Roulette might seem simple: you bet on some numbers, then a wheel spins to decide the winner. But that's what makes it so exciting. You never know where the ball will land, and with so many ways to bet, the excitement builds with every spin. It is this combination of easy-to-learn rules and big surprises that keeps people coming back to the table. With lots of different betting options, the excitement never stops.
Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, Roulette doesn’t discriminate. The charm of this legendary game pulls everyone in, creating a buzz of excitement around the table that is hard to beat.
Roulette basics and betting
The game of roulette is centered around a spinning wheel, traditionally marked with numbers up to 36 and a 0. The reason we say traditionally is because some American versions also have a 00. The essence of the game is the anticipation as a ball is set spinning by the dealer, eventually dropping into a numbered slot.
Players place bets based on the numbers they believe the ball will land, and successful predictions are rewarded with payouts. The excitement is heightened by multiple betting options beyond such as betting on the color, odd or even numbers, split bets, or betting on a full column (12 numbers). Even with all the possible betting options it is important to remember that roulette is a game based on chance.
Learn the different bets and how to win
In roulette, while the excitement centers around predicting the exact number the ball will land on, the game also offers a range of other betting options. These allow players to stake their chips on different aspects of the gameplay, providing a broader range of possibilities and strategies. This versatility enhances the game's appeal, providing different risk-reward preferences for the players. Some examples can be seen here:
- 1-18
- 19-36
- Odd
- Even
- Red
- Black
- 1st 12 (bet for all numbers 1-12)
- 2nd 12 (bet for all numbers 13-24)
- 3rd 12 (bet for all numbers 25-36)
Inside bets
Inside bets in roulette are bets placed on specific numbers or combinations of numbers, directly within the number grid. Types include straight (single number), split (two adjacent numbers), street (three consecutive numbers), and others. These bets typically have higher payouts due to lower chances of winning, making them very popular for players hoping for big wins from smaller bets.
- Straight up betting: 1 number (35 to 1 return)
- Split betting: 2 numbers (17 to 1 return)
- Street betting: 3 numbers (11 to 1 return)
- Corner betting: 4 numbers (8 to 1 return)
- 6-line betting: 6 numbers (5 to 1 return)
For a 3-number bet using a single chip, position your chip at the terminus of any “street” or row of three numbers on the table layout. If you're interested in a 6-line bet, it’s also possible with one chip, just place your chip at the junction of two adjoining streets. In American roulette, there's an exclusive 5-number bet covering 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, rewarding winners with a 6 to 1 payout, and the Row 00 bet, including both 0 and 00, offering a 17 to 1 return.
Outside bets
Outside bets in roulette are bets placed on broader range of numbers, rather than specific ones. Positioned outside the main number grid on the betting table, these bets typically involve larger groups of numbers, offering higher chances of winning but lower payouts. They appeal to players favoring safer stakes, balancing risk while enabling consistent, albeit smaller, wins. Some examples can be seen here:
- Color bets: Black or red (1 to 1 return)
- Odd or even bets (1 to 1 return)
- Column bets: 12 numbers in one column (2 to 1 return)
- Dozen bets: 1st 12, 2nd 12 and so on (2 to 1 return)
- High or low bets: 1 – 18, 19 – 36 (1 to 1 return)
Understand and acknowledge “house edge”
The “house edge” in roulette refers to the statistical advantage that the casino holds over players in the long run. This edge ensures that the casino is likely to make a profit over time, even though players can win in the short term. In roulette, the house edge is determined by the zeros on the wheel. In European roulette, there's a single zero, giving the house an advantage of 2.7%.
However, in American roulette, the presence of a second zero (the '00') nearly doubles the house's advantage to approximately 5.26%. This difference affects a player's odds. The additional zero in American roulette decreases the odds of winning any individual bet.
Understanding the house edge is crucial for players, as it informs their expectation of potential winnings or losses over time. The higher the house edge, the lower the players' odds of winning. It doesn't mean that a player can't win, as the outcome of roulette is unpredictable and based on chance, but it does mean that over a large number of bets, the casino is statistically likely to keep some of the players' money.
Playing the game
Before starting to play roulette the first thing you have to do, is to study the layout of the roulette table. There are numbered pockets on the wheel, 0-36 (European version) and an additional 00 in American versions. The same numbers are represented on the table, along with different types of bets. When you are confident in knowing the rules of the game and the layout of the table you are ready to play.
Find a table that fits your budget
At every roulette table, there’s a sign indicating the betting limits for the specific table. For instance, a table might have a $10 minimum on both inside and outside bets, and a $500 maximum on inside bets and $1500 maximum on outside bets. It is important to notice that generally speaking, there is a lower maximum on inside bets because they have a potential higher payout. Here are a couple of tips to choose the right table:
- Decide on your budget before choosing a table.
- Do not choose a table with a minimum that will only allow you to place one bet.
- Choose a budget that allows you to “spread out” your budget.
Pay attention to the outcomes of the table
While roulette is primarily a game of chance, different strategies can be applied and thereby increase your odds of winning. These systems are typically focused on betting development and identifying patterns trying to predict the next outcome. The “Martingale System”, for instance, advises players to double their bet after each loss, so that the first win would recover all previous losses plus win a profit equal to the original bet.
Join the roulette table
Having observed the table and feeling ready to join, approach the dealer and ask to buy chips. At a roulette table the chips are different from the ones you would normally get in a casino. When purchasing a chip from the dealer you will be asked what value you would like to assign each chip. To make it easier for the dealer to separate the different bets from each other each player will receive chips in a designated color.
Understand how a round is played
Bets are accepted until the dealer announces, “No more bets.” Now the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and the roulette ball in the opposite. Watch the ball settle into a pocket. Winners are determined by the corresponding number/color. The dealer places a marker on the winning number, clears losing bets, and proceeds with payouts before a new round starts.
Time to place your bet(s)
Before placing bets, understand your options. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations, while outside bets are placed on categories like color (red/black), high or low numbers, or odd/even. When the table is cleared and a new round begins, place your chips on the table to indicate your bet. Should you win a round it’s smart to cash out the winnings and stick to your original budget if you want to continue.
Where to play roulette
Roulette is per tradition a casino table game, but in our modern time of age roulette is also available on the internet. Multiple types of casino sites have emerged the last 5-10 year and recently Bitcoin roulette sites have become increasingly popular. For those who prefer other types of cryptocurrency there is also other types of crypto roulette available.
Whether you prefer Bitcoin or Ethereum most online crypto casinos provide you with the opportunity to gamble with your preferred currency. So if you aren’t into Bitcoin but prefer Ethereum you choose one of the many Ethereum gambling sites available. Whatever preference you have, do yourself a favor and remember what you have been reading in this article.
Set a budget in advance, choose the right table and have a strategy for how to behave when winning or losing. By following these steps and remembering that roulette is a game of chance, you will not only have the best chances of winning, but also the best chance of having a great time while gambling.
