Roulette is one of the most famous casino games in the world alongside poker and blackjack. The simple and easy-to-understand rules make it the perfect game for beginners looking to enter the world of table casino games.
Whether you’re playing roulette for the first time or simply brushing up on the basics, this guide explains everything you need to know. From the different roulette variants and betting options to payout odds and a few practical tips before placing your first bet.
What is Roulette?
At its core, roulette is a game of prediction. Before the wheel is spun, players choose where they think the ball will land by placing bets on a specific number, a colour, or a group of numbers. Once betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. If your selection matches the winning result, you receive a payout based on the type of bet you placed.
Every spin is completely independent, so previous results don’t influence future ones. In other words, if black has appeared five times in a row, that doesn’t make red any more likely on the next spin. Roulette is purely a game of chance.
Why is Roulette Popular?
Part of roulette’s appeal is its flexibility. You can keep things simple by betting on broad outcomes like red or black or take a more adventurous approach by backing individual numbers for bigger potential payouts. There’s no single “correct” way to play, which means beginners and experienced players can enjoy the same game while using completely different betting styles.
Types of Roulette Games
Roulette has three main variations, and although the core rules of the game still apply, there are a few small differences to take note of when choosing the type of roulette to play. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main types: American, European, and French roulette.
American Roulette
American Roulette features 38 pockets numbered 1 to 36, along with a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The additional double zero increases the house edge, making this version slightly less favourable for players.
European Roulette
European Roulette is the most popular version of the game found in online casinos. It uses a wheel with 37 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. With only one zero, the house edge is lower than the American variant, making it the preferred choice for many beginners.
French Roulette
French Roulette uses the same 37-pocket wheel as European Roulette but includes additional rules such as “La Partage” and “En Prison” on certain even-money bets. These rules can reduce the house edge even further, making French Roulette one of the most player-friendly versions available.
How to Play Roulette: The Mechanics
Learning how to play roulette doesn’t have to be a difficult process. In fact, once you have the basics down, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to get started.
The Roulette Wheel
The roulette wheel contains numbered pockets coloured red and black, along with one or two green zero pockets depending on which game variant you’re playing. After all bets have been placed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The pocket where the ball lands will determine the winning result.
The Betting Table Layout
The betting table mirrors the numbers found on the roulette wheel and allows players to place different types of bets. These fall into two main categories, including inside bets and outside bets. Players place their chips on the relevant areas of the betting layout before betting closes, and thereafter, the dealer spins the wheel.
The Spin & Results
Once all bets are placed, the dealer announces that betting is closed and spins the wheel. When the ball comes to rest, the winning number is announced, and any successful bets are paid according to the payout odds. The next round then begins, and players can place new bets.
Inside Bets vs Outside Bets in Roulette
Before you can play roulette seriously, you’ll need to understand the difference between inside and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or small combinations of numbers, meaning you are betting on very specific outcomes. Because the ball must land on an exact number or a small group of numbers, these bets are harder to win. However, they come with significantly higher payouts to compensate for the increased risk.
Inside bets are usually placed directly on the numbered section of the betting layout, and they give players more control over precise predictions. Common inside bets include Straight Up (a single number), Split (two adjacent numbers), Street (three numbers in a row), Corner (four numbers forming a square), and Six-Line bets (two adjacent rows covering six numbers).
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger sections of the roulette table, making them statistically more likely to win but offer lower payouts in return. Instead of focusing on specific numbers, these bets are based on broader categories such as colour, equal vs odd numbers, or number ranges. This makes them ideal for beginners who prefer a more consistent and less risky playing style.
Outside bets include Red or Black (betting on the colour of the winning number), Odd or Even, High or Low (1–18 or 19–36), Dozens (groups of 12 numbers), and Columns (vertical sections of the table).
What is the House Edge in Roulette & Why Does It Matter?
To put it simply, the house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage in every game. In roulette, it means that over a long period of play, the casino will statistically keep a small percentage of all bets placed.
This edge comes from the green zero (and in American roulette, the double zero), which slightly shifts the odds in the casino’s favour. American roulette has the highest house edge at 5.26%, while European roulette is lower at 2.7%. With a house edge of 2.7% on a bet of R100 (for example), the casino expects to keep R2.70.
The lower the house edge, the better your long-term chances of getting closer to even results. While roulette is still a game of chance, choosing European or French roulette gives you more favourable odds compared to American roulette.
Understanding Roulette Payouts
Like any casino game, different bets pay different amounts depending on how likely they are to win. Bets that cover fewer numbers have larger payouts because they are riskier, while bets covering more numbers pay less because they have a higher chance of winning. Here’s a quick look at the general payout ratios for different bet types.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you predict where the ball will land?
No. Every roulette spin is completely random, and previous results do not influence future outcomes. There is no proven strategy or betting system that can accurately predict where the ball will land.
What is the best bet in roulette?
Many beginners prefer outside bets like Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low because they have a higher probability of winning than inside bets. While the payouts are smaller, these bets can provide a steadier playing experience.
What is the best type of roulette for beginners?
European Roulette is generally considered the best option for beginners. Its single-zero wheel offers a lower house edge than American Roulette, making it the most popular and beginner-friendly version of the game.
