Roulette is a simple game, but it's important to understand the rules and strategies before playing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to play roulette, including the basic roulette rules and objectives, betting strategies, and table etiquette. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, this guide will help you maximize your chances of winning roulette, and enjoy the game to the fullest.

Rules of roulette

Roulette is a classic casino game that involves a spinning wheel and a betting table. The wheel has numbered pockets, ranging from 0 to 36 in European and French roulette, and 00 to 36 in American roulette. The pockets are coloured red or black, except for the 0 and 00 pockets, which are green. The dealer spins the wheel and releases a ball, which bounces around before eventually landing in one of the pockets.

Players place their roulette bets on the betting table next to a spinning roulette wheel, which is marked with various betting options. There are two main types of bets: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets involve betting on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover larger groups of numbers or characteristics of the numbers (such as odd/even or red/black).

The different types of inside bets include

• Straight up bet - on a single number

• Split bet - betting on two adjacent numbers

• Street bet - betting on three numbers in a row

• Corner bet - betting on four numbers that meet at a corner

• Six line bet - betting on two adjacent rows of numbers

The different types of outside bets include

• Red or black bet - on the colour of the pocket the ball will land in

• Odd or even bet - on whether the number will be odd or even

• High or low bet - on whether the number will be in the high range (19-36) or low range (1-18)

• Dozen bet - on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36)

• Column bet - on a vertical column of numbers on the betting table

Each type of roulette bet has its own payout rate, with inside bets generally having higher payouts than outside bets. The objective of the game is to correctly predict where the ball will land on the roulette wheel. If your roulette bet is correct, you will receive a payout based on the type of bet and the payout rate.

Besides the inside bets and outside bets there are also announced bets, also known called bets, which are a type of bet that can be made in roulette where the player verbally announces the bet they want to make to the dealer, rather than placing chips directly on the betting table.

Announced bets are typically made in French or European roulette, and are not commonly found in American roulette. They are often made by more experienced players who want to know how to play roulette and who may be seeking higher payouts.

Some commonly announced bets include:

Voisins du Zero

This bet covers a total of 17 numbers that are located close to zero on the roulette wheel. The numbers covered by this bet include 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25. To make this bet, you must place at least nine chips on the roulette table layout once, covering a specific pattern of numbers. This bet is typically made by placing chips on the roulette table layout in the following way:

• Two chips on the 0, 2, and 3 split

• One chip on the 4/7 split

• One chip on the 12/15 split

• One chip on the 18/21 split

• One chip on the 19/22 split

• Two chips on the 25/26/28/29 corner

• One chip on the 32/35 split

Tiers du Cylindre

This bet covers a total of 12 numbers that are opposite to the zero on the roulette wheel. The numbers covered by this bet include 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33. To make this bet, you must place at least six chips on the table, covering a specific pattern of numbers. This bet is typically made by placing chips on the table in the following way:

• One chip on the 5/8 split

• One chip on the 10/11 split

• One chip on the 13/16 split

• One chip on the 23/24 split

• Two chips on the 27/30/33/36 corner

• One chip on the 8/9 split

Orphelins

This bet covers a total of 8 numbers that are not included in the Voisins du Zero or Tiers du Cylindre bets. The numbers covered by this bet include 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, and 9. To make this bet, you must place at least five chips on the table, covering a specific pattern of numbers. This bet is typically made by placing chips on the table in the following way:

• One chip on the 1 straight-up

• One chip on the 6/9 split

• One chip on the 14/17 split

• One chip on the 17/20 split

• One chip on the 31/34 split

Jeu Zero

This bet covers a total of 7 numbers that are closest to the zero on the roulette wheel. The numbers covered by this bet include 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15. To make this bet, you must place at least four chips on the roulette table, covering a specific pattern of numbers. This bet is typically made by placing chips on the table in the following way:

• One chip on the 0 straight-up

• One chip on the 3/6 split

• One chip on the 12/15 split

• One chip on the 32/35 split

Voisins du Nombre

This bet covers a total of 5 numbers that are close to a specific number on the roulette wheel. To make this bet, you must specify the number you want to bet on, and place at least two chips on each of the numbers that are closest to it on the wheel. For example, if you wanted to bet on the number 5, you would place two chips on 5, one chip on the 10/11 split, one chip on the 13/16 split, one chip on the 23/24 split, and one chip on the 27/30 split.

Le Tiers Du Cylindre

This bet is similar to Tiers du Cylindre but covers only a third of the wheel which includes the numbers 33 to 27. To make this bet, you need to place at least three number bet at least six chips on the table, covering a specific pattern of numbers. This bet is typically made by placing chips on the table in the following way:

• One chip on the 5/8 split

• One chip on the 10/11 split

• One chip on the 13/16 split

• One chip on the 23/24 split

• Two chips on the 27/30/33 corner

Les Orphelins

This bet is similar to Orphelins but covers only the four numbers that are located on either side of the wheel. To make this bet, you need to place at least five chips on the table, covering a specific pattern of numbers. This bet is typically made by placing chips on the table in the following way:

• One chip on 1

• One chip on the 6/9 split

• One chip on the 14/17 split

• One chip on the 17/20 split

• One chip on the 31/34 split

Snake bet

It is also known as the red snake bet or the red and black snake bet. The snake bet covers the numbers 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34 on the roulette wheel, which forms a winding "snake" pattern across the betting table.

The snake bet is a single bet that covers all of the above numbers, and it basket bet is typically placed by putting your chips at the bottom of the "snake" on the betting table. This bet has a payout of 2:1 if any of the covered numbers hit, which means that if you bet $10 on the snake and any of the covered numbers hit, you would win $20.

It is important to note that the snake bet is not available at all roulette tables, and it is more commonly found in American double zero wheel. Additionally, while the snake bet may seem like a fun and unique way to bet on roulette, it does not offer the best odds compared to other betting options.

Variations of Roulette - American roulette vs European roulette

Roulette has undergone several changes over the years, leading to the creation of different variations of the game. The most popular variations of roulette include American, European, and French roulette tables. If you want to know, how to play roulette, you need to know the different variants a the difference between them.

American Roulette

American roulette is the most common version of roulette played in North America. The game features a wheel with 38 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 and two green pockets marked 0 and 00. The additional double zero pocket increases the roulette house edge to 5.26%, making it less favourable for players compared to other variations.

European Roulette

European roulette is the most widely played version of roulette in the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. The game features a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 and a single green pocket marked 0. The absence of the double zero pockets in European roulette reduces the roulette house edge to 2.70%, making it more favourable for players than American roulette.

French Roulette

French roulette is European style roulette but has a few unique features. The game features a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered 1 to 36 and a single green pocket marked 0. Like European roulette, the absence of double zero pockets reduces the house edge to 2.70%. However, French roulette also includes a special rule known as "La Partage," which returns half of a player's even money bet if the ball lands on the zero pocket. This reduces the casino's advantage on even money bets even further to 1.35%, making French roulette the most favourable variation for players.

Differences in Gameplay and Odds

The main differences between the three variations of roulette are the number of pockets on the wheel and the associated house edge. The addition of the double and single zero pockets in American roulette gives the house a higher edge, making it less favourable for players. Conversely, the absence of double zero and single zero pockets in European and French roulette reduces the house edge, making them more favourable for players. French roulette also offers the La Partage rule, which further reduces the house edge and increases the chances of winning for players.

It is important to note that different online casinos may offer additional variations of roulette with varying rules and betting options, which can impact gameplay and odds. It is recommended that players learn how to play roulette with the rules and odds of winning bets each variation of roulette before playing to maximize their chances of winning.

Payout odds and probability of American and European roulette

How to play roulette - Basic roulette strategy

While roulette is a game of chance, there are some basic strategies that players can use to maximize their chances of winning in roulette.

Betting Systems

One popular betting system used in roulette is the Martingale system. The Martingale system is a betting strategy used in roulette. The system is based on the idea of doubling your bet after losing bets, with the aim of eventually winning back all your lost money and making a profit.

Here's how the Martingale system works in roulette:

1. Place a small bet on an even-money bet, such as red or black, odd or even, or high or low.

2. If you win, take your winnings and start over with your original bet.

3. If you lose, double your bet on the same even-money bet. For example, if you bet $5 on red and lose, bet $10 on red on the next spin.

4. If you win, take your winnings and start over with your original bet.

5. If you lose again, double your bet again. For example, if you bet $10 on red and lose, bet $20 on red on the next spin.

6. Continue doubling your bet after each loss until you win. When you win, take your winnings and start over with your original bet.

The idea behind the Martingale system is that you will eventually win and recoup all of your losses, plus make a small profit. However, there are a few problems with this system.

First, there is a risk of reaching the table's maximum bet limit, which means you won't be able to double your bet anymore and recoup your losses.

Second, even if you have a large bankroll to sustain winning bets and long-losing streaks, the betting amounts can quickly become astronomical. For example, if you started with a $5 bet and lost ten times in a row, your eleventh bet would be $1,280.

Finally, the system assumes that winning and losing streaks are random and independent, which is not always the case in roulette or other casino games. Ultimately, the Martingale system is a risky and potentially costly strategy that does not guarantee long-term success in the game of roulette.

Another popular betting system is the Paroli system, which involves doubling your bet after each win. This system is less risky than the Martingale system but still requires careful bankroll management to avoid losing all your winnings.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management is crucial in roulette to ensure you can continue playing and avoid losing all your money. One common rule of thumb is to never bet more than 5% of your bankroll on a single bet. This ensures that you can sustain a losing streak and continue playing.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances of Winning

1. Play European or French roulette to take advantage of the lower house edge.

2. Stick to even money bets such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low to maximize your chances of winning.

3. Avoid the five-number bet in American style roulette game, as it has the highest house edge of all roulette bets.

4. Set a win and loss limit before playing and stick to it to avoid chasing losses.

5. Take breaks to avoid making impulsive bets and to stay focused.

Overall, while there is no guaranteed winning strategy in roulette, employing basic strategies such as effective bankroll management and taking advantage of lower house edge variations can increase your chances of winning in the long run.

Online Roulette vs Roulette in land-based casino

With the rise of online gambling, many players now have the option how to play roulette online. While the basic roulette rules and strategies of the game remain the same, there are some differences to consider when playing roulette online.

In a land-based casino, players sit at a physical table and place their bets on the table using chips. The dealer then spins the roulette wheel and drops a ball onto the spinning wheel. Players can watch the ball as it moves around the wheel, and they can continue to place more bets, until the dealer announces that no more bets can be placed. Once the ball comes to rest in one of the numbered pockets on the wheel, the dealer will announce the winning number and pay out any winnings to the players.

In online roulette, the game is played virtually, with players placing their bets using their computer or mobile device. The roulette wheel is also virtual, and the ball is randomly generated by the software. Players can still place bets until the software announces that no more bets can be placed, and once the ball comes to rest in a pocket, the software will automatically determine the winning number and pay out any winnings to the players.

Overall, the basic roulette rules and gameplay of online roulette and land-based roulette are the same, but the experience of playing roulette games in each version can differ due to the differences in betting layout, the environment and the way the roulette game is presented.

How to play online roulette for free

Playing online roulette for fun is a great way to enjoy the game without risking any real money. Here are the basic steps to play online roulette for fun:

1. Choose a reputable online casino that offers free play or demo versions of online roulette game. Many online casinos allow players to try out their games for free without having to register or make a deposit.

2. Select the online roulette game you want to play. There are different versions of online roulette available, such as American, European, and French, each with slightly different rules and odds.

3. Once you have selected the game, the virtual roulette table will appear on your screen, along with the virtual chips you can use to place your bets.

4. Place your bets on the table by clicking on the chip value you want to use and then clicking on the area of the table where you want to place your bet. You can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or other betting options.

5. Once you have placed your bets, click the 'spin' button to start the roulette wheel spinning.

6. Watch as the virtual ball moves around the wheel and comes to rest in one of the numbered pockets.

7. If the ball lands on a number or betting option you have placed a bet on, you win. Your winnings will be automatically added to your virtual account balance.

Playing online roulette for fun is a great way to learn the roulette rules and strategies of the game without risking any real money. It is also an enjoyable way to pass the time and experience the excitement of roulette game from the comfort of your own home.

Tips for Staying Safe and Choosing a Reputable Online Casino

1. Check for a valid gambling license and regulation from a reputable authority.

2. Look for online casinos with a good reputation and positive reviews from other players.

3. Ensure that the online casino uses secure encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.

4. Avoid online casinos that offer unrealistic bonuses or promotions, as they may be scams.

5. Use a secure payment method, such as a credit card or e-wallet, when making deposits and withdrawals.

It is important to note that online roulette games and gambling can be addictive and should be approached with caution. It is recommended that players set limits on their time and money spent playing online roulette games to avoid developing a gambling addiction.

Etiquette and Common Practices at Roulette table

If you play roulette in a physical casino, there are certain etiquette and common practices that players should be aware of in order to have a positive experience at the roulette table.

Tipping the Dealer

It is common practice to tip the dealer when playing roulette in a physical casino. This can be done by placing a chip or chips on the table near your bet and saying "for the dealer". The amount of the tip is up to the player, but a typical tip is around $1 for every $20 won.

Handling Chips

When playing roulette, it is important to handle your roulette chips correctly in order to avoid confusion and ensure that your bets are placed correctly. Players should stack their roulette chips neatly in front of them and not touch them once they have been placed on the betting table. When cashing out, players should wait until the end of a spin before collecting their roulette chips again.

New Player Advice

For new players, it is important to observe the table and understand the roulette rules and etiquette before jumping into play. It is also important to avoid touching other players' chips or interfering with their bets. Players should wait for the dealer to signal when it is time to place bets or when bets are no longer allowed.