How to Play Roulette Online – The Complete Beginners Guide

Online roulette offers the convenience of playing from anywhere and there are two main versions available:

• Standard Online Roulette: This is the digital game version which uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure fair play and you play against the game.
• Live Dealer Roulette: This is similar to playing at a land-based casino, with the difference that all players are online playing a live-streamed game with a real dealer. The game takes place against other players in real-time.

For a selection of top online casinos, see our Roulette casinos page

Basic Rules and Gameplay

1. Placing Bets: Players place their chips on the desired betting areas before the dealer announces "No more bets."
2. Spinning the Wheel: The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball in the opposite direction.
3. Outcome: Once the ball lands in a pocket, the winning number and color are announced.
4. Payouts: Winning bets are paid according to the odds, and a new round begins.

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.

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.

Understanding the Roulette Wheel and Table Layout

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.

European vs. American Roulette

• European Roulette: Features 37 pockets numbered 0 to 36. The single zero gives the house a lower edge of 2.70%.
• American Roulette: Includes 38 pockets with an additional double zero (00), increasing the house edge to 5.26%.

Types of Bets in Roulette

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

Inside Bets

• Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Pays 35:1.
• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
• Street: Betting on three numbers in a horizontal line. Pays 11:1.
• Corner: Betting on four numbers that form a square. Pays 8:1.
• Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1.

Outside Bets

• Red or Black: Betting on the color of the winning number. Pays 1:1.
• Odd or Even: Betting on whether the number is odd or even. Pays 1:1.
• Low or High: Betting on numbers 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). Pays 1:1.
• Dozens: Betting on groups of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36). Pays 2:1.
• Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns. Pays 2:1.

Popular Roulette Strategies

While roulette is a game of chance, many players employ betting systems to manage their bankroll and attempt to increase their chances of winning.

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.

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.

Labouchère System

Concept: Write down a sequence of numbers that add up to your desired profit. Bet the sum of the first and last numbers. If you win, remove those numbers; if you lose, add the amount lost to the end of the sequence.
Risk: Complex and requires careful tracking.

For more insights into roulette strategies, read 7 Secrets Professional Gamblers Never Tell You.

The Psychology of Roulette

Understanding the psychological aspects of gambling can help you make better decisions:

• Risk and Reward: The thrill of potential rewards can lead to impulsive decisions.
• Loss Aversion: Players may continue betting to recover losses, leading to further losses.
• Discipline: Setting limits and sticking to a strategy can help manage emotions and bankroll.

Explore more in The Psychology Of Casino Games.