Roulette is a classic and iconic casino game that has captivated players for centuries. Known for its elegance and simplicity, roulette offers a blend of chance and strategy, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced gamblers.

This in-depth guide covers the history, rules, types, strategies, and tips for playing roulette online at one of the best roulette sites or at an establishment.

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History of Roulette

Roulette’s origins can be traced back to 18th-century France. The name “roulette” is derived from the French word for “little wheel.”

The game is believed to have evolved from various older games, including the Italian game Biribi and an earlier French game called Roly-Poly. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, is often credited with the creation of the modern roulette wheel while attempting to invent a perpetual motion machine in the 17th century.

By the late 18th century, roulette had become a popular casino game in France. It eventually spread to other parts of Europe and the United States, where it evolved into different variants.

Today, roulette is a staple in both land-based casinos and online casinos worldwide.

Basic Rules of Roulette

The primary objective of roulette is to predict where the ball will land on the spinning wheel.

Here are the basic rules and components of roulette:

The Roulette Wheel: The wheel consists of 37 or 38 numbered pockets, depending on the variant. European roulette has 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero), while American roulette has 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, a single zero, and a double zero).
The Roulette Table: The table features a layout with all the numbers on the wheel, as well as additional betting options. Players place their bets on the table before the wheel is spun.
The Ball: A small ball is spun around the outer rim of the wheel in the opposite direction of the wheel’s rotation. The ball eventually loses momentum and lands in one of the numbered pockets.
Placing Bets: Players can place a variety of bets, including inside bets (specific numbers or groups of numbers) and outside bets (broader categories like red/black or odd/even). Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and the ball.
Winning and Payouts: If the ball lands on a number or category that matches a player’s bet, the player wins and receives a payout based on the odds of their bet.

Types of Roulette

There are three main variants of roulette, each with slight differences in rules and odds. Typically, American roulette and European roulette are what you will find at real money online casinos that cater that accept U.S. players, as French roulette options are few and far between at many top U.S. online casinos.

European Roulette

European roulette is the most popular variant of roulette. It features a wheel with 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero). European roulette offers better odds for players due to the lower house edge (2.7%).

American Roulette

American roulette includes an additional pocket (double zero), resulting in 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, a single zero, and a double zero). The extra pocket increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it less favorable for players compared to European roulette.

French Roulette

Similar to European roulette, French roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets. However, it includes additional rules such as “La Partage” and “En Prison,” which can further reduce the house edge on even-money bets. These rules return half of the bet to the player or allow the bet to remain for the next spin if the ball lands on zero.

Betting Options in Roulette

Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, allowing players to customize their strategies and risk levels.

Roulette consists of two primary types of bets, inside bets and outside bets. Within these two types of bets are a variety of different bets. These bets can have different payouts and therefore may be approached differently with the most common roulette numbers in mind.

Inside Bets

Straight Up: A bet on a single number. Payout: 35:1.
Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers on the table. Payout: 17:1.
Street: A bet on three numbers in a horizontal line. Payout: 11:1.
Corner: A bet on four numbers that form a square. Payout: 8:1.
Six Line: A bet on two adjacent streets (six numbers). Payout: 5:1.

Outside Bets

Red/Black: A bet on all red or all black numbers. Payout: 1:1.
Odd/Even: A bet on all odd or all even numbers. Payout: 1:1.
High/Low: A bet on the first 18 numbers (low) or the last 18 numbers (high). Payout: 1:1.
Dozens: A bet on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Payout: 2:1.
Columns: A bet on one of three vertical columns of numbers. Payout: 2:1.

Roulette Strategies

While roulette is primarily a game of chance, certain strategies can help manage your bankroll and enhance your playing experience.

What are some popular roulette strategies? These strategies can come into play whether you are playing at your favorite physical casino, playing an RNG-based roulette game, or trying your hand at a site that has a wide variety of live dealer roulette tables.

Martingale Strategy

The Martingale strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss, aiming to recover all previous losses and make a profit with a single win. While it can be effective in the short term, it carries significant risk if you encounter a long losing streak.

Reverse Martingale (Paroli) Strategy

The opposite of the Martingale, this strategy involves doubling your bet after each win, capitalizing on winning streaks while minimizing losses. Set a limit on the number of consecutive wins to avoid losing your accumulated profits.

Fibonacci Strategy

This strategy uses the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.) to determine bet sizes. After a loss, move to the next number in the sequence; after a win, move back two numbers. The goal is to recover losses gradually.

D’Alembert Strategy

This strategy involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. It’s a more conservative approach compared to the Martingale.

Labouchere Strategy

Also known as the cancellation system, this strategy involves writing down a sequence of numbers that represent your desired profit. Your bet is the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. After a win, cross off those numbers; after a loss, add the bet amount to the end of the sequence. The goal is to cross off all numbers in the sequence.

Tips for Playing Roulette

To maximize your enjoyment and potential winnings, consider these tips when playing roulette:

Understand the Odds: Familiarize yourself with the odds and payouts for each type of bet. Focus on even-money bets if you prefer lower risk and more frequent wins.
Set a Budget: Determine your bankroll for each session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away.
Choose the Right Variant: Choose European or French roulette whenever possible, as they offer better odds compared to American roulette.
Avoid Biased Wheels: In land-based casinos, look out for biased wheels (wheels with physical defects that favor certain numbers). While rare, they can provide an advantage if you can identify them.
Practice Online: Use online roulette games to practice and refine your strategies without risking real money. Many online casinos offer the ability to practice roulette for free.
Stay Sober and Focused: Avoid playing roulette while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, as they can impair your judgment and lead to poor decision-making.
Have Fun: Remember that roulette is a game of chance. Enjoy the excitement and entertainment it offers, and don’t focus solely on winning.

Online Roulette

Online roulette offers several advantages over land-based play, including convenience, variety, and bonuses.

What are some key considerations for playing roulette online at the top roulette sites?

Game Selection

Online casinos offer numerous roulette variants, including European, American, French, and even unique versions like Multi-Wheel Roulette and Live Dealer Roulette.

Bonuses and Promotions

Take advantage of online casino bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and cashback bonuses, to boost your bankroll. Some gambling sites even offer regular roulette tournaments with cash prizes.

Many of the best U.S. online casinos and best Canadian online casinos offer great bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players.

Different online casinos can have different numbers for the percentage of roulette activity that is eligible for bonus wagering requirements, so before you jump on a bonus, make sure you know what those percentages are.

Software Providers

Choose reputable online casinos that use software from well-known providers like RTG (RealTime Gaming), Betsoft, Rival Gaming, and Arrow’s Edge to ensure a fair and enjoyable gaming experience.

Mobile Compatibility

Many online casinos offer mobile-friendly versions of their roulette games, allowing you to play on the go from your smartphone or tablet. Pick a site with a great mobile platform, one that may even allow you to play live dealer roulette on your mobile device.

Live Dealer Roulette

Live casino games combine the social aspect of a casino experience with the convenience of playing from anywhere. So, for a more immersive experience, try live dealer roulette, where real dealers spin the wheel in real-time, and you can interact with them and other players via chat.

Live roulette is not offered at every online gambling site, but if you are interested in playing it, keep in mind that online casino bonuses typically exclude live dealer games from counting towards wagering requirements.

Conclusion

Roulette is a timeless and thrilling casino game that offers a perfect blend of chance and strategy.

With a grasp of roulette rules, types, betting options, and strategies in hand, you can take on this exciting game with confidence.

Make sure to set a budget and focus on having fun every time you play. Winning is the goal, but responsible gambling must always be at the forefront.

Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or online, roulette promises endless entertainment and the potential to win big. Happy spinning!

Everything You Need to Know About Roulette: History, Rules, Strategies & More