones.

Set win goals and loss limits before starting to play. Decide what profit amount will satisfy you for the session. Determine how much you can comfortably lose without affecting your mood. Then, stick to these limits regardless of how the session develops.

Remember that roulette remains primarily a game of chance. So, no betting system overcomes the built-in house edge over time. Approach roulette as entertainment rather than a reliable income source. Celebrate wins, but don't depend on them financially.

Responsible Gambling

Enjoying roulette requires a responsible approach to all gambling activities. Set strict time and money limits before starting any gaming session. Never gamble with money needed for essential expenses. Take breaks to maintain clear thinking and decision-making abilities.

Online casinos offer tools to help maintain control over gambling habits. Use deposit limits, reality checks, and time-out features to regulate play. Watch for warning signs like chasing losses or spending increasing time gambling.

If gambling becomes problematic, resources are available to help. The National Council on Problem Gambling offers support through their helpline: 1-800-522-4700. Organizations like Gamblers Anonymous provide community support for gambling concerns. Visit our responsible gambling section for additional resources and guidance.