How to Play Roulette: Step-by-Step Guide
The main goal in roulette is to predict where the ball will land and place your chips on that number or area. You win if the wheel stops and the ball lands where you had expected.
To understand the roulette wheel, you need to know the basic rules of roulette and how you can use the rules to your advantage, depending on the variant.
Choose Your Roulette Variation
The roulette casino wheel comes in two main versions: European and American. Over time, we have seen 150+ new roulette variants being released, but they are always themed after either of the above two. Still, the European roulette version seems to be a favourite for most UK players, hence the many roulette games with this type of wheel.
Place Your Bets
After deciding on the roulette game you want, the next step is to place bets using chips on the table. Use a bankroll management roulette strategy here to ensure you can spread your balance for as many gaming sessions as possible.
Click on the chips you want to use on your bet, then click on the area or number on the table where you think the ball will land. If you are unsure which roulette strategies to use, check out our latest expert guide to roulette strategy and pick the best one for you.
The two main types of bets are outside bets and inside bets. According to experienced roulette players, outside bets are the best to make to minimise risk. Therefore, these even-money bets would be a great option if you are new to roulette or a seasoned player who wants to extend their gaming session using the least bankroll possible. Remember that the betting window is different for different roulette tables. Land-based casino game rules are strict because the tables are usually crowded. However, when playing roulette online, each player is given the same time to place or size a bet.
Generally, if you want to have the best time playing roulette without all the hustles of a land-based casino, it would be better to play at top-ranked mobile roulette casinos in the UK.
The Wheel Spins
Once the betting window is over, the live dealer or croupier will spin the wheel (if you are playing at a land-based casino). Solo roulette games don’t have a dealer or croupier, so the wheel spins automatically.
Outcome and Payouts
All outcomes of online casino roulette and live games are entirely random and are determined by Random Number Generators. These are complex computer algorithms that kickstart a random selection. Therefore, no one affects where the ball lands or the winning number. The final win is determined by the house advantage, the size of the bet you placed, and the odds.
Playing Different Variants of Online Roulette
The rules of roulette are standardised and remain the same throughout different variants. As we mentioned, the many variants we have today might have different house edges and bonus bets, but they stem from European, American, and French wheels of roulette. Below is a table with some of the most popular roulette variants using the European wheel mechanism and factors to consider when choosing the variation.
Lightning roulette
Power roulette
Infinite roulette
French roulette
European roulette
American roulette
| Roulette Variant | RTP (return to player rate) | Maximum win per round |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning roulette | 97.30% | 500x your bet |
| Power roulette | 97.19% | 15, 525x your bet |
| Mega Fire Blaze roulette | 97.30% | 10,000x your bet |
| Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Roulette | 97.30% | 2000x your bet |
| XXXtreme Lightning Roulette | 97.30% | 2000x your bet |
| Cash Collect Roulette | 97.30% | 3000x your bet |
| French Roulette | 98.65% | 500x your bet |
| American roulette | 94.74% | 35x your bet |
| Speed roulette | 97.30% | 35x your bet |
| Double ball roulette | 97.3% | 1300x your bet |
The Roulette Table: Understanding the Layout
The roulette wheel has remained the same since it was first played in the 17th century in France. Regardless of the UK casino you choose to play this game in, roulette rules ensure the wheel remains the same. Additionally, no matter where you go, you will only come across two wheels: European (1-36 and one green zero) or American (1-36 and two green zeros).
The table layout for American roulette is similar to that of European roulette. You will still find the same inside or outside betting option. Note that even though French roulette wheels are similar to the European version, there is a slight difference in betting options. You still get 37 spaces to bet on the table, but you have two special rules you can take advantage of: La Partage and En Prison.
Understanding Types of Bets in Roulette
These bets are found at the centre of the table. This type of bet is placed on specific numbers or number combinations, making it high-risk. However, these roulette bets are the highest-paying on the table.
Inside Bets
- Straight Up bet – Single number. Payout is 35:1
- Split bet – These cover two adjacent numbers on the table. Therefore, you will place it on the line between the two numbers. For example,
- Street – This bet covers 3 consecutive numbers in a row.
- Corner – Corner bets are placed on four numbers on the table. You will put the chip where the four numbers meet.
- Six line – This bet covers all numbers on two adjacent row tables. You place the chip on the line separating the inside and even-money bets.
- Basket – Also known as the ‘Sucker’ or five number bet and is unique to American roulette.
| Type bet | Volatility | Payout | Odds on European Roulette wheel | Odds on American Roulette wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up Bet (single number) | High | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.63% |
| Split bet | Medium | 17:1 | 5.40% | 5.30% |
| Street bet | Medium | 11:1 | 8.10% | 7.90% |
| Corner | Low | 8:1 | 10.80% | 10.50% |
| Six line | Low | 6:1 | 13.20% | |
| Basket | Low | 5:1 | 16.20% | 15.80% |
Outside Bets
Here is a table with a list of even-money bets and their odds of winning.
- Even or Odd – Bet whether the ball will land on an odd or an even number.
- Dozen Bet – You are betting on a dozen numbers using a single stake. On the table, the bets are indicated as 1st (1-12), 2nd (16 -24) and 3rd (25 to 36)
- Red or Black – Wager on the ball landing on either colour. On the table, you will see two buttons, a red one and a black one.
- Column bet – You stake that the ball will land on one of the 3 vertical columns on the table. 1st column starts with 1, and ends with 34. 2nd column starts with 2 and ends with 35. 3rd column starts with 3 and ends with 36.
- High or Low – Wager on the ball, stopping on the high or low numbers in the game. Low (1-18) and High (19-36).
| Type of Bet | Payout | Odds (European or French wheel) | Odds (American wheel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Column | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.60% |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 32.40% | 31.60% |
| Even/Odd | 1:1 | 48.60% | 47.40% |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 48.60% | 47.40% |
| High/Low | 1:1 | 48.60% | 47.40% |
Neighbour Bets/ Call Bets
These bets are only playable on European and French variants. Generally, these bets involve players taking on a group of numbers according to how they appear on the wheel instead of the table.
Fixed neighbour bet rules remain the same regardless of the variant.
- Neighbours of zero
- Third of the wheel
- Zero game
- The orphans
Variable called bets or neighbour bets can be changed depending on a player’s preferences.
- The Neighbours
- Final Straight
- Final Split
What about La Partage and En Prison French rules?
The La Partage rule gives players more advantages than the house by ensuring you always keep your bet. If the ball lands on the zero number on the table, you will receive half your bet back if you have wagered on even-money bets.
En Prison is another rule that boosts a player’s chances of winning roulette bets. According to this roulette rule, if a player wagers on even-money bets but the ball lands on zero, rather than forfeiting half the bet like in La Partage, the entire stake will be left on the table for the next spin.
Roulette Payouts & Odds
Understanding how to play roulette and calculate odds is crucial for improving your gameplay and making informed decisions. Each roulette variant—whether European, American, or French—comes with its own odds and payout structures, impacting your chances of winning. Knowing these details not only helps you choose the best bets but also allows you to decide which roulette version aligns with your playing style and risk preference.
By mastering the odds, you can enjoy a more strategic and rewarding gaming experience.
What are the odds on roulette tables?
Odds indicate your chances of winning and are usually expressed as a percentage. In simple terms, roulette table odds are the possibility of getting a particular outcome when the ball stops. It mainly depends on your roulette variant and how many zeros it has. The chance of winning a bet on American roulette (double zeroes) is 46.37%, while for European (single zero), is 48.6%.
Furthermore, the odds of winning on a single number bet on European classic roulette are 2.7%. The odds of winning on even-money bets are the highest, at 48.6%.
What are payout odds on roulette?
This is the possibility of winning a certain amount on a roulette game. For instance, in American roulette, the odds of winning on a single number with a straight-up bet is 37:1 because the wheel has 38 numbers.
Do house edge and RTP affect payout odds in roulette?
Yes. House advantage is the percentage of your bet that the casino gets to keep after you make a bet. RTP (return to player) is the percentage of your bet you will get if you win.
Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
Starting your gambling journey can be exciting, but it’s easy to make common mistakes that could cost you money and enjoyment. By understanding these pitfalls early on, you can play smarter, manage your bankroll effectively, and make the most of your casino experience. Let’s explore the rookie mistakes every player should avoid.
Common mistakes to avoid as a beginner:
- Not having limits. For example, how much time and money will you spend playing roulette?
- Choosing variants without reading reviews or knowing much about how the roulette game works.
- Sticking to one strategy for too long isn’t wise. Roulette is a game of chance, and different strategies offer different benefits.
- Playing for real money when intoxicated. If you intend to win real money from your roulette game, playing while drunk is a bad idea.
- Placing straight bets. These are high-risk bets and they are the hardest to win. Unless you have a huge bankroll, it is wise to steer clear of straight-bets. New players are advised to play even-money bets.
References
- Probability – Roulette
- Gamcare
- Gambling Commission – Guidance to Licensing Authorities
- Math4amm – The Mathematics of Roulette
- ScienceDirect – Roulette Wheel
- University Libraries – Roulette: More Than Just a Chance
- The Edinburgh Reporter – Roulette a Brief History
- Forbes – Isaac Newton Vs. Las Vegas: How Physicists Used Science To Beat The Odds At Roulette
- Royal Statistical Society – Did a Roulette System “Break the Bank”?
- Crescent City School of Gaming & Bartending – The History of Roulette
- Stack Exchange – Description of the Monte Carlo roulette wheel in 1913
