How to play roulette? Rules, strategies, and tips

Roulette is one of the oldest and most popular gambling games, originating from France, with traces of its origins dating back to the 17th century. The name comes from the French word roulette, meaning "small wheel." Over the centuries, roulette has developed into several different versions, the most famous being European, American, and French roulette. These versions are now played in casinos worldwide, making the game exciting and accessible to both new players and experienced gambling enthusiasts.

Players in roulette place bets on numbers, colors, or specific segments of the wheel, hoping that the ball will land on their chosen number when the wheel stops. In modern casinos, roulette has become an essential casino game, and more casinos are offering online versions, allowing players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes. Understanding the basic rules and possible outcomes is crucial for every player who wants to enjoy the game and increase their chances of success.

Basic roulette rules

The main goal of the game is to predict the number or segment where the ball will land after the wheel spins. The roulette wheel contains numbers from 1 to 36, colored red or black, while the "zero" and, in the American version, the "double zero" are colored green. The zero and double zero are segments that increase the casino's edge, as they reduce the player's chances of winning.

Key Terms to Know:

• Numbers: Single-colored (red or black) segments numbered from 1 to 36 form the basis of every bet.
• Zero and Double Zero: Special segments that increase the casino's edge, as they add an extra number that the player must consider.
• Bets: They can be inside bets, where the wager is placed directly on a specific number or a small group of numbers, or outside bets, which cover larger segments like colors or odd/even numbers.

Note: Understanding the number positions on the wheel can help in shaping bets, especially when using different betting systems.

These rules are simple but form the foundation for strategies that players develop to increase their chances of winning.

Types of Roulette – European, American, and French

Roulette comes in three basic versions, each with specific characteristics. Differences in rules, number arrangements, and odds between these versions can significantly affect game outcomes and player chances.

European roulette

Contains numbers from 1 to 36 and a single zero, with a house edge of about 2.7%. This version is the most popular among players because of its lower casino advantage.

American roulette

Has an additional double zero (00), increasing the house edge to about 5.26%. Due to this feature, American roulette is less favorable for players compared to European and French versions.

French roulette

Very similar to European roulette but includes additional rules such as "La Partage" and "En Prison." These rules reduce player losses when the ball lands on zero, further lowering the house edge to about 1.35%.

How to place bets in roulette

Bets in roulette are divided into inside and outside bets, each offering different odds and payouts. Understanding these differences can help players choose a strategy that best suits their playing style and budget.

Inside bets

These bets are placed directly on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. Examples of inside bets include a straight-up bet on a single number, which pays 35:1, a split bet on two numbers (17:1), and a corner bet on four numbers (8:1). These bets carry a higher risk but also offer bigger rewards.

Outside bets

These bets focus on larger sections of the wheel, such as colors (red/black), even/odd numbers, or the "low" (1–18) and "high" (19–36) number segments. The payout for outside bets is lower (usually 1:1), but the chances of winning are significantly higher, making these bets popular among beginners.

The payout for outside bets is lower (usually 1:1), but the chances of winning are significantly higher, making them popular among beginners.

Tips for Beginners: Although inside bets offer higher payouts, outside bets provide better chances of winning and are recommended for beginners learning the basics of the game.

Understanding this difference can greatly impact long-term success in roulette.

Odds and probabilities: Understanding roulette chances

Knowing probability can be a key advantage in roulette, as winning chances vary significantly depending on the type of bet and game version. The odds of winning decrease as the number of segments involved in the bet increases, especially in American roulette due to the presence of double zero.

Calculating probabilities

In European roulette with a single zero, players have slightly better chances of winning compared to American roulette, which includes a double zero. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number in European roulette has a 2.7% chance, while outside bets, such as colors or even/odd, have a 48.6% chance.

In European roulette, the odds of winning and payouts vary depending on the type of bet:

• If you bet on a single number, you have a 2.7% chance of winning, with a payout of 35:1.
• A bet on even or odd numbers gives you a 48.6% chance of winning, with a payout of 1:1.
• Betting on a color (red or black) also gives you a 48.6% chance of winning, with a payout of 1:1.

Note: Understanding these percentages is important because proper bet placement can help players better manage risk and gain more control over the game.

Roulette strategies

There are many roulette strategies, with the most famous being Martingale, Fibonacci System, and Paroli. While none of these strategies guarantee a win, many players use them to establish control over their betting and extend their playing time.

Martingale system

This strategy requires doubling the bet after each loss, allowing players to recover losses when they finally win. However, the risk of quickly depleting the budget is high.

Fibonacci system

Based on the well-known Fibonacci sequence, this system allows gradual bet increases. It is less risky than Martingale but requires patience.

Paroli system

The opposite of Martingale, where the bet is doubled after a win. This strategy offers controlled profit growth but relies on a streak of successful bets.

Tips for beginners in roulette

For new players, a reasonable approach to the game and basic knowledge of the rules are the most important factors for success. It is recommended to focus on outside bets due to their higher probability of success, as well as to set a budget limit before starting to play.

Key tips for beginners:

1. Start with smaller bets to understand the game without major losses.
2. Use outside bets for better chances of winning.
3. Avoid betting on too many numbers at once, as it reduces the chances of winning.

Responsible gambling tips: Only play with a budget you are willing to lose, avoid long-term betting strategies without experience.

Online Roulette

Online roulette has become popular among players due to its accessibility and the ability to play with low stakes or even for free. Online versions of roulette offer various playing options, including live dealer roulette, which provides a more realistic gaming experience. Many platforms offer demo and free versions, allowing players to learn the rules and develop strategies before betting real money.

Advantages of Online Roulette:

• Available 24/7 from various devices.
• A wide range of game versions, including special variations.
• Additional promotions and bonuses, such as free spins, increasing chances of winning.

Many players prefer online roulette for its ability to adjust game speed and play in a private setting.

Conclusion

Before diving into the world of roulette, it's important to understand the rules, explore different game versions, and consider strategies that align with your goals. Roulette is a game full of possibilities, but it's crucial to play responsibly and maintain control over your budget. The key takeaway is that players should focus on enjoying the game rather than just winning and manage their budget wisely.

When played responsibly, roulette can provide excitement and entertainment, which is the main reason this game continues to attract millions of players worldwide.