Introduction to Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world. A spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a table full of betting options — it looks complex at first glance, but the fundamentals are easy to learn. This guide covers the rules, the bet types, and the key differences between the main variants.
How Roulette Works
The roulette wheel contains numbered pockets (0–36 in European Roulette; 0 and 00–36 in American Roulette). Players place bets on where they think the ball will land. The dealer (or software, in online games) spins the wheel and releases the ball. When it settles into a pocket, winning bets are paid and losing bets are collected.
European vs. American Roulette
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | 0–36 (37 pockets) | 0, 00–36 (38 pockets) |
| House Edge | ~2.7% | ~5.26% |
| Best For | All players | Variety seekers |
Recommendation: Always choose European Roulette when available. The single zero gives you significantly better odds than the American double-zero wheel.
Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the numbered grid.
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11:1.
- Corner (Square): Bet on four numbers sharing a corner. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line: Bet on two adjacent rows (6 numbers). Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Reward)
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are ideal for beginners due to their higher win frequency.
- Red / Black: Bet on the colour of the winning pocket. Pays 1:1.
- Odd / Even: Bet on whether the number is odd or even. Pays 1:1.
- High / Low: Bet on numbers 1–18 (Low) or 19–36 (High). Pays 1:1.
- Dozen: Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Pays 2:1.
- Column: Bet on one of three vertical columns. Pays 2:1.
Note: All outside bets lose if the ball lands on 0 (or 00 in American Roulette).
The La Partage and En Prison Rules
Some European Roulette variants include special rules that benefit players on even-money bets:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, you get half your even-money bet back. This cuts the house edge to ~1.35%.
- En Prison: Your even-money bet is "imprisoned" on the table. If the next spin wins, your stake is returned (but you win no profit). Another advantageous rule for players.
Tips for New Roulette Players
- Start with outside bets to get comfortable with the game flow.
- Play European Roulette over American Roulette for better odds.
- Look for tables with La Partage or En Prison rules.
- Set a session budget and stick to it — roulette moves quickly.
- Avoid "systems" like the Martingale as a guaranteed strategy — no betting system overcomes the house edge long-term.
Final Thoughts
Roulette is easy to enjoy from your very first spin. Whether you prefer the excitement of straight-up number bets or the more measured approach of outside bets, the key is understanding the odds behind each choice. Knowledge is your best companion at the roulette wheel.