Welcome to the ultimate roulette guide, your definitive resource for mastering one of the world's most iconic and beloved table games. From the lavish casinos of Monte Carlo to the bustling digital floors of the best online casinos, the spinning wheel of roulette has captivated players for centuries. Its appeal lies in its elegant simplicity, but beneath the surface is a game of surprising depth, with a rich history, specific rules, and a variety of betting options.
Whether you're a complete novice looking to learn how to play roulette for the first time, or a seasoned player aiming to refine your roulette strategy, this guide has you covered. We'll break down everything from the basic roulette rules and bet types to advanced concepts like roulette RTP and the dreaded house edge. We’ll explore the different roulette types, including the player-friendly European Roulette and its American counterpart, and show you how to find the best roulette online experience, complete with a roulette bonus or a roulette free play session.
Ready to place your bets? Let's spin the wheel and dive into the thrilling world of roulette.
A Brief History of Roulette
The story of roulette begins not in a casino, but in the mind of a 17th-century French physicist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal. In his quest to invent a perpetual motion machine, Pascal inadvertently created a primitive version of the roulette wheel. While it wasn't the scientific breakthrough he was searching for, it laid the foundation for a global phenomenon.
The game as we know it today took shape in Paris around 1796. Early wheels featured both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). To boost their casino's competitiveness, French brothers François and Louis Blanc ingeniously removed the double zero from their wheel in 1843. This small change significantly lowered the house edge, making their version of roulette wildly popular across Europe.
As the game crossed the Atlantic to America during the 19th-century gold rush, casino operators, looking to increase their profits, reintroduced the double zero. This created the distinct variant now known as American Roulette.
The dawn of the internet age in the late 20th century marked the next major evolution. Online roulette brought the classic game from the casino floor to computer screens and, eventually, to mobile devices. Today, players can enjoy countless variations, from digital RNG (Random Number Generator) games to immersive live roulette experiences with real dealers, all from the comfort of home.
How to Play Roulette
At its heart, roulette is a wonderfully simple game of prediction. Your goal is to guess which numbered pocket a small ball will land in on a spinning wheel. Here’s a breakdown of the core components and the flow of a game round.
Game Components
- The Roulette Wheel: This is the centerpiece of the game. It's a precisely engineered, spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets.
- European (and French) Roulette: The wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 1-36 (alternating between red and black) and a single green pocket for the number 0.
- American Roulette: The wheel has 38 pockets, numbered 1-36 (red/black), a green 0, and an additional green 00. The numbers on the wheel are arranged in a different sequence than the European version.
- The Ball: A small, typically white ball is spun along the outer track of the wheel in the opposite direction of the spin. As it loses momentum, it drops and bounces before settling into one of the numbered pockets, determining the winning number.
- The Betting Table (Layout): This is the large felt mat next to the wheel where players place their chips. The layout features all the numbers on the wheel, plus special boxes for betting on groups of numbers (e.g., Red/Black, Odd/Even).
A Round of Roulette
Playing a round of roulette, whether at a roulette casino or online, follows a simple sequence:
- Place Your Bets: The dealer (or “croupier”) opens the betting round, often with the famous call, “Place your bets!” You can now place your chips on the numbers or betting groups you want to wager on.
- The Spin: The dealer spins the roulette wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction. You can usually continue to place bets for a short time while the ball is spinning.
- No More Bets: A few moments before the ball is about to drop, the dealer will wave their hand over the table and announce, “No more bets!” At this point, no further wagers are allowed.
- The Result: The ball comes to rest in one of the numbered pockets. The dealer places a marker (a “dolly”) on the winning number on the table layout.
- Payouts: The dealer sweeps away all losing bets and then pays out the winnings to everyone who bet on the winning number or a group that included it. A new round then begins.
Roulette Rules and Etiquette
While the basics are simple, there are specific rules that can impact gameplay and your odds. Understanding these is key to making informed decisions.
Special Roulette Rules
These rules are not always in play, but they are incredibly beneficial for the player as they lower the house edge. If you find a roulette casino offering them, it's a great place to play.
- La Partage (“The Divide”): Primarily found in French Roulette, this rule applies to even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36). If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on the green 0, you don't lose your entire wager. Instead, you get half of your stake back. This single rule cuts the house edge on these bets in half, from 2.7% to just 1.35%.
- En Prison (“In Prison”): This is another rule found on French tables and is a variation of La Partage. When an even-money bet is placed and the ball lands on 0, your bet is “imprisoned.” It remains on the table for the next spin. If your bet wins on that next spin, you get your original stake back (you don't receive any winnings). If it loses, the stake is lost. Like La Partage, this reduces the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%.
- Surrender: This is the American Roulette equivalent of La Partage. It applies to even-money bets when the ball lands on either 0 or 00. When this happens, you “surrender” half your stake and the other half is returned to you. This lowers the hefty American house edge on these bets from 5.26% to a more manageable 2.63%.
Roulette Etiquette (For Land-Based Casinos)
Playing in a brick-and-mortar casino involves a few unspoken rules. Following them ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.
- Know When to Bet: Only place your wagers after the dealer opens the betting and stop immediately when they call “No more bets.”
- Handle Your Chips Correctly: In roulette, each player gets their own unique color of chips to avoid confusion. You buy these chips at the table and must cash them out for regular casino chips at the same table before you leave.
- Keep Your Cool: It's exciting to win, but be respectful of others. Avoid loud shouting or criticizing the dealer or other players, whether you're winning or losing.
- Don't Touch the Winning Number: After the dealer places the dolly on the winning number, do not touch your chips on that bet or any other chips on the layout until all winning bets have been paid.
- Ask for Help: The roulette table can be large. If you can't reach a spot, don't throw your chips. Politely ask the dealer or another player to place the bet for you, stating your desired placement clearly.
- Tipping: Tipping the dealer after a nice win is customary in many places but can be prohibited in others. Observe what others are doing or check the casino's policy.
When you play roulette online, especially live roulette, the same principles of politeness apply in the live chat feature.
Main Types of Roulette
While the core game is the same, the type of roulette you play has a massive impact on your chances of winning. Choosing the right variant is the first and most important step in any roulette strategy.
European Roulette
This is the most popular and widely available version of roulette worldwide, both online and offline.
- Wheel: 37 pockets (1-36 and a single 0).
- House Edge: 2.7%.
- Why Play It?: This is the standard, player-friendly version. The single zero gives the casino a much smaller advantage compared to its American cousin. If you have a choice, you should always play European Roulette.
American Roulette
Prevalent in casinos throughout the United States, this version is easily identified by its extra pocket.
- Wheel: 38 pockets (1-36, a 0, and a 00).
- House Edge: 5.26%.
- Why Play It?: Honestly, there's little reason to choose American Roulette if a European wheel is available. The addition of the double zero nearly doubles the house edge, significantly worsening your odds over time without offering any higher payouts.
French Roulette
This is the original version of the game and the best one for players.
- Wheel: 37 pockets (1-36 and a single 0), just like European Roulette.
- Key Feature: It often includes the player-friendly La Partage or En Prison rules.
- House Edge: The standard edge is 2.7%, but with La Partage/En Prison active on even-money bets, the edge on those wagers plummets to a mere 1.35%.
- Why Play It?: If you can find it, French Roulette offers the best odds you can get in roulette. Many top online casinos offer this variant.
Roulette Bets and Payouts
The beauty of roulette lies in its wide array of betting options. You can make safe bets with high chances of a small win, or risky bets that could lead to a huge payout. These bets are divided into three main categories: Inside, Outside, and Announced Bets.
Inside Bets
These are bets placed directly on the numbers on the inner section of the betting layout. They offer higher payouts but have a lower probability of winning.
Outside Bets
These bets are placed on the outer sections of the layout and cover large groups of numbers. They have a higher chance of winning but offer smaller payouts. These are great for beginners.
Important: For all outside bets, the green 0 (and 00 in American roulette) does not count as red/black, odd/even, or high/low. If the ball lands on a green pocket, all outside bets lose (unless a special rule like La Partage is active).
Announced Bets (Call Bets)
Common in French and European Roulette, these are more complex bets that cover specific sections of the roulette wheel itself, not the table layout. Online, you'll often find a “racetrack” betting area to place these easily.
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): A 9-chip bet covering the 17 numbers on the wheel surrounding the 0 (from 22 to 25).
- Jeu Zéro (Zero Game): A smaller 4-chip bet on the 7 numbers closest to the 0 (12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15).
- Le Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel): A 6-chip bet covering the 12 numbers directly opposite the 0 on the wheel (from 27 to 33).
- Orphelins (Orphans): An 5-chip bet covering the two remaining sections of the wheel not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets, totaling 8 numbers.
Understanding RTP and House Edge
Every casino game has a built-in mathematical advantage for the house, and roulette is no exception. Understanding this concept is crucial for managing your expectations and your bankroll.
What is House Edge?
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep on average over the long run. It's calculated as 100% - RTP.
What is RTP (Return to Player)?
The Roulette RTP is the flip side of the house edge. It's the percentage of all wagered money that a specific game will pay back to players over time.
Let's see how this works with a simple example: a Straight Up bet on European Roulette.
- There are 37 pockets. Your chance of winning is 1 in 37.
- The payout is 35 to 1. This means you get your $1 bet back plus $35 in winnings, for a total return of $36.
- The RTP calculation is: (Total Return on Win × Probability of Winning) = $36 × (1/37) = $0.973.
- This means for every $1 you bet, you can expect to get back $0.973 on average. The RTP is 97.3%.
Now we can easily calculate the house edge:
- European Roulette House Edge: 100% – 97.3% = 2.7%
- American Roulette House Edge: 100% – 94.74% = 5.26%
This difference is why your choice of game matters so much. Over thousands of spins, you are statistically guaranteed to lose money almost twice as fast playing American Roulette.
Winning Roulette Strategies
This is the golden question: how to win on roulette? The hard truth is that because of the house edge, no betting system can guarantee long-term profits. Roulette is a game of independent random events. The result of the last spin has zero influence on the next.
However, a roulette strategy can be useful for managing your bankroll, adding structure to your play, and maximizing your enjoyment. Here are a few of the most famous systems.
Progressive Betting Strategies
These systems involve changing your bet size based on the result of the previous spin.
- The Martingale Strategy: The most famous and most dangerous. The rule: Double your bet after every loss. When you finally win, you recoup all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original stake.
- Why it's risky: A losing streak can cause your bet size to escalate exponentially, quickly hitting the table limit or wiping out your bankroll. We do not recommend this strategy.
- The Reverse Martingale (Paroli) Strategy: Instead of chasing losses, you press your wins. The rule: Double your bet after every win. You usually set a limit (e.g., three consecutive wins) and then revert to your original stake.
- Why it's better: This system is much safer for your bankroll, as you're only risking your winnings, not chasing losses with larger and larger bets from your capital.
- The D'Alembert Strategy: A much flatter and safer progression system. The rule: Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.
Non-Progressive Strategies
These systems involve placing the same bet amount on each spin.
- The James Bond Strategy: This is a flat betting system that requires 20 units per spin. You cover a large portion of the table:
- 14 units on High (19-36).
- 5 units on the Six Line (13-18).
- 1 unit on 0 for insurance.
- The flaw: You lose all 20 units if a number from 1-12 comes up. While it wins about 2/3 of the time, the losses from the other 1/3 will eventually drain your funds due to the house edge.
The Best “Strategy”
The most effective way to approach roulette isn't a complex betting system, but a series of smart choices:
- Play French or European Roulette to get the lowest possible house edge.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your session and stick to it. Never bet money you can't afford to lose.
- Know When to Quit: Set a win goal and a loss limit. Walk away when you hit either one.
Playing Roulette Online
The world of roulette online offers more variety and convenience than ever before. If you're looking to play from your computer or on a roulette mobile app, here's what you need to know.
Why Play Online?
- Game Variety: Online casinos offer all major types of roulette (European, American, French) plus innovative variants like Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini Roulette, and Speed Roulette.
- Convenience: Play whenever you want, wherever you are. No need to travel to a casino.
- Bonuses: Take advantage of a roulette bonus offered by online casinos. Welcome bonuses and promotions can give your bankroll a healthy boost (always read the terms and conditions!).
- Free Play: Most online casinos offer a roulette demo or roulette free play mode. This is the perfect way to learn the rules, test a roulette strategy, and get a feel for the game without risking real money.
Live Roulette In Online Casino
Live roulette has revolutionized online casino gaming. It streams a real game, with a real human dealer and a physical wheel, directly to your device in high definition. You can place your bets via a digital interface and even chat with the dealer and other players. It combines the authenticity and social atmosphere of a land-based casino with the comfort and convenience of playing online.
How to Choose a Top Online Casino for Roulette
When looking for the best online casino to play roulette, consider these factors:
- Licensing and Security: Only play at casinos licensed by reputable authorities (e.g., UKGC, MGA).
- Game Selection: Look for a casino that offers French or European Roulette.
- Fair Bonuses: Check for a good roulette bonus with reasonable wagering requirements.
- Mobile Compatibility: Ensure the casino has a good mobile site or dedicated app.
- Trusted Payment Methods: Look for secure and convenient deposit and withdrawal options.
FAQ about Roulette
What is the best bet in roulette?
From a statistical standpoint, the “best” bets are the even-money wagers (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) on a French Roulette table with the La Partage or En Prison rule. These bets have the lowest house edge in the game at just 1.35%.
Can you really win money playing roulette?
Yes, you can certainly win money in the short term. Many players have walked away with significant profits. However, because of the house edge, roulette is a losing proposition in the long run. It should be played for entertainment, and any winnings should be considered a bonus.
Is online roulette rigged?
No, as long as you play at a licensed and reputable online casino. Digital roulette games use a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure fair and random outcomes. Live roulette uses a real wheel and ball, which is audited for fairness just like in a land-based casino.
What is the biggest difference between American and European roulette?
The wheel. American roulette has a 0 and a 00, giving it a 5.26% house edge. European roulette has only a single 0, resulting in a much lower and more player-friendly 2.7% house edge.
Should I use the Martingale strategy?
It is not recommended. While it seems foolproof in theory, it's incredibly risky in practice and can lead to catastrophic losses very quickly.
How do I start playing live roulette online?
Simply sign up at a top online casino that offers live dealer games, make a deposit, navigate to the live casino section, and choose a roulette table that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Roulette is more than just a game; it's a timeless experience steeped in history and glamour. While it is fundamentally a game of chance where the house holds a permanent advantage, that doesn't diminish its thrill.
By understanding the roulette rules, choosing the right game variant like European or French Roulette, knowing the odds, and managing your money responsibly, you can dramatically improve your experience and maximize your enjoyment. Use this guide to approach the table with confidence, place your bets wisely, and savor every moment of the spinning wheel.
Remember to play for fun, set your limits, and always gamble responsibly. Good luck at the tables!