Roulette is a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. It’s a game of chance that involves a spinning wheel and a ball. The objective of the game is to correctly predict where the ball will land on the roulette wheel. There are many different types of bets you can place in roulette, each with its own set of odds and payouts. Some bets are more risky than others, but they also offer higher rewards.
If you’re new to the game, it’s important to understand the rules and basic strategies on how to play roulette. Here’s all that you need to know:
6 Steps on How to Play Roulette
Here are the basic steps on how to play roulette:
- Choose a roulette table within your budget. Roulette tables have different minimum and maximum bets, so choose one that fits your budget.
- Watch what’s happening at your table to improve your bets. Observing the game can help you make better bets.
- Purchase a roulette chip from your dealer. Each player is given a different color chip to avoid confusion.
- Place your desired bet on the roulette table. There are many different types of bets you can place in roulette, each with its own set of odds and payouts. We’ll explain it further in the article.
- Wait for the dealer to spin the roulette wheel and release the ball. Once the ball is in motion, no more bets can be placed.
- Collect your winnings if you guessed correctly. If you predicted where the ball would land, you win!
The Roulette Wheel
The roulette wheel is the circular device that you see spinning in the game. It’s divided into numbered pockets, with each pocket being colored either red or black. The numbers on the wheel range from 0 to 36, with the American roulette wheel having an additional 00 pocket. The pockets are arranged in a way that ensures that the ball has an equal chance of landing in any of them. The wheel is spun in one direction, while a ball is spun in the opposite direction. Once the ball loses momentum, it falls into one of the pockets on the roulette wheel, and the number on that pocket is declared the winner.
The Roulette Table
The roulette table is a rectangular table with a green or blue felt layout that has boxes representing different bets. The roulette table is divided into two sections: the inside and the outside. The inside area has 36 numbered squares which are either red or black. The outside area has boxes that cover a broader range of numbers, such as odd or even. At the top of the table, there’s also a large zero or double zero when playing American roulette.
Players place their desired bet on the table by purchasing a roulette chip from their dealer and each player is given a different color chip to avoid confusion.
Types of Roulette Bets
Bets are split into two categories when playing roulette, namely the outside bets and inside bets.
Outside Bets
These types of bets use broader wagers that cover an entire category of numbers. The most well-known are classic bets like red or black and odd or even. Outside bets are great for beginners because they give a wider coverage of the table. They also give a higher chance of winning, though with a lower payout. Here are some examples of outside bets:
Red or Black
This is a classic outside bet that involves wagering on the color of the winning number. If the ball lands on a red number, all red bets win, and if it lands on a black number, all black bets win. This bet pays out even money. It means that you get to keep your original wager plus an equal amount back in winnings
Odd or Even
This bet covers all odd or even numbers on the table. If the ball lands on an odd number, all odd bets win. The same thing happens if the ball lands on an even number, all even bets win. This type of bet pays out even money too.
High or Low
High or Low is another outside bet that pays even money. The numbers of the roulette wheel are separated into two halves. The numbers 1-18 are categorized as low and 19-36 as high.
Column Bet
This bet is great for players who want to cover a larger portion of the table while still having a chance to win big. Players can choose to bet on one, two, or three columns in a single round. The payouts are higher set at 2:1 but the odds are now lower compared to even money bets.
Dozens
The payout is set to 2:1 and also covers a huge part of the table. It covers one of three groups of twelve numbers each: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36.
Inside Bets
Inside bets can be found in the center of the roulette table’s layout. This type of bet is placed on individual numbers or specific combinations of numbers. Because of this, inside bets are higher risk with a much lower chance of winning. However, this is balanced out with a much larger payout if they do win. Here are some examples of inside bets:
Straight-Up
Straight-up is a simple inside bet in roulette that involves wagering on a single number. Players can choose any number on the table from 1-36, as well as 0 or 00 if playing American roulette. The payout for this bet is high at 35:1, but the chances of winning are very low.
Split
This type of bet in roulette covers two adjacent numbers on the roulette layout. The chips are placed on the line between the two numbers – for example, 8 and 9. Winning split bets pay out at 17:1 – this is slightly lower than a straight-up bet because two numbers are involved.
Paytables
To make it easier for you, here is a summary of the payouts on the different bet types:
| Bet Type | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Column | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.60% |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.60% |
| Even bets (red or black, odd or even, high or low) |
1:1 | 48.60% | 47.40% |
| Single Number Bet | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.60% |
| Two Number Bet | 17:1 | 5.40% | 5.30% |
| Three Number Bet | 11:1 | 8.10% | 7.90% |
| Four Number Bet | 8:1 | 10.80% | 10.50% |
| Five Number Bet | 6:1 | 13.50% | 13.20% |
| Six Number Bet | 5:1 | 16.20% | 15.80% |
House Edge
The house edge in roulette is the percentage of each bet that the casino keeps as profit over the long term. The house edge varies depending on the type of roulette being played. For example, American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, while European roulette has a house edge of 2.70%. French roulette has the lowest house edge of 1.35%, but this only applies to even-money bets. Understanding the house edge is crucial because it affects your chances of winning and how much you can expect to lose over time. We’ll talk more about the different variants of roulette down below.
Here’s a more detailed guide on what makes American and European roulette different.
Roulette Strategies
Here are the most common strategies used by casino-goers to play roulette:
Martingale Betting Strategy
The Martingale roulette strategy is the most common out there. It involves doubling your bet after every loss until you win. The idea is that when you eventually win, you’ll recoup all of your losses and make a profit equal to your original bet.
Reverse Martingale Strategy
This roulette strategy is the opposite of the Martingale system. Instead of doubling your bet after every loss, you double your bet after every win. The idea is that when you’re on a winning streak, you’ll maximize your profits.
Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
This popular betting system is based on the Fibonacci sequence, which is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (e.g., 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…). In this roulette strategy, you place bets according to the Fibonacci sequence and increase your bet after every loss.
D’Alembert Strategy
D’Alembert roulette strategy involves increasing your bet by one unit after every loss and decreasing it by one unit after every win. The idea is that you’ll eventually win back your losses and make a small profit.
James Bond Strategy
This roulette strategy involves placing bets on specific numbers in a way that covers more than half of the roulette table. Specifically, you place a larger bet on 25-36, a smaller bet on 13-18, and an even smaller bet on 0. The idea is that if any of these numbers hit, you’ll make a profit.
Labouchere Strategy
The Labouchere roulette strategy involves creating a list of numbers that add up to your desired profit. You then place bets according to this list and cross off numbers as you win.
Andrucci Strategy
Andrucci roulette strategy is a high-risk approach that relies on the idea that roulette is a game of chance, over time numbers will have phases where they appear more regularly. To use this strategy, you begin by betting roughly 30 to 37 times on random even bets like red or black, odd or even, and 1-18 or 19-36. Over the 30 to 37 bets, see which numbers appear the most and then begin making straight bets on one of the popular numbers. Repeat this bet on the same number for around 30 to 37 bets.
To know more, check out our roulette betting strategy guide.
Roulette Variants
Roulette has developed three main variants over time. It’s imperative to learn what makes these variants different to improve your roulette strategy.
European Roulette
This is the most popular version of roulette played in Europe and Asia. It has 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36, with a house edge of 2.70%. The numbers are colored red or black, except for the 0 which is green. The game has a simple layout and offers a wide range of betting options.
If you’re keen on trying this variant, check out our list of European roulette games.
American Roulette
This version of roulette is played mainly in the United States and Canada. It has 38 pockets numbered from 0 to 36, with an additional 00 pocket, which increases the house edge to 5.26%. The numbers are colored red or black, except for the 0 and 00 which are green. The game has a similar layout to European roulette but offers fewer betting options.
You may test your luck and play American roulette here.
French Roulette
This version of roulette is similar to European roulette but has a few additional rules that make it unique. It has 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36, with a house edge of 1.35% on even-money bets. The numbers are colored red or black, except for the 0 which is green. The game has a different layout than European and American roulette and offers additional betting options such as La Partage and En Prison.
Online Roulette Games
Online roulette games are a popular way to enjoy the excitement of roulette from the comfort of your own home. Many online casinos offer roulette games, and you can play them for free or for real money. But do take note that online gambling is illegal in some countries, so it’s essential to check your local laws before playing online roulette.
Try out all variants of roulette games here at Bspin.
Conclusion
Playing roulette is easy and getting familiar with the wheel and table does not pose that much of a challenge. Though there are now different kinds of betting strategies being used, it is still one of the sought-after casino games out there. It also offers players a chance to win big using only small bets. The thrill of watching the ball spin around the wheel and waiting to see where it lands is what makes roulette so exciting
FAQ
What is En Prison in roulette?
En Prison is a rule in roulette that is favorable for players making even money bets. If you place an even money bet and the ball lands on zero, the dealer will place a marker over your bet, effectively putting it in prison for the next spin. The bet “rides” without you having to pay for it. If your next bet wins, then you win back the imprisoned bet. Also, the house edge drops to 1.35%
What is La Partage in roulette?
La Partage is a roulette rule that benefits players making even-money bets. If you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you will receive half of your original bet back. This rule can be offered in European and French roulette. The house edge is also set at 1.35%.
Where to play roulette games online?
Playing roulette online can be done through an online casino like Bspin.
What is the best roulette strategy?
There are many roulette strategies that players use to increase their chances of winning. However, it’s important to note that no strategy can guarantee a win, as roulette is a game of chance.
What is the betting limit in roulette?
The betting limit in roulette varies depending on the casino and the table. The minimum bet is usually around $5, but there are tables reserved for high rollers who might want to bet $100 or even $1,000 per round. The maximum bet also varies, but it is usually around 1000 times the minimum bet. For example, a $5 table will often have a $5,000 maximum bet.
Online casinos also have varying betting limits for roulette games. The minimum bet can be as low as $0.10 and can go up to $10,000 or more. Betting limits are also applied to different bet types.