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% |
6 Ways to Use These Odds on Your Advantage
Now that you have a clear understanding of how the odds work in roulette, it’s time to learn how to leverage this knowledge to increase your chances of winning. Here are six ways to use these odds to your advantage:
1. Place Outside Bets
Outside bets, such as red or black, straight bet two, odd or even, and high or low numbers, offer a higher probability of winning (around 48-49% in European and American roulette). These bets might have lower payouts, but they provide a more consistent and safer way to grow your bankroll over time. Focusing on outside bets can help you sustain your gameplay and minimize the risk of significant losses.
2. Understanding the Game
One of the most effective ways to make the odds work in your favor is to thoroughly understand the game of roulette. Familiar yourself with the rules of roulette, different bet types, and the odds associated with each. Knowledge is your best ally in any casino game, and in roulette, it can help you make more informed decisions when placing your bets.
3. Choose a Reputable Casino to Play Roulette
To ensure that you’re playing a fair game with accurate odds, it’s crucial to select a reputable and licensed online casino like Bspin. By choosing a trustworthy establishment, you minimize the risk of encountering rigged games or unfair practices. Check for reviews, licensing information, and the online casino’s reputation in the online gambling community before placing your bets.
4. Setting a Budget
Managing your money is important in roulette. Create a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Divide your bankroll into sessions and determine the amount you’re willing to wager in each session. By setting limits, you can avoid chasing losses and maintain control over your finances, ensuring that you can continue enjoying the game responsibly.
5. Avoid Single Number Bets
Single-number bets may offer temptingly high payouts, but they come with extremely low odds of winning (around 2.6-2.7%). It’s advisable to avoid these bets unless you’re feeling exceptionally lucky, as they can quickly deplete your entire bankroll. Stick to bets with higher winning probabilities to increase your chances of success.
6. Take Advantage of Bonuses
When playing roulette in online casinos, many online casinos will offer bonuses and promotions. These can provide you with extra funds to play roulette with, effectively increasing your bankroll and extending your gameplay with free roulette. However, be sure to read and understand the bonus terms and wagering requirements to make the most of these offers.
By implementing these strategies and using your understanding of roulette odds, you can enhance your overall roulette experience and potentially improve your odds of walking away from the table with more winnings. Remember that while every win at roulette is a game of chance, informed decisions and responsible gambling practices can make a significant difference in the long run than any roulette strategy.
7 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 bets after each loss to make up for previous losses and turn the initial bet into a profit. The risk of exceeding your betting limits or rapidly depleting your bankroll in a straight-up bet is very high.
For example, if you start with a $10 bet and lose, you would bet $20 on the next spin. If you lose the same bet again, you’d bet $40, and so on.
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.
The Paroli System
The Paroli roulette strategy, also known as the reverse Martingale strategy, takes the opposite approach. Here, you increase your minimum bet after each winning spin, aiming to capitalize on hot streaks.
For instance, if you start with a $10 bet and win, you would bet $20 on the next spin. This betting strategy is based on the idea that winning streaks can be more profitable than recovering losses. However, it also has its risks, as a losing streak can wipe out your accumulated winnings.
Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
The Fibonacci strategy is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. In roulette, this Fibonacci roulette strategy involves placing bets according to the sequence, such as 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on.
You progress to the next number in the sequence after a loss and move back two steps after a win. This betting strategy aims to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses during losing streaks, providing a balanced approach to roulette betting.
D’Alembert Strategy
The D’Alembert roulette strategy is a moderate betting method focusing on minor, gradual changes. This method involves increasing your bet after a losing spin by one betting unit and lowering it after a winning spin by one unit.
If you place a $10 wager and lose, you would place a $20 wager on the following spin. In comparison to the Martingale system, the strategy aims to strike a balance between recovering losses and taking advantage of winning streaks.
Reverse D’Alembert Strategy
The reverse D’Alembert roulette strategy follows the same principle as the D’Alembert but in reverse, thus the name. After a winning spin, you increase your bet by a unit, and after a losing spin, you decrease it by a unit. This strategy is also designed to help manage losses and take advantage of potential winning streaks, but it carries less risk than the Martingale or the Reverse Martingale betting strategy.
James Bond Strategy
The James Bond roulette strategy is a relatively simple strategy that covers a significant portion of the roulette table, aiming to increase your chances of winning.
The James Bond strategy provides broad coverage, with approximately 67.6% of the roulette wheel numbers covered. It’s designed to provide consistent, though not necessarily large, wins.
In the following section, understanding the odds associated with techniques can help you make informed decisions at the casino table and make more winnings rather than only using these roulette strategies.
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.
Additional Roulette Tips for Maximizing Your Winnings
Having a solid understanding of the best roulette strategies and odds is just the first step to maximizing your winnings. Let’s talk about additional tips that go beyond the fundamentals and to improve your overall roulette experience:
1. Stick to Your Bankroll
Sticking to your planned bankroll is one of the principles of winning at gambling. Even if you’re experiencing a losing streak, it’s critical to maintain control over your spending and stick to your budget.
While playing roulette can be thrilling, it’s risky to chase losses by placing bets that are beyond your means. You can ensure that you can continue to play roulette responsibly and prevent financial stress by strictly controlling your bankroll.
2. Diversify Your Bets
While placing outside bets is generally recommended for their higher odds of winning, diversifying your bets can add excitement and strategy to your gameplay.
Consider combining outside bets with the most successful roulette strategy and a few well-placed inside bets to balance risk and reward with the most successful roulette strategies. By doing so, you can potentially capitalize on both short-term and long-term opportunities, making your online roulette experience more dynamic and potentially more profitable.
3. Take Regular Breaks
Roulette can be a fast-paced and intense game. Taking regular breaks during your gaming sessions can help you maintain focus and prevent impulsive decisions.
Stepping away from the table, even briefly, allows you to clear your mind, reassess your roulette strategy, and make more deliberate bets. It also helps to break the monotony of continuous gameplay, ensuring that you stay alert and make better choices.
4. Take Your Losses Gracefully
No one likes losing, but it’s an integral part of gambling. It’s essential to accept losses gracefully and avoid chasing them with larger bets. Emotional reactions to losses can lead to irrational decisions that result in more money bets or greater losses.
Instead, maintain composure and stick to your predetermined budget. Remember that losses are a part of the game, and a more patient approach will yield better results in the long run.
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.
What is 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.
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.
How Roulette Pays Out?
Roulette pays out based on the type of bet you place and the specific numbers or combinations you bet on. The payouts vary, with straight bets on a single number having the highest payout (usually 35 to 1) and even-money or combination bets (like red or black) having the lowest payout (usually 1 to 1). You can read our other guide on how to play roulette to get a better understanding of the payouts.
Which Roulette Numbers Hit the Most?
In the long run, all numbers on a roulette wheel should hit roughly the same number of times due to the roulette wheel and the game’s randomness. There is no consistent pattern of certain numbers hitting more frequently.
What Happens When It Lands on Green?
When the roulette ball lands on a green pocket, it depends on whether you’re playing American or European roulette. In American roulette, there are two green pockets on a live dealer roulette, labeled 0 and 00, and if the roulette tips and the ball lands in one of these, the house wins, and all bets are lost.
In European roulette, there’s only one green pocket, labeled 0, and again, the house wins, and bets are lost if the ball lands there. Green pockets represent the house’s advantage in roulette.