Roulette is one of the oldest classic casino games around. It is purely down to luck; just about anyone can pick up and play right away, although some roulette strategies are used. Our guide tells you everything you need to know about how to play roulette, including tips and tricks, details of different roulette games, and pros and cons of choosing the game.
How Roulette Works
Roulette is a straightforward game. It is as simple as picking a number to bet on and hoping that it comes up. Players place their bets, and the dealer spins the wheel and releases a small ball. When the wheel slows, the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets, determining the winning bets.
How to Play Roulette Online
It is, without a doubt, one of the easiest games to learn. Follow these steps to get started.
- Choose an online casino: Select a reputable online casino, create an account and deposit money. Claim any available roulette bonuses.
- Open a roulette game: It is usually worth testing out the variations of roulette to see which one you like best. We recommend sticking to online roulette games with a single green space for zero on the wheel.
- Place your bet: Set the stake size. Then place them on your chosen bets. Never bet more than you can afford.
- Spin the wheel: Click the Spin button to release the ball into the virtual wheel. The wheel will spin, and the ball will land in a pocket, determining the outcome.
- Check the result: If the ball lands on your chosen number or colour, you win. The game will automatically add your winnings to your balance and reset for the next round.
Follow the below for more information on how to play online roulette games.
Why Play Roulette at Online Casinos
There are a lot of reasons to choose to play roulette rather than other games.
In the below table, we have compiled some key pros and cons that can help you decide if online roulette is the right game for you.
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Lower house edge compared to slots
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Can’t be rigged due to the use of RNG
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Available in a live dealer setting
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Low minimum stakes provided
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Some types of this game have worse odds
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Gameplay can be very repetitive
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Roulette strategies may not work
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Not a good choice for high-rollers
Roulette Wheel and Table Layout
The roulette table has two main sections with numbers. The inside area with 36 numbered red or black squares and the outside area with boxes for broader bets like odd or even. Additionally, depending on the game version, there’s a single zero or double zero at the top of the table.
The virtual roulette wheel mainly has numbers ranging from 0 to 36 that are not arranged in numerical order. The red numbers are odd, while the even numbers have a black background on the wheel. Zero is a green space on the wheel that does not count as either a red or a black result. The wheels differ a bit for different game types.
Roulette Betting Options
The variety of betting options falls broadly into two simple categories: inside and outside bets.
- Inside bets: These betting options include choosing a specific number to bet on. For instance, a player who wants to place a bet on the number 23 being the winning outcome would be placing an inside bet. In online roulette, inside bets can also include betting on a group of numbers to be the winners.
- Outside bets: The outside bets are betting on red or black, odd/even, high (19-38) and low (1-18).
Types of Roulette Games
The sheer range of different types of online roulette games out there are mostly quite similar. Differences are largely about the spaces on the wheel and the bets.
| Feature | American Roulette | European Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 38 | 37 |
| Zeros | Double | Single |
| House Edge | 5.26% | 2.7% |
American Roulette
American roulette has a higher house edge compared to other types. It’s more than 5%, but for most games, it is under 3%. There are two green zero spaces on the virtual wheel. This is a significant difference in a player’s chances of winning.
Note:“It is normally recommended that players avoid American roulette in favour of a different type of roulette game.”
European Roulette
The most common type of roulette game at the online casino is the European format. Here, a single green zero pocket on the wheel can be seen, keeping the house edge low. The game works in the same way as American roulette. The house edge is a lot lower – under 3%, which is better for players.
Live Roulette
Live dealer roulette games are hosted by a human dealer. Players can watch them spinning the wheel in a live television studio setting. Dealers usually encourage online roulette players to chat, and there is a social advantage of playing this type of game online compared to the other variations.
Online Roulette Top Tips and Tricks
Like other casino games, winning online roulette is never guaranteed. However, here are some easy tips to help you improve your chances.
- Brush up on the rules: Educate yourself with roulette rules, strategies and tips from experienced players. Understand the odds and payouts for different bets.
- Choose the right roulette wheel: Opt for the single-zero European wheel, which offers better odds than the double-zero American wheel.
- Practice on free roulette games: Use free roulette games to practice and understand the game mechanics before playing with real money.
- Use bonuses: Take advantage of any bonuses offered by online casinos.
- Go for outside bets: They pay out less but have better odds of winning.
- Don’t put it all on red: Bet wisely and avoid risking everything on a single spin.
- Stick to your bankroll Set a budget for your play and stick to it. Decide on a win or loss limit to avoid losing more than you can afford.
Understanding the game and its strategy helps boost the chances.
