Beginner’s Guide to Online Roulette

The excitement of watching the wheel spin and the ball bounce around the numbers makes roulette one of the most thrilling casino games. With the right understanding of the game mechanics and betting strategies, you can maximize your enjoyment and potentially improve your results. In this comprehensive roulette guide, we will teach you everything you need to know to play roulette confidently online.

Roulette is a classic casino game where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel numbered from 0 to 36 (and 00 in American roulette). The objective is simple: predict where the ball will stop and place your bets accordingly.

Unlike some casino games that require complex strategies, roulette is easy to learn but offers depth for those who want to explore different betting approaches.

Three Ways to Win in Roulette

• You can bet on a specific number and win big if the ball lands exactly where you predicted
• You can bet on groups of numbers, colors, or sections to increase your chances of winning with smaller payouts
• You can combine multiple bets in one round to cover more possibilities and create your own betting strategy

The beauty of roulette lies in its flexibility. You can play conservatively with safer bets that pay smaller amounts, or take bigger risks for potentially massive payouts. The choice is entirely yours, making it perfect for both cautious beginners and thrill-seeking veterans.

To Summarise - the goal of roulette is to correctly predict where the ball will land on the spinning wheel. You win by:

• Placing bets before the wheel is spun
• Having the ball land on a number or section you've bet on
• Collecting payouts based on the type and odds of your winning bets

Ready to play online roulette? See our Roulette casinos page for recommended casinos

Game Setup and Flow

• Place Your Bets: Choose your wagers before the dealer announces "No more bets." Online games typically have a betting timer.
• Wheel Spin: The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
• Ball Settlement: The ball bounces around before settling into a numbered pocket.
• Payouts: Winning bets are paid according to their odds, losing bets are collected.
• New Round: After payouts, a new betting round begins.

Let's look at the betting process in more detail. Once you've selected your betting amount, you need to understand the different types of bets available:

• Inside Bets: These are placed on the numbered grid and offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning
• Outside Bets: These are placed on the outer sections and offer better odds but smaller payouts
• Combination Betting: You can place multiple bets in the same round to cover different possibilities

The betting phase in online roulette usually lasts 15-30 seconds, giving you plenty of time to place your wagers. In live dealer games, you'll hear the dealer announce when betting closes, just like in a physical casino.

Quick Tips for Playing Roulette Online

• Choose the Right Version: European roulette offers better odds than American.
• Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to lose and stick to it.
• Understand the Odds: Know the payouts and probabilities of each bet.
• Avoid Betting Systems: No system can overcome the house edge.
• Play for Fun: Remember that roulette is a game of chance; enjoy the experience.

Online vs Live Dealer Roulette

When playing roulette online, it is essential to know that there are two main options: both are fair and legitimate. Choose based on your preference for speed versus atmosphere.

Standard Online Roulette

• Uses Random Number Generator (RNG) for fair results
• Faster gameplay with instant results
• Often lower minimum bets
• Can practice in demo mode
• Results are completely random each spin

Live Dealer Roulette

• Real dealers spin physical wheels
• Social interaction with chat features
• More authentic casino atmosphere
• Slightly slower pace allows more thinking time
• Same odds and payouts as online versions

Understanding the Roulette Wheel and Table Layout

Before placing any bets, you need to understand what you're looking at. At the heart of roulette lies a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets and a betting table where players place their wagers. The game's objective is simple: predict where the ball will land after the wheel is spun.

• The Wheel: Contains numbered pockets where the ball can land
• The Betting Grid: Where you place your inside bets (individual numbers)
• Outside Betting Areas: Where you place bets on colors, odd/even, and number groups

The numbers on a European wheel are arranged in a specific order: 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. This arrangement ensures that high and low numbers, as well as red and black numbers, are distributed as evenly as possible around the wheel.

Classic Roulette: Difference Between European, American Roulette or French Roulette

There are different types of roulette, and you should understand the basic differences between European, American and French roulette;

Let's start with European and American because the difference between them is significant. The main distinction lies in the number of pockets on the wheel.

European roulette has 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36, while American roulette features 38 pockets, including an additional 00 alongside the numbers 0 to 36. This extra pocket increases the house edge in American roulette, making the odds slightly less favorable for players compared to European roulette.

💡Always choose European roulette when possible. The difference might seem small, but over time, that extra 2.56% house edge in American roulette significantly impacts your bankroll. Most online casinos offer both versions, so you have the choice.

French roulette is different from European and American roulette in a few key ways. It has a single zero on the wheel, which gives players better odds. French roulette also includes special rules called "La Partage" and "En Prison." These rules help players recover half of their bet if the ball lands on zero. Overall, French roulette offers a mix of luck and strategy, making it unique among roulette games.

Variant	Wheel Pockets	House Edge	Key Rules	Best For Beginners?
European	37 (0-36)	2.70%	Standard	Yes, better odds.
American	38 (0-36 + 00)	5.26%	Extra 00 increases edge	No, avoid if possible.
French	37 (0-36)	1.35% on even-money	La Partage/En Prison	Yes, if available—lowest edge.

Is French Roulette Better?

Many players consider French roulette to be superior to both European and American versions due to its unique rules and features. One key advantage of French roulette is the "La Partage" rule, which allows players to recover half of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. This significantly lowers the house edge compared to its American counterpart, where the presence of a double zero increases the house advantage. Additionally, French roulette often uses a single zero layout, which enhances players' odds. The game also features elegant and aesthetically pleasing designs, often found in stylish casinos, adding to the overall experience. These aspects make French roulette a preferred option for many enthusiasts seeking a more favorable gambling experience.

Other Types of Roulette

In addition to traditional roulette, there are popular variations that players enjoy. One is speed roulette, which speeds up the game with fast spins. This allows players to enjoy a quicker and more exciting experience.

Another popular type is lightning roulette. In this version, some numbers are randomly highlighted, and if players bet on these numbers, their payouts can be much higher. This adds extra excitement and strategy, as players try to guess which numbers will be chosen. Both speed roulette and lightning roulette offer unique and thrilling experiences for fans of the game.

Winning Real Money When Playing Roulette Online

What many don't know is that the house edge, or the game RTP (return to player), is higher when playing roulette online than when playing at a traditional land-based casino.

With that said, there is NO guarantee of winnings! Roulette is not considered a 'luck' game, as there are many strategies you can apply, however, there are no 'hot numbers or colours' that will guarantee a win when playing online.

Gamble responsibly, which means setting limits and sticking to them. I'm referring to utilizing the responsible gaming tools available to you when playing online. Set deposit limits and wagering limits to avoid spending all your winnings hoping to win even more... Use the play for free options (demo mode) to practice strategies and learn the game. Switch to real money bets only when you know the rules. Begin with European Roulette, which has a house edge of 2.7%, and learn to manage your bet sizes effectively. When you win, cash out. If you lose, don't chase your losses in the hope of recovering them. Instead, log out if you reached your budget limits and accept it was a day of bad luck.

Types of Bets and Payouts Explained

Roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with its own odds and payouts. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions.

Bet Type	Description	Payout	Probability (European Wheel)	House Edge
Straight Up (Inside)	Bet on a single number (e.g., 17).	35:1	2.70% (1/37)	2.70%
Split (Inside)	Bet on two adjacent numbers (e.g., 8-9).	17:1	5.41% (2/37)	2.70%
Street (Inside)	Bet on three numbers in a row (e.g., 1-2-3).	11:1	8.11% (3/37)	2.70%
Corner (Inside)	Bet on four numbers forming a square (e.g., 1-2-4-5).	8:1	10.81% (4/37)	2.70%
Dozen (Outside)	Bet on 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.	2:1	32.43% (12/37)	2.70%
Red/Black (Outside)	Bet on all red or black numbers.	1:1	48.65% (18/37)	2.70%

Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Higher Reward

• Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Pays 35:1. Probability: 2.7% (1 in 37), Example: Bet $1 on number 17, win $35 plus your $1 back.
• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1. Probability: 5.4% (2 in 37), Example: Place your chip on the line between two numbers
• Street Bet: Betting on three numbers in a horizontal line. Pays 11:1. Probability: 8.1% (3 in 37), Example: Place your chip at the end of any row
• Corner Bet: Betting on four numbers that form a square. Pays 8:1. Probability: 10.8% (4 in 37), Example: Place your chip where four numbers meet
• Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1. Probability: 16.2% (6 in 37), Example: Place your chip at the intersection of two rows

Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Lower Reward

• Red or Black: Betting on the color of the winning number. Pays 1:1. Probability: 48.6% (18 in 37), Nearly 50/50 odds, excluding the green zero
• Odd or Even: Betting on whether the number is odd or even. Pays 1:1. Probability: 48.6% (18 in 37). Zero is neither odd nor even, so it loses for both bets
• Low or High: Betting on numbers 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). Pays 1:1. Probability: 48.6% (18 in 37). Simple way to cover almost half the wheel
• Dozens: Betting on groups of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36). Pays 2:1. Probability: 32.4% (12 in 37)
• Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns. Pays 2:1. Probability: 32.4% (12 in 37), Each column contains 12 numbers

Basic Roulette Strategy for Beginners

While roulette is primarily a game of chance, there are smart approaches to bankroll management and bet selection. Here are some roulette strategies beginners should follow;

1. Choose European roulette for the lowest house edge
2. Start with outside bets to learn the game flow
3. Set strict win and loss limits before you start playing
4. Use a flat betting approach - bet the same amount each spin
5. Play for entertainment rather than trying to make money

When to Use Different Bet Types

• For Beginners: Start with outside bets (red/black, odd/even) to get familiar with the game flow and extend your playing time.
• For Steady Play: Combine dozens or columns bets. You can cover two dozens for a 64.8% chance of winning, though payouts are smaller.
• For Big Wins: Occasional straight-up bets can be exciting, but limit these to small portions of your bankroll due to their low probability.

Managing Your Bankroll

• Set Win and Loss Limits: Decide beforehand when to stop, whether you're winning or losing
• Bet Sizing: Never bet more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single spin
• Session Bankroll: Only bring money you can afford to lose to each playing session

The House Edge Reality

Unlike blackjack where perfect play can reduce the house edge significantly, roulette's house edge is fixed:

• European Roulette: 2.70%
• American Roulette: 5.26%

This means that over time, the casino expects to keep 2.70 cents of every dollar wagered on European roulette. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations.

Advanced Betting Systems for Advanced Roulette Players

While roulette is a game of chance, many players employ betting systems to manage their bankroll and attempt to increase their chances of winning. Adding strategy to your gameplay makes it a lot more exciting to play, but the truth is, no betting system can overcome the house edge in the long run. They may help you manage your bankroll and create structure, but they don't change the mathematical reality of the game.

Martingale System

Concept: Double your bet after each loss to recover previous losses and gain a profit equal to the original bet.
Risk: Can lead to significant losses if a losing streak occurs.

How it works: Double your bet after each loss to recover previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. Reality: Requires an unlimited bankroll and tables without betting limits. Can lead to massive losses during losing streaks.

Fibonacci System

Concept: Bet amounts follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ...). After a loss, move to the next number; after a win, move back two numbers.
Risk: Less aggressive than Martingale but still requires a substantial bankroll.

How it works: Follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...) for bet sizing. Reality: Less aggressive than Martingale but still can't overcome the mathematical house edge.

D'Alembert System

How it works: Increase bets by one unit after losses, decrease by one unit after wins. Reality: More conservative than Martingale but doesn't change the fundamental odds.

The best roulette strategy combines smart bankroll management with realistic expectations. Always remember that roulette is designed to be profitable for the casino over time. The house edge ensures this. Your goal should be to have fun while giving yourself the best possible chance within the game's mathematical constraints.

Five Common Roulette Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't Chase Losses: If you lose several bets in a row, don't dramatically increase your bet size trying to win everything back quickly. This is how players lose their entire bankroll in a few spins.

2. Avoid the "Hot Numbers" Fallacy: Previous results don't influence future spins. If red has come up five times in a row, black isn't "due" to hit. Each spin is independent.

3. Don't Play American Roulette: When European roulette is available, there's no reason to choose American roulette with its higher house edge.

4. Understand "En Prison" and "La Partage" Rules: Some European roulette games offer these rules that give back half your bet or let you keep it for another spin when zero hits on even-money bets. These rules lower the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets.

5. Don't Bet Your Whole Bankroll: Even "safe" bets like red/black can lose multiple times in a row. Always leave room for variance.

Roulette Etiquette and Tips

• Use the betting history to track your wins and losses
• Take advantage of demo modes to practice
• Set deposit limits using responsible gaming tools
• Cash out winnings regularly instead of reinvesting everything
• Be respectful in chat
• Don't blame the dealer for bad luck
• Tip the dealer occasionally if you're winning
• Be patient during busy periods

Ready to Play Roulette?

Roulette offers excitement and the potential for significant winnings, making it a favorite among casino players worldwide. Although it's impossible to guarantee profits due to the house edge, this guide has provided you with a basic understanding of how online roulette works. The next step is to play roulette for free at one of our recommended casinos. Once you're familiar with the game, you can start playing for real money. Remember to return to our roulette guides for more tips on playing roulette online.

Getting Started Online - Step by Step

1. Choose a licensed casino from our list of casinos on this page. Click 'Get Bonus'
2. Register with email, age verification (must be 18+ or 21+ depending on jurisdiction).
3. Navigate to roulette section, pick variant, place bets via drag-and-drop chips.
4. Start to play European roulette for free in demo mode. Learn the mechanics of the online game.
5. Deposit: Select method, enter amount (e.g., $10 min), confirm.
6. Withdraw: Go to cashier, meet wagering requirements, request payout (1-5 days typical).

Whether you choose the quick pace of online roulette or the social atmosphere of live dealer games, you now have the knowledge to play confidently and make informed betting decisions. Good luck, and remember to gamble responsibly!