How to Play & to Bet in Roulette – Beginners Guide to Roulette Rules

Whether you prefer American roulette, European, French or their mini version, or you did not choose yet your favorite game of roulette, we offer you a detailed Guide which may cover all your questions and points of interest.

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The Objective of Roulette

For beginners, the roulette objective is to place a correct bet which will bring you, additionally to the joy of the game, the great pleasure of outcome in your payout. Briefly, you place your bet, spin the wheel, and wait for the result. As usual, there are some details which have an essential impact on the game process; we’ll cover them here.

Understanding the Roulette

Roulette is a casino game named after the French word meaning ‘little wheel’. In the game, players may choose to place bets on either a single number or a range of numbers, the colors red or black, or whether the number is odd or even. To determine the winning number and color, a croupier spins a wheel in one direction and then spins a ball in the opposite direction around a tilted track running around the outer edge of the wheel. The ball eventually loses momentum and falls onto the wheel and into one of 37 (in French/European roulette) or 38 (in American roulette) colored and numbered pockets on the roulette table.

To understand how roulette work, imagine a generator of random numbers. Finally, you can make your odds 1 to 1, or 50 to 50, which means you bet on your victory with even chances, but… The most magic things happen when it comes to practice. You may lose several times some money but recover it with one bet and end with a huge payout. Or you can try one of these wonderful betting strategies, knowing the nature of a given bet. Here are some tips on how to do it with maximum fun!

Roulette Table Explained

The roulette table usually imposes minimum and maximum bets, and these rules usually apply separately for all players’ inside and outside bets for each spin. For inside bets at roulette tables, some casinos may use separate roulette table chips of various colors to distinguish players at the table. Players can continue to place bets as the ball spins around the wheel until the dealer announces no more bets or ‘rien ne va plus’. When a winning number is determined, it is announced and customers who placed successful bets receive roulette chips as their winnings. Winning bets either pay off at even money or at odds that represent some fraction of the dollar amount wagered at the roulette betting table. When a bet pays off at odds of 35 to 1 this means that if you bet one dollar on that bet you would receive back 36 dollars plus the original dollar that you wagered. This 35-to-1 payoff applies specifically to betting on single numbers with Straight Up Bets at roulette tables.

Roulette Wheel Explained

For anyone new to roulette, the first thing you need to understand is how the roulette wheel works. Essentially, the roulette wheel is a spinning disk with 37 or 38 numbered pockets. The pockets are alternately colored red and black, except for the 0 and 00, which are green. Before each spin, players place their bets on where they think the ball will land. The dealer then spins the roulette wheel in one direction and launches a ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually loses momentum and falls into one of the numbered pockets. If your betting is on the pocket where the ball lands, you win!

Placing Bets on the Roulette Table

The payout for each type of bet is based on its probability. The inside betting area contains the individual numbers on the layout while the outside betting area contains groups of numbers based on their position on the layout: red or black, odd/even, 1st dozen (1-12), 2nd dozen (13-24), 3rd dozen (25-36), 1st column (1, 4, 7 etc.), 2nd column (2, 5, 8 etc.), or 3rd column (3, 6, 9 etc.). A bet called “Finales en Plein” allows roulette players to place chips on all numbers ending with certain digits in order to increase their chances of winning – for example Finales à 4 would allow players to place chips on 4, 14, 24 and 34. These types of roulette bets give players better odds of winning but also come with smaller payouts than other roulette bets like betting on single numbers with Straight Up Bets which offer payouts of 35:1 when successful. Roulette players have plenty of betting options available to them and choosing which roulette table bets to make is an important part of developing a good roulette strategy.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are roulette bets that are made on the inside part of the roulette table layout. The inside roulette bets include the following: Straight Up (a bet on a single number), Split (a bet on two numbers), Street (a bet to deal with three numbers consequently), Corner (bet on an intersection of any four numbers), Line (a bet placed with a chip at the end of any row of six numbers), Three Lines (Trio: bet is made by placing your chip on the intersection of three numbers on the roulette table layout – there’s only one such intersection (between 0, 1 and 2 or 00,2 and 3), Basket and Six Line, both two are common for American roulette tables.

Outside Bets

Outside bets focus on betting on certain characteristics of the roulette wheel itself, not on a number. You may bet on all red numbers, all black numbers, or all odd numbers. Outside bets have a lower payout than inside bets, but they also offer better odds of winning. In addition to betting on the color or odd/even status of the numbers, players can also bet on whether the ball will land in a specific section of the wheel. These bets are known as “broadway” bets, and they typically offer slightly better odds than red/black or even/odd bets. Finally, players can also bet on whether the ball will land on a specific number range. These bets are known as “dozen” or “column” bets, and they offer slightly worse odds than broadway bets. In general, outside bets are a good choice for roulette players who want to minimize their risk while still having a chance to win some money from a dealer.

Announced bets

Announced bets in roulette are bets that are announced before the ball is spun. There are many different announced bets, and each one has its own set of rules. The most common announced bet is the double bet, which allows you to bet on two numbers at once. Other announced bets include the triple bet, which allows you to bet on three numbers; the quad bet, which allows you to bet on four numbers; and the six-line bet, which allows you to bet on six numbers. While announced bets can be beneficial, they also come with a higher degree of risk. As a result, it is important to carefully consider whether an announced bet is right for you before making your decision.

Roulette Bets

A Guide for dummies, or so 🙂 Here we go with making clear which each type of roulette bet.

Evens

Even bets in roulette, whether electronic or not, are those that pay 1:1 – so your bet plus winnings equal the amount you originally wagered. There are several different types of even bets. The most common is a red or black bet, which pays off if the ball lands on a number of the same color as your bet. You can also bet on even or odd numbers, as well as high or low numbers. These bets all have the same odds of winning, so it’s up to you to decide which type of bet you want to make. If you’re feeling lucky, you can even bet on all three at once! Just remember that roulette is a game of chance, so don’t bet more than you’re comfortable losing.

2 to 1

2-to-1 bets in roulette are a great way to increase your chances of winning. These bets involve placing your chips on two adjacent numbers, which gives you a chance to win if either number comes up. While the odds of winning are still relatively low, a 2-to-1 bet offers better odds than most other roulette bets. Additionally, these bets are available on both European and American roulette tables. So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your roulette odds, 2-to-1 bets are a great option.

Longer Odds

Longer odds are connected closely with the house edge. On the European wheel, it is 2.7%, which means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose $2.70 over the long run. With American wheel for every $100 you bet; you can expect to lose $5.26 over the long run. As you can see, the house edge is nearly double on the American wheel, so if you’re looking to improve your chances of winning, stick to the European wheel. Sure, there is no need for the loss with free roulette!

When to Bet

The main thing in gambling is that you bet when you are ready. Another thing is to clearly understand when you are not ready to bet – do not cross the limits when you overused your funds!

Maximum and Minimum Stakes

Maximum and minimum stakes in different casino games may vary significantly. In roulette, a bet could cost you from 0.1$ to thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars, for pro players in high-stake casinos. However, there is a certain frame of possible stakes options, which is mentioned by the casino when you play there.

When to stop betting

The live emotions of roulette may become very attractive and calling, so do not remember about the other sides of your life. Like any game, roulette is perfect when combining it with other activities. If you feel you spent too much time or money – then it is time to bet on a little refreshing pause!

4 Steps to Play Roulette

Roulette is a dynamic casino game that can be broken down into four distinct phases, making it easier for players to understand and participate effectively. Here’s a detailed look at the sequential steps involved in a typical game of roulette, whether online or at a physical casino.

✓ Step 1 – Place Your Bet

Initiating your participation in roulette begins with placing your bet. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Select Your Bet Amount. Decide how much you want to wager, keeping in mind the minimum and maximum betting limits set by the casino, which typically range from $0.10 to several thousand dollars.
  • Choose Your Bet Type. Roulette offers several betting options, categorized as:
    • Internal Wagers. Bets on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
    • External Wagers. Bets on larger groups of numbers like colors, even or odd numbers, or columns.
    • Announced Wagers. Special bets known in French as Voisins du Zero, Orphelins, and more, based on a predetermined series of numbers on the roulette wheel.
  • Position Your Chips. In online roulette, place your chips by clicking on the corresponding area of the virtual betting table. Each chip represents a different value, and you select them based on your desired wager amount.

✓ Step 2 – The Wheel Spins

Once bets are placed, the croupier or the online system will spin the roulette wheel. This is when anticipation builds as players wait to see where the ball will land.

✓ Step 3 – Outcome and Payouts

After the wheel stops, the winning number and color are announced. Payouts are then distributed based on the following payout structure:

Bet Type Reward Multiplier Payout Example ($10 Bet)
Single Number 35:1 $350
Two Numbers 17:1 $170
Three Numbers 11:1 $110
Four Numbers 8:1 $80
Five Numbers (Basket) 6:1 $60
Six Numbers 5:1 $50
Column 2:1 $20
Dozen 2:1 $20
Even/Odd 1:1 $10
Red/Black 1:1 $10
High/Low 1:1 $10

✓ Step 4 – Next Round or Quit

After payouts, players decide whether to participate in another round or exit the game. The croupier will announce when no more bets can be placed, marking the beginning of a new spin cycle.

This step-by-step guide ensures that both newcomers and seasoned players can navigate the exciting world of roulette with confidence and strategic insight.

Roulette Game Variations

Roulette offers a variety of game types, each with subtle rule variations that can influence both gameplay and strategy. Beginners may find it beneficial to start with simulation tools such as roulette simulators or demo versions, which allow for risk-free practice. Mini roulette, with its fewer betting options, serves as an ideal introduction for those new to the game and looking to play with real money.

➤ European Roulette. This popular version features a single zero and 37 total numbers on the wheel, offering a balanced challenge with a moderate house edge.

➤ American Roulette. Known for its higher house edge due to the addition of the double zero, American roulette has 38 slots and offers a more challenging experience for seasoned players who prefer its style.

➤ French Roulette. Similar to European roulette but with additional player-friendly rules like ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage.’ These rules can help reduce losses when the ball lands on zero, making it a preferred choice for those looking to extend their gameplay.

➤ Live Roulette. For players seeking an immersive experience, live roulette features real-time gameplay with a live dealer. This version adds excitement to each spin and allows for interactive gameplay.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the nuances of each roulette variation can help you choose the right game to match your skill level and betting preferences.

Roulette Glossary of Terms

Here is a small table of terms, which you may be familiar with:

  • Corner Bet: A corner bet is when you place your bet on one of the four corners of the roulette table.
  • Croupier: The croupier is the person who helps run the game and pays out winners.
  • En Prison: En prison is a rule that can help you protect some of your money if the ball lands on zero.
  • Double Zero (00): Double zero is another name for the number 00 on a roulette wheel.
  • High/Low: High/low is a bet that you can make on whether or not the next number to come up will be higher or lower than the current number on the table.
  • Inside Bets: Inside bets are any bets that are placed on specific numbers or groups of numbers, as opposed to betting on red or black, high or low.
  • La Partage: A rule that can help you get some of your money back if the ball lands on zero.
  • Line Bet: A line bet is when you place your bet across two lines on the roulette table, making it a type of inside bet.
  • Neighbors / Voisins du Zero are a group of numbers that are located around Zero on the roulette wheel. They are: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32. If you bet on any of these numbers – or a combination of them – your payout will be 17:1.
  • Odd/Even is a bet that you can make on whether or not the next number to come up will be odd or even.
  • Orphans / Orphelins – These are numbers that are not included in any of the other bets on the roulette table.
  • Outside Bets – These are bets that are on specific areas of the table, on red or black, high or low numbers.
  • Pocket – This is the name for each segment of the roulette wheel where a ball can land.
  • Red / Black – This is a bet that you can make on whether or not the next number to come up will be red or black.
  • Street Bet is placed on three consecutive numbers on the roulette table.
  • Straight Up – a bet on a single number at Roulette.
  • Thirds / Tiers – These are bets that are placed on combinations of numbers around a selected number, such as two-thirds of the numbers around it, or all six numbers in a tier.
  • Zero (0) – the only number that isn’t colored red or black, and betting on it pays out even money (1:1).

Online Roulette vs. Live Roulette

Briefly, if you love the atmosphere of a casino, the feeling of the chips, and the sounds of people betting around – you’d rather prefer live roulette. However, if you are ready to enjoy the essence of the game by pressing the “spin” button online, then a such variant of roulette could suit even better. You don’t need to spend time getting to the casino and back, online casinos have a reasonable welcome and bonus system… Finally, the biggest win for you, if you value the game of roulette, will be trying both variants.  

Live Roulette

Want to immerse completely into the drive of the game and personally feel the magic of the zero number? Go on, try the live roulette with real dealers and piquant emotions!

How to Play Online Roulette

Interested in how to play roulette at casino for money? Read our hints, search for a reputable casino, register your account, chose the game version… And make your bet, surely!

5 Roulette Tips To Consider Before Playing

There are more tips to consider in roulette, but we offer you the top solutions which help your bet to be effective.

1. Inside Bets are More Volatile

Since there are more options to choose from, it is harder to predict the entire outcome.

2. Don’t Bet Against Yourself

Mostly, this point is about controlling one’s emotions. You bet against yourself when you do not follow your bankroll and forget about the random nature of any gambling, including roulette.

3. Practice Bankroll Management at All Times

This is the main advice, applicable in all situations concerning roulette. Use this tip with the previous one and your gaming emotions will always remain pleasant!

4. Pay Attention to Previous Rolls

To understand the pattern of the wheel and table working, what are the odds and chances in your case, try to remember what was happening to you for a long period. However, do not overestimate such data, since previous patterns may not affect the next ones.

5. Have Fun!

Have fun! This is what roulette is all about.

FAQ how to quickly learn to play Roulette

Here you may find some useful info concerning roulette.

How to learn to play roulette fast?

Try demo mode or the free version of roulette, and watch as a spectator how to play roulette at the casino. Place the bet, and spin the wheel!

How does roulette work?

As a game of chance, it works according to the patterns of random. This is why we like it so much!

How many numbers are there in roulette?

37 in European and French roulette, 38 in American, and 13 in mini roulette.

Are there any different online roulette rules?

The rules are different between some variations of the roulette game itself. The rules of playing are the same in any online casino.

What is the best bet in roulette?

For beginners it is the even bet, for pro players – the inside bet; for those who are ready for tricky situations – the outside bet.

Can you bet on red and black at the same time?

Nope.

How do you place a roulette bet?

Curious about how to bet in roulette game? It’s simple! Make your choice then click (online) or do it yourself (within an offline casino).

Why is a French roulette table red?

The most popular theory is that the red color of a French roulette table was originally chosen to mimic the color of the blood spilt during the French Revolution. The theory goes that gambling became illegal during the Revolution, but the people continued to play in secret. To avoid detection, they would paint their tables red so that any blood stains would not be as noticeable. While this story is certainly colorful, there is no evidence to support it. In actuality, the red color was likely chosen simply for its aesthetic appeal. Red is associated with luck and prosperity in many cultures, making it an ideal choice for a casino game. Whatever the reason for its original color choice, the red of a French roulette table has come to be synonymous with the excitement and glamor of casino gaming.

What is the difference between the European and American rules of roulette?

The wheel and table layout and the numbers of slots with additional zero in American roulette. This difference has an impact on the odds and profit of a given bet.

How do you pronounce roulette?

[ruːˈlet]. You can ask your Voice Assistant or try figuring out the transcription 🙂