How to play Roulette – Roulette Guide for Beginners 

How Do You Play Roulette for Beginners 

If you’ve ever stepped into a casino, chances are you’ve been drawn to crowds around the table and wondered how to play Roulette. The spin of the wheel, the distinct sound of the ball slowing down and hitting a pocket, and the challenge of predicting where it’ll stop have made Roulette one of the most iconic casino games out there.  

For newcomers, mastering Roulette may initially appear daunting. At first glance, the table may seem perplexing, with an array of numbers and cryptic abbreviations, especially in the case of French Roulette. However, once you understand the roulette wheel numbers, table layout and bets, you’ll discover that Roulette is, in fact, a straightforward and high-paced game. And now, thanks to the convenience of the Internet, you don’t even have to visit a casino to play. You can enjoy the experience of playing with a Live Roulette dealer and real roulette wheel from the comfort of your own home! So read on as we explain how to play Roulette for beginners in this comprehensive guide. 

Roulette basics explained 

If you want to know how to play Roulette at the casino or online, it’s crucial to grasp its fundamentals. At its core, European Roulette features a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, including the numbers 0 through 36. The pockets numbered from 1 to 36 are alternatingly red and black, and the 0 pocket is green. 

The main objective is straightforward: predict where a small ball, once set into the spinning wheel, will come to rest. But there is no need to just bet on a single number as there are diverse betting options, each offering distinct odds and potential payouts. So when answering the question, How do you play Roulette, the first thing you need to know is the different bets and how to place them, which is explained below.  

Roulette bets & payouts 

Inside bets are located directly on the numbers or intersections of numbers on the inner part of the roulette table layout. Outside bets, on the other hand, are found in the outer sections of the table, where you wager on broader categories like colours, dozens, or columns.  

Inside Bets 

Straight Bet (Single Number): 

Betting on a single number. 

You place your chip directly on the chosen number. 

Payout: 35 to 1. 

Split Bet (Two Numbers): 

Betting on the line between two numbers. 

You place your chip on the line shared by the two numbers. 

Payout: 17 to 1. 

Street Bet (Three Numbers): 

Betting on a row of three numbers. 

You place your chip on the outer edge of the row. 

Payout: 11 to 1. 

Corner Bet (Four Numbers): 

Betting on the intersection of four numbers. 

You place your chip at the meeting point of the four numbers. 

Payout: 8 to 1. 

Line Bet (Six Numbers): 

Betting on two adjacent rows of numbers. 

You place your chip on the outer edge where the two rows meet. 

Payout: 5 to 1. 

Outside Bets 

Column Bet: 

Betting on one of the three vertical columns. 

You place your chip in one of the “2 to 1” marked boxes at the end of a column. 

Payout: 2 to 1. 

Dozen Bet: 

Betting on the first (1-12), second (13-24), or third (25-36) set of 12 numbers. 

You place your chip in one of the boxes labelled “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” or “3rd 12.” 

Payout: 2 to 1. 

Red/Black Bet: 

Betting on all red or all black numbers. 

You place your chip on the red or black diamond-shaped boxes on the table. 

Payout: 1 to 1. 

Odd/Even Bet: 

Betting on all odd or all even numbers. 

You place your chip on the “Odd” or “Even” marked boxes. 

Payout: 1 to 1. 

Low/High Bet: 

Betting on low (1-18) or high (19-36) numbers. 

You place your chip on the “1-18” or “19-36” marked boxes. 

Payout: 1 to 1. 

These bets apply to classic Roulette, and there is also a whole range of online live dealer games like Lightning Roulette, XXXtreme Lightning Roulette, and Age of the Gods Roulette that offer a range of side bets and twists to gameplay. That’s why it is important to read the rules of the game to know how to lay Roulette online.  

Roulette house edge explained 

Understanding the concept of the house edge is crucial, as it directly impacts your chances of winning. In European Roulette, the house edge is relatively easy to comprehend. 

The house edge in European Roulette primarily stems from the presence of the green “0” on the wheel. While players can bet on various numbers, including 0, the payout odds do not perfectly match the odds of winning. Here’s a breakdown of the house edge in European Roulette: 

Straight Bets (Single Number): The house pays out at 35 to 1, but the odds of hitting a single number are 36 to 1 due to the 0. This creates a house edge of approximately 2.70%. 

Outside Bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, Low/High): These bets offer even-money payouts (1 to 1). However, the presence of the 0 means that when 0 hits, these bets lose. This gives the house an edge of about 2.70% as well. 

Dozen Bets and Column Bets: These bets pay 2 to 1 and also have a 2.70% house edge. The 0 can cause losses for these bets, too. 

All Other Bets (Splits, Streets, Corners, Lines): These inside bets have varying payout odds, but the house edge remains around 2.70% since the 0 impacts all bets. 

What is the best strategy in Roulette? 

There is always a lot of discussion among gamblers about the best roulette strategy, but it’s essential to understand that Roulette is fundamentally a game of chance. The outcome of each spin is independent and not influenced by previous spins. As such, there is no foolproof strategy that guarantees consistent wins. 

However, players can adopt various betting strategies to manage their bankroll and potentially enhance their enjoyment of the game. Some popular strategies include the Martingale system, the Fibonacci system, and the D’Alembert system. These strategies involve adjusting bet sizes based on previous outcomes, but it’s important to remember that they don’t alter the fundamental odds of the game. 

Is There a Trick to Roulette? 

The truth is that Roulette is designed to be a game of chance with a built-in house edge, making it virtually impossible to predict or manipulate the outcome of a spin. Any suggestion of a guaranteed trick to win at Roulette should be approached with caution, as such claims are often associated with scams or misconceptions. Roulette is most enjoyable when seen as a form of entertainment rather than a surefire way to make money. 

What is the safest strategy in Roulette? 

As we mentioned in Roulette, it’s important to understand that no strategy can guarantee you a profit over the long term because the game is fundamentally based on chance, and the house always maintains an edge. However, if your goal is to minimise losses and play conservatively, here are some strategies you should adopt: 

Stick to Even-Money Bets: Specifically, bets on red or black, odd or even, or low/high numbers. These bets have a nearly 50% chance of winning. 

Use a Bankroll Management System: Set a budget for your roulette play and stick to it. Only wager what you can afford to lose. 

Play European Roulette: If possible, choose European Roulette over American Roulette. European Roulette has a single 0 pocket, which reduces the house edge compared to the double 0 in American Roulette. 

Bet the Minimum: Keeping your bets low will allow you to stay in the game and enjoy the experience for longer. Consider playing low-stakes games like  20p Roulette. 

Learn more about the safest bets to place in roulette with us.

French and American Roulette 

French and American Roulette each have unique features. French Roulette is often considered the most player-friendly, featuring a single zero (0) pocket on the wheel, which provides better odds for players. Additionally, it offers the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules, which can further benefit players by minimising losses on even-money bets. On the other hand, American Roulette features a double zero (00) pocket in addition to the single zero, increasing the house edge compared to its European and French counterparts.  

Roulette FAQs