What is Roulette?
If you’ve never seen a James Bond movie, set foot inside a brick-and-mortar casino, or looked at an online roulette site’s lobby, we’ll quickly break down exactly what roulette is.
Roulette is a game of chance, where a croupier (or dealer) spins a wheel with numbered sections.
These “pockets” are numbered 0 through to 36, with an additional 00 variant in games like American roulette.
A small ball is then dropped inside the wheel, which will then eventually land randomly in one of the numbered pockets once the wheel stops spinning.
The aim of the game is to correctly guess where the ball will stop by placing bets on the roulette table.
The roulette table is divided into sections, usually inside bets and outside bets (more on this later) based on the various possible outcomes.
How to Play Roulette: Step-by-Step
Place Your Bets
Before the dealer/croupier spins the wheel, you can place your bets. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, a colour (red/black), or odd/even. We’ll go into more details about the different roulette bet types a little bit later.
Watch the Wheel Spin
Once the betting phase is over, the wheel is spun by the dealer in one direction, and the ball is dropped in the opposite direction.
Payouts and Wheel Reset
When the ball lands in the numbered pocket, the dealer will call out the winning number and colour. Payouts are then distributed accordingly, and you can either bet again or stop playing.
Types of Roulette Bets
When you’re playing roulette, whether that’s online or at a land-based casino, you’ll come across a variety of betting options.
These can simply be divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Each one offers different odds and payouts, depending on the “risk level” involved.
Outside Bets
These cover larger groups of numbers (sometimes even half of the wheel itself, with 18 numbers).
As such, they offer lower payouts but higher chances of winning.
These are usually even-money bets, paying out at 1:1 or 2:1.
- Red or Black: All red or black numbers.
- Odd or Even: All odd or even numbers.
- High or Low: 1-18 (Low) or 19-26 (High).
- Dozen: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.
- Column: One vertical column of numbers.
Inside Bets
Inside roulette bets cover specific numbers or smaller groups, which carry higher risk but are balanced by larger payouts.
This is perfect for players who want to bet on their favourite number or specific numbers.
- Straight Up: One single number.
- Split: Covers two adjacent numbers.
- Street: A row of three numbers.
- Corner/Square: Covers four numbers in a corner.
Roulette Odds Table
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Potential Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | 18 | 1:1 |
| High / Low | 18 | 1:1 |
| Dozen | 12 | 2:1 |
| Column | 12 | 2:1 |
| Straight Up | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 |
Roulette Wheel Types Explained
Although roulette has French origins, the game has evolved over the years, with three main roulette variants you’ll find at most casinos: American roulette, European roulette, and French roulette.
European Roulette
This is the classic version of the game that’s played at most casinos. It’s played with 37 pockets (numbers one through to 36), and features a single zero. It has the lowest house edge of them all at 2.7%, with a higher chance of winning.
American Roulette
This variant is more popular in the West, with a double-zero pocket alongside the regular zero, which increases the number of pockets to 38. This small change impacts the house edge, as it rises slightly to 5.26%
French Roulette
French Roulette has a similar layout to European roulette with the same wheel and numbered pockets. The main difference is two special rules: En Prison and La Partage, which decrease the house edge to just 1.35% in favour of players.
Popular Online Roulette Variants
If you choose to play roulette online, you’ll come across an even wider variety of roulette games.
Some of these offer slight twists on the classic formats, while others throw out the rulebook entirely with fast-paced rounds, mega multipliers, and engaging themes.
Here are some of the most popular online roulette games you can find at most online casinos:
- Live Dealer Roulette: This is a broad term to describe online roulette games hosted by human croupiers in real-time.
- RNG Roulette: This is a genre of online roulette where you play against an AI dealer, with outcomes decided by RNG.
- Lightning Roulette: Created by Evolution, this live dealer variant adds random multipliers, sometimes up to 500x or more.
- Double Ball Roulette: Two balls are spun instead of one, with higher potential payouts for guessing both ball locations correctly.
- Speed Roulette: A faster-paced version of classic roulette with rounds that last around 25 seconds, thanks to shorter betting phases.
- Game Show Roulette: Some versions of live roulette, like Mega Roulette or Red Door Roulette, blend game show-style feels with roulette gameplay.
Live Roulette vs. Online Roulette
As you can see above, roulette has two main options when you’re playing online: live dealer roulette and RNG roulette.
While both formats follow the same core rules, the overall experience can differ a lot depending on how you prefer to play.
Below, we’ve broken down the key pros and cons of each, so you can decide for yourself which version suits your style.
Live Roulette
Pros
- Real dealer and physical wheel for trust.
- More immersive casino-like atmosphere.
- Social features, like a live chat.
- Greater table variety in terms of live dealer variants.
Cons
- Slower gameplay (waiting between rounds).
- Requires a strong internet connection.
- No demos for live play.
Online Roulette (RNG)
Pros
- Low minimum bets – with some as low as 10p.
- Fast gameplay and instant results.
- Simple rules and classic versions.
- Works smoothly on most devices.
Cons
- No real dealer or social interaction.
- Can feel repetitive over time.
- Less game variety.
Common Roulette Strategies
For every casino game, there are a dozen strategies that players will swear by as a “foolproof” method.
However, we want to be very clear that there’s no winning formula for roulette, especially since it’s a game of chance and luck at its core – just like online slots.
If it were otherwise, we’d all be millionaires by now, and casinos would be out of business!
Since roulette is a game of chance, there isn’t really anything you can do to increase your chances of winning.
That being said, there are actually some roulette betting strategies to help you manage your bankroll and potentially beat the wheel at its own game.
Keep in mind that these have less to do with roulette games specifically, and more to do with managing your bets, sticking to a budget, and minimising losses/maximising gains.
Martingale Betting System
The Martingale system in roulette plays off the idea of eventually recovering your losses. The idea is that each time you lose a bet, you double your stake. When you eventually win, the payout should let you break even, plus a small profit.
Paroli Betting System
The Paroli betting system involves doubling your bet after every win as a progressive roulette betting strategy. Players should reset to the original amount after three wins or losses to maximise their gains. It should ideally be used on outside bets in roulette, like odd/even, high/low, or black/red.
D’Alembert Betting System
The D’Alembert roulette strategy follows a simple structure that only really works on even-money bets, like odd/even or red/black, as roulette outside bets. It involves increasing your bet after a loss by one unit and reducing it by one unit after a win.
Fibonacci Betting System
This is based on the Fibonacci sequence, which goes as 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc, where each is the sum of the two numbers before it. Applying this to roulette means each time you lose, increase your next bet following this sequence. When you win, move two steps back.
Do Roulette Strategies Actually Work?
Roulette strategies are popular for a reason, offering a more structured way to approach the game, rather than throwing all your money at the table with random bets.
Systems like the Martingale or Fibonacci aim to manage how you bet, often by increasing or adjusting your stake after wins or losses.
In the short term, these can sometimes appear effective, especially during win streaks.
However, it’s important to note that no roulette strategy can overcome the house edge.
Roulette is, and will always be, a game of chance, where every spin is completely random. The outcome can’t be influenced by past wheel spins, which means patterns, streaks, and your actions don’t actually change your long-term odds.
While roulette betting strategies can help with:
- Bankroll management
- Structuring your gameplay
- Extend your session
The best way to approach roulette is to use strategies as a tool for control and discipline, rather than expecting guaranteed results.
Top Roulette Tips for Beginners
Whether you’re new to the roulette wheel or haven’t played in a while, keeping things simple is the best way to get started.
These beginner-friendly tips can help you make smarter decisions when playing roulette.
Try Demo Modes First
Many sites will offer demo modes of their RNG online roulette versions, which let you learn the rules, pacing, and different bet types before risking real money.
Set a Budget Beforehand
Before you start playing, decide how much you’re willing to spend – and stick to it. Roulette is fast-paced, and it can be easy to get carried away, so having a clear budget helps you stay in control.
Stick to European Roulette
Not all roulette games are the same, as you know. European roulette has just one zero, which reduces the house edge significantly. If you want better odds, European roulette is always the smarter choice.
Bet Small
If you’re new to roulette, we advise starting at low stakes while you get familiar with the gameplay flow. Many online roulette variants start with stakes as low as 20p, letting you easily slow your play into your budget.
Start with Outside Bets
Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low have the best possible chances of winning since half the wheel is covered. While the payouts are smaller, these bets are a safer option compared to more complex inside bets.
FAQs about Roulette
-
How does roulette work?
Players will bet on the outcome of the roulette wheel, after which the croupier will spin the wheel in one direction, and the ball will land on a number. If your bet matches the number, you win. -
Is roulette 100% luck?
Pretty much, yes, as you can’t influence where the ball will land on the roulette wheel, and the final outcome is completely random. -
Is online roulette fair?
Yes, as long as you’re playing at licensed casinos (like the ones we recommend). Online roulette games typically use random number generators (RNGs) or live dealer systems, which are both tested for fairness. -
How many numbers are on a roulette wheel?
On a European roulette wheel, there are 37 numbered pockets, from 1 to 36, with an extra pocket for 0. American roulette wheels have 38 pockets because of the double 00. -
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
In most cases, yes. European roulette has a lower house edge compared to American roulette because it only has one zero instead of two. -
Who invented roulette?
The roulette wheel was reportedly invented by a French mathematician named Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. -
What are the odds on roulette?
The odds on roulette for a single number are 35 to 1. For the most part, if you opt for outside bets, the odds of winning are roughly 50/50 as even-money bets, since they cover nearly half of the wheel. -
Which numbers hit the most in roulette?
There are no numbers that really “hit” the most. However, number 17 is a fan favourite because it’s positioned right in the middle of the roulette table. The number 7 is also popular due to its associations with luck. -
What is the safest bet in roulette?
Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low are considered the safest since they cover nearly half of the wheel. -
What is the best roulette strategy?
There’s no strategy that can guarantee consistent wins in roulette. Systems like Paroli can help structure your bets, but they don’t overcome the house edge.
Final Thoughts on Roulette
Roulette has stood the test of time as one of the oldest and most recognisable casino games in the world.
From its origins on the casino floors to its place in modern online platforms, it’s a game that’s remained simple, exciting, and instantly accessible to players of all experience levels.
Today, developers and software providers continue to put fresh spins (pun intended) on the classic format, introducing new features, variations, and live dealer experiences that offer the same authentic casino vibe – but from the comfort of home.
Hopefully, this guide has given you everything you need to feel confident in stepping up to the wheel.
No matter whether you prefer to play it safe with outside bets or want to amp up the risk level, the key is to keep things enjoyable and stay in control.
After all, responsible gambling is key to any casino game, not just roulette.
If you need additional help or are concerned about your gambling habits, you can reach out to support organisations such as GambleAware, GamCare, and Gambling Therapy, who will always be there to lend you a helping hand and a listening ear.
