Roulette is a casino game centred on a spinning numbered wheel and a small ball.
Before each spin, players place bets on a number, group of numbers, colour or another available outcome.
The winning result is determined by the numbered pocket where the ball comes to rest. In digital roulette, the result may instead be generated electronically using a random number generator (RNG).
Understanding the wheel, betting layout and payouts can help beginners understand how roulette works before they play.
What is the Objective of Roulette?
The objective of roulette is to predict the outcome of the next spin.
Depending on the game and table, players may be able to bet on:
- One specific number
- A group of numbers
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- Low numbers from 1 to 18
- High numbers from 19 to 36
- A dozen or column
Generally, bets that cover fewer numbers offer higher payouts but have a lower probability of winning.
Bets covering more numbers usually pay less but have a higher probability of winning.
However, no roulette bet guarantees a win.
Each spin produces a single result, and the outcome cannot be known in advance.
Types of Roulette Wheels
European Roulette
European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero (0).
The single-zero format uses one zero pocket, resulting in different probabilities compared to American Roulette.
American Roulette
American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).
The additional double-zero pocket changes the probabilities of the possible outcomes, while standard payouts generally remain the same.
This means the mathematical advantage for the casino is higher than on a single-zero wheel.
French Roulette
French roulette normally uses the same single-zero wheel format as European roulette.
Some French roulette tables may also offer special rules such as La Partage or En Prison.
These rules can affect qualifying even-money bets when the ball lands on zero.
How a Round of Roulette Works
- Choose a roulette game:
Check the wheel type, table limits and game rules.
- Select a stake:
Review the available betting limits and select an amount within the permitted range.
- Place a bet:
Select a number, group, colour or another available outcome.
- Betting closes:
Once the dealer or game announces “no more bets”, additional wagers cannot be placed.
- The wheel spins:
The ball travels around the wheel before settling into a numbered pocket.
- The result is announced:
The winning number and colour are displayed or announced.
- Bets are settled:
Losing bets are collected, while winning bets are paid according to the applicable payout.
Inside Bets Explained
Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the roulette betting layout.
They generally cover fewer numbers and are associated with higher payout ratios than outside bets.
- Straight-up:
Covers one number and usually pays 35:1.
- Split:
Covers two adjacent numbers and usually pays 17:1.
- Street:
Covers a row of three numbers and usually pays 11:1.
- Corner:
Covers four numbers that meet at one corner and usually pays 8:1.
- Six line:
Covers two adjacent rows, or six numbers, and usually pays 5:1.
The payout ratio describes the amount payable for a qualifying winning bet.
For example, a 35:1 winning straight-up bet normally produces 35 times the original stake as profit, with the qualifying stake returned separately.
Outside Bets Explained
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and generally offer lower payouts than inside bets.
Because they cover more possible outcomes, they generally have a higher probability of producing a qualifying result than bets covering fewer numbers.
- Red or black:
Covers one of the two colours and normally pays 1:1.
- Odd or even:
Covers odd or even numbers and normally pays 1:1.
- Low or high:
Covers 1 to 18 or 19 to 36 and normally pays 1:1.
- Dozen:
Covers 1 to 12, 13 to 24 or 25 to 36 and normally pays 2:1.
- Column:
Covers one of the three 12-number columns and normally pays 2:1.
Zero and double zero are not included in standard red or black, odd or even, and low or high selections.
Their presence means these bets can lose when the ball lands on a zero, and the additional zero pockets contribute to the casino’s mathematical advantage.
How Roulette Payouts Work
A roulette payout generally depends on how many numbers a bet covers.
Bets covering fewer numbers usually have higher payouts, while bets covering more numbers usually have lower payouts.
For example, suppose a player places P10 on a single number and that number wins at 35:1.
The profit would be P350, while the original P10 stake would normally also be returned, giving a total return of P360.
Now, keep the following points in mind:
- A higher payout does not mean a result is more likely to occur.
- Standard payouts may be the same across different wheel types even when the probabilities are different.
- Side bets and special selections may use different payout structures.
- Players should review the payout table and game rules applicable to the selected roulette game.
Online Roulette vs Live Roulette
- Online RNG roulette:
The result is generated electronically by a random number generator.
- Live roulette:
A live dealer spins a physical wheel and manages the betting period, with the action shown through a video stream.
- Automated roulette:
A physical or automated wheel may come with a digital betting interface.
The main differences can be:
- Game speed
- Presentation
- Betting limits
Information to Review Before Playing Roulette
- The roulette wheel type.
- Minimum and maximum stakes.
- Standard and special bet payouts.
- The betting time limit.
- How zero and double zero are treated.
- Whether special French roulette rules such as La Partage or En Prison apply.
- Available side bets or racetrack selections.
- The game’s RTP and rules information.
Roulette Tips for Beginners
- Understand exactly what each bet covers before placing it.
- Check whether the game uses a single-zero or double-zero wheel.
- Consider setting a spending limit before participating.
- Remember that previous results do not determine the next spin.
- Be cautious of systems or strategies that claim to guarantee winnings.
- Consider setting spending and time limits before participating and adhere to those limits.
For example, seeing several consecutive red results does not make black “due” on the next spin.
Each spin is an independent event.
Play Roulette Responsibly
Roulette is a game of chance. Every spin is an independent event.
Understand the wheel, betting layout and payout structure, but remember that none of these can predict the next result or guarantee winnings.
If you choose to play, set both a spending limit and a time limit before you start.
Only use money you can afford to lose and avoid increasing your stakes to chase previous losses. If you reach your predetermined limit, stop playing.
Understanding how roulette works can make the experience clearer, but it does not remove the risk involved in gambling.
Players must be 21 years or older to play. Gamble responsibly. Gambling involves risk and can result in financial loss.
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