Understanding the Basics of Roulette
Before depositing any money into casinos to head over to a roulette table, it is essential to understand how the game works. Lucky for you, we know a thing or two about this game and we don't gatekeep over here:
Types of Roulette Games
Newcomers to the game may think that roulette is the same around the world, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are three main tables that players should get accustomed to: European, American, and French.
European Roulette Tables
Here are the key features of a European roulette table:
Has one green zero (0)
37 total numbers on the wheel (0-36)
House edge is 2.7%
Mostly found in Europe
American Roulette Tables
These are the defining factors of an American roulette table:
Has two green zeros (0 + 00)
38 total numbers on the wheel (0, 00, 1-36)
House edge is 5.26%
Mostly found in the United States of America
French Roulette Tables
This is what makes French tables different from the rest:
Has one green zero (0), like its European counterpart
Special rules, such as if the ball lands on zero, you may only lose half your bet or get a second chance at a bet
House edge is 1.35%
Mostly found in France
💡 House edge refers to the odds which are in the casino’s favour!
How the Game Works
Roulette is played on a spinning wheel of coloured numbers. The ball is dropped by the croupier (or a digital facsimile of this process plays out on your computer). The ball must land in one of the numbered pockets on the wheel. You place bets on what number or colour the ball will enter. If you manage to guess correctly, you win some cash!
You can bet on the following:
Single numbers (highest payout)
Groups of numbers (like 6-19)
Colours (red or black)
Even or odd numbers
Bets placed on single numbers have the longest odds and, therefore, the highest payouts. Betting on colours pays 1-1, which gives a slight house edge as the zero(s) mean the odds are not quite 50/50. Where the ball lands on the wheel is entirely random, which means no one can predict its landing spot, not even Nostradamus!
Useful Roulette Terms
You may have been at a roulette table in person or a live game and heard some people say words that you thought were absolute gibberish. However, some terms are specific to roulette, which are useful for you to understand:
Term | Meaning |
---|---|
🎯 Straight up bet | Bet on a single number |
➗ Split bet | Bet on two numbers next to each other |
🛣️ Street bet | Bet on three numbers in a row |
🧩 Corner bet | Bet on four numbers that form a square |
🔢 Dozen bet | Bet on a group of 12 numbers |
⚖️ Even money bet | Bet with 50/50 odds |
🎲 Inside bets | Bets made on specific numbers |
🚧 Outside bets | Bets made on larger groups of numbers or properties |
✂️ La partage (French roulette) | Ball lands on 0, you lose only half your bet |
🔒 En prison (French roulette) | The ball lands on 0, and your even-money bet is held for the next spin |
💡Learning these terms will let you know what is going on and also impress your friends with a small bit of French. Très bien!
The Myth vs. Reality of Beating Roulette
Some are under the belief that playing the wheel in certain ways will guarantee wins. However, there is as much truth to this as my grandfather telling me he saw Bigfoot when walking the dog when he was a boy.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that there are systems that guarantee wins, such as the Martingale system will always mean the player beats the house. Others think there is truth in that croupiers control the outcome of the game, whereas in reality, where the ball lands is completely random. Patterns or streaks in where the ball lands are another common one that people believe will win them money, but the wheel doesn’t have a memory, so there is no truth to this.
The Role of RNG and Fair Play
Online roulette operates in the same way as roulette in a casino, but the difference is that the outcomes are powered by a computer and not a human pair of hands. Some may think that this means the game could be rigged. In actuality, online roulette tables use Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to ensure they are completely unbiased and that no one player has an advantage at the table. These games are heavily regulated and audited by governing bodies such as the UKGC and MGA. These authoritative bodies ensure that all online casinos that host roulette as an available game adhere to strict rules and regulations under fair gaming.
Proven Strategies to Improve Your Odds
Some roulette players swear by different systems to ensure a win at the table. These are not always guaranteed, but many players have seen them pay out in their favour. There are some ways to improve your odds, so keep reading to find out how best to play this game of chance.
Betting Systems Explained
As discussed, there are systems that players believe will always ensure a win when playing roulette. Here are some popular systems and how they work:
System | How It Works | Risk |
---|---|---|
Martingale | Double your bet after every loss to win back losses with one win | Hit the table limit or run out of money |
Reverse Martingale | Double your bet after every win and ride a winning streak | One loss ends your run |
D’Alembert | Increase the bet by one after a loss and decrease by one after a win. | Prolonged losing streaks will be painful. |
Fibonacci | Follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on) to recover losses with a win later in the sequence | Very risky as numbers grow fast |
💡 Remember, these “systems” do not guarantee a win despite how people may talk about them.
Bankroll Management
Managing your money is one of the most important things to take into account, whether you're playing roulette, poker, or slots. When playing at a roulette table, have a set amount of money you are going to play with. For example, take €100 to a table, and if you win more, fantastic! However, if you lose it, don’t add more money to your account.
Having discipline can sometimes be hard, but it is up to you as the player to know when to stop. If you feel you are losing continuously, sometimes it is better to pull the plug rather than chasing the ultimate hit.
Choosing the Right Roulette Game
The best tables to sit at, even from your couch, are European and French. That’s because these tables have a lower house edge, which means that you have increased odds of winning money. American wheels have a higher house edge, which means there is more of a chance that you will lose. Sorry, Americans, you’ll get them next time!
Bonuses and Promotions: Leverage Free Money
Promotions at online casinos can sometimes have a positive effect on playing online roulette. Knowing how to use them and understanding them fully will mean that you can use them to the best of your ability.
Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
Casinos offer welcome bonuses and promotions that give you extra money or free spins. Some will even let you use these at roulette tables. If you are looking for tables with a lower house edge, make sure to play at European or French tables. These bonuses may allow you to play for longer, but remember, it's not guaranteed.
Keep your eyes peeled for bonuses that specifically mention roulette if you want to take advantage of some potential free prizes!
Wagering Requirements and Roulette
Pretty much any bonus at an online casino will have some sort of wagering requirements. Sometimes, there will be a specification that certain roulette bets don’t count towards wagering requirements. Check your bonus T&Cs carefully. You may also see a stipulation such as, ‘Roulette wins only count as 10% of wagering requirements’ (so you would have to wager 350x instead of 35x to meet your obligations for redeeming bonus cash). Rules like these are to counter the potentially exploitable fact that there is a higher chance of winning when playing roulette compared to something like slots.
💡 Make sure to always check the terms and conditions of bonuses to know what you’re signing yourself up for.
Is It Possible to Make Consistent Profits?
If you’re looking to make a living from gambling, then don’t make roulette your primary option, as it is completely luck-based. If you are looking for a game where there is more of a balance between luck and skill, then online poker may be the game for you. Roulette is still a lot of fun, however. Just remember to be disciplined when playing and take advantage of promotions where you can.
Can You Crack the Roulette Code?
At the end of the day, roulette isn’t something you can train for. You are either lucky or you are not. When playing roulette, make sure to always set yourself a budget to avoid any heartbreaks, and most importantly, know when to stop. Losing a bit of money at the table is fine, but if you keep chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, remember a storm could always be on the horizon.
FAQs
Can I make money playing online roulette?
While it is possible to win money playing online roulette, remember that the odds are always in the house’s favour, and there is no guaranteed way to win the game.
What are the best types of roulette to play?
European and French roulette are the best options, as the house edges are lower than American roulette tables.
Are betting systems like the Martingale system effective?
While these systems can add structure to your game, they do not guarantee wins, and you should be careful how you use them.
Is online roulette fair?
If the casino hosting the game has a licence from a regulatory body, then the game will use RNG technology to ensure that the games are fair and random.
Can I use a strategy to beat roulette?
Unlike games like poker and blackjack, roulette is completely based on luck; therefore, there is no guaranteed strategy to beat the game.
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Seánie has plenty of experience in the casino world and enjoys sharing this accumulated knowledge. He offers great tips and tricks for players to enjoy casinos safely.
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