How To Play Roulette for Beginners & Pros – 2024 Guide

Roulette is a beloved game of chance where players predict the number on which a ball will land. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to play real-money roulette and provide you with helpful tips for your gameplay. Read on!

What Is Roulette & How Do You Play It?

Roulette is a popular casino table game that has existed since the 18th century. Now, it can be played in various forms, whether in-person or online. As a word, “roulette” originates from the French, meaning “little wheel”, though it is believed to have derived from an Italian game called “Biribi”.

The game is loved for its simplicity, as it is easy to learn, understand, and play. However, it still has a level of complexity when exploring the betting systems and strategies, and the right technique can have the potential for significant wins.

As a player, you can place bets (using chips) on a colour, number, or a grouping of numbers on a board; we’ll explain the different types in detail later on. A roulette wheel with black and red numbered pockets is used to determine the winning number. The croupier, or dealer, spins the wheel in one direction while a ball is thrown in and spins in the other direction. Eventually, the ball falls into one of the pockets, deciding the winning number or colour.

Skill or Chance?

Roulette is more of a game of chance than it is of skill. Outcomes are random, as where the ball will fall cannot be predicted. Players can use betting strategies and develop their knowledge about the game, which can help to understand their odds and better manage their betting. However, this won’t have an effect on the result of the spin.

How To Play Roulette — Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s take a look at exactly how to play roulette at casinos:

1. Choose Your Roulette Game — First, you’ll need to decide which variant you’ll play. American Roulette, European Roulette, and French Roulette are the most popular. Then, choose a roulette table that is within your budget.
2. Exchange Money for Chips — Once you’ve chosen your table, you can select the value of your chips and exchange money for them.
3. Place Your Bets — Decide the type of bet that you make, whether a specific number, red or black, odd or even, or various other combinations of numbers. Then, place your chips on the table.
4. The Wheel Is Spun — After this, the dealer will spin the roulette wheel, and the ball will eventually fall into one of the numbered pockets.
5. Receive Your Winnings — If your bet is successful, you’ll be able to grab your winnings!

The Rules of Roulette Online

Prior to playing roulette online, it's important to understand the rules, the different betting options, and how to play the roulette wheel. For each game, you decide the value of your chip and the type of bet that you’ll make. Most online casinos have variations of American Roulette, European Roulette, and French Roulette, which differ slightly from each other. However, you can also find lesser-known options like Multi-Wheel Roulette, Mini-Roulette, and California Roulette.

Roulette Variants

Here are the differences between the main variants at a glance:

Roulette Chips & Their Value

Roulette chips do not have a predetermined value printed on them; instead, players are responsible for deciding the value of their chips when they choose their bets. A selection of chips is shown with different possible values, and players determine their price, usually in denominations of €1, €5, €10, €25, and so on. Similar to real-life casinos, the colour of the chip is selected to represent a player so bets can clearly be seen on the table.

When To Place a Bet

It's important to understand the type of roulette game you are playing, as each variant has different features and odds. Recognising the various kinds of bets is also essential, which we’ll cover later. Remember to check the minimum and maximum bet limits and ensure that you’re comfortable with the range. If you’re happy with all this, you’re ready to start betting.

Since you’re usually playing by yourself in online roulette, you’re in control of the timing. You can go at your own pace when starting the game, choosing your wager, and placing bets. This is slightly different from live-dealer roulette, as you’ll be playing with other people and a real-life dealer. In this case, you’ll have a specific timeframe to choose your chips, select their value, and place your bet.

When To Stop Betting

At the end of the day, you need to accept the unpredictability that comes with games of chance. Once the wheel has been spun, no strategy or skill can affect the outcome of where that ball will land. Remembering this while playing is crucial, as it can be easy to get carried away. If you ever feel that your gambling habits are unmanageable and it is difficult to stop playing, you should seek help on your casino site of choice or specific support organisations.

Stepping back from gameplay for a short time can help you regain focus, reassess your strategy, and stay calm. It is also easy to get too immersed in a game and lose your concentration when you’ve been playing for a long while. Knowing when to stop is also vital. If you’ve had several wins, then consider that it’s better to end on a positive note rather than pushing your luck.

A good technique for staying on top of your gameplay is setting a budget. Before you begin playing, decide how much you’re comfortable losing. Once you’ve reached that limit, it’s time to stop playing. If you become caught up in trying to recover your funds, this could be more detrimental and lead to further losses.

Roulette Betting Strategies

Success in roulette comes from a combination of experience, specific practices, and betting systems. Players use betting systems to manage their bets strategically; some of the most popular ones include the Martingale, Fisher, D’Alembert, Paroli, James Bond, Fibonacci, and Labouchère. Understanding each of these systems along with their pros and cons might seem challenging, but we’ve explained all of this on our best roulette strategy page.

Different Types of Roulette Bets

Wondering how to play online roulette? Let's take a look at all the available bet types to help you choose the kind that best suits your bankroll and strategy.

Types of Inside Bets in Roulette

Inside bets refer to all the bets placed on the inner section of the table. When you place your chip directly on any single number, that’s an example of an inside bet. These kinds of bets offer a greater payout because they have a lower likelihood of winning. See how they compare below.

The Straight-Up Bet

As the name suggests, this is the most straightforward kind of bet where you place your chip(s) on a number of your choice. For American Roulette, this includes both 0 and 00. If the ball lands on your chosen number, you’ll receive a payout of 35:1.

The Split Bet

In a Split Bet, you place your chip so that it is on the line between two numbers that are next to each other. For instance, if you place a chip on the border between 14 and 17, you’d win if the roulette ball hits either of those numbers. The payout here would be 17:1.

The Street Bet

This kind of bet covers a trio of numbers lined up in a row on the table. If you choose one, two, and three for example, you would place your chip on the outer boundary line at the end of this row. If the roulette ball stops on any of these, you’ll receive an 11:1 payout.

The Square Bet

Also known as a Corner Bet, this wager involves choosing four numbers that form a square on the roulette table. An example would be placing your chip where the corners of 16, 17, 19, and 20 meet. You’re in for an 8:1 payout if the roulette ball lands on any of these numbers.

The Monster Bet (Five-Number Bet)

The Monster Bet is exclusively available for American Roulette as it involves the double zero. Also known as the “Five Number Bet”, you place your chips on a line with the first five numbers, 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. If you win, the payout is 6:1. This particular bet has a house edge of 7.89%, which is why it has been named the “Monster Bet”.

The Line Bet

Similar to a Street Bet, you place your chips on the outside edge of the roulette board. However, instead of playing with a single row, your chips straddle the line between two rows, so you’re betting on two trios of consecutive numbers. If the roulette ball falls on any of these six numbers, your payout will be 15:1.

Types of Outside Bets in Roulette

Outside bets involve betting on a broader category of numbers rather than specific ones. These bets have a much higher chance of winning, but this does mean a lower payout. See how these bets compare:

The Odd-or-Even Bet

For this bet, you’re wagering on whether the roulette ball will settle on one of the 18 odd or 18 even numbers on the wheel. It’s important to be aware that neither 0 nor 00 are included in these bets (the house wins if it lands on these). The payout is a straightforward 1:1, which means you keep your initial bet and gain an equal amount back as your winnings.

The High-or-Low Bet

A High-or-Low Bet is when you place a wager on the first 18 numbers on the board, between one and 18, or the last 18 numbers (19 and 36). Neither 0 nor 00 are included in this. The payout is 1:1.

The Red-or-Black Bet

This is the most popular kind of bet, especially for beginners, where you’re wagering on whether the winning number will be red or black. Again, if your bet is successful, your payout is 1:1.

The Column Bet

A Column Bet is where you bet on an entire row of numbers, so from one to 34, two to 35, or two to 36. You’d place your chip at the bottom of your selected columns. If the ball lands on any of your 12 numbers, you’ll win a payout of 2:1.

The Dozens Bet

Here you are betting on whether the ball will land on the first 12 numbers on the board (1-12), the second dozen (13-24), or the third dozen (25-36). You can place bets on two groups, but not on all three. A successful bet results in a payout of 2:1.

How To Choose the Right Bet for You

Selecting a bet that suits you depends on your preference, roulette experience, risk level, and bankroll.

• High-Risk Players — Inside bets are more suited to these players as they have larger payouts but also a lower probability of winning.
• High-Rollers — Offering a payout of 35:1, Straight-Up bets are best for those with a bigger bankroll.
• Safer Bettors — Outside bets have a lower risk, so they’re better for cautious players.
• Beginners — Red-or-Black, Odd-or-Even, and High-or-Low Bets are less risky and more straightforward to understand for those just starting out.
• Budget-Friendly Players — For those on a budget, outside bets allow for longer gameplay with lower risks.

How To Play Roulette & Win

While betting systems are important to roulette strategy, players should also be smart about other betting decisions to increase their chances of success. Before you start placing bets, keep the following tips in mind:

• Bankroll Management — It’s important that your gameplay is tailored to your bankroll and that you bet within your means. It’s helpful to set a budget or have a spending plan. Always check that you have sufficient funds to help you play comfortably.
• Start with Minimal Bets — Many roulette strategies advise players to increase bets gradually. This lets you get a feel for the game while starting with the lowest possible risk. You can also adjust your strategy as the game goes on.
• Assess the Odds — Understanding that odds vary across different kinds of bets is crucial. Generally, it’s better to place bets on pockets with lower odds, as they’re more likely to win. Even-money bets are close to a 50% likelihood, so they have the best odds.
• Practise Your Games — As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. If you play more, you’ll become more familiar with the game. This will be helpful for those new to roulette and wondering how to play roulette in casino. Many online casinos offer demo versions of roulette, where you can sharpen your skills without financial commitment. Once you start playing games, a helpful tip is to study the winning players and learn from their strategies.
• Know When To Withdraw — It is unfeasible to always win consistently over the long term. So, you’ll need to learn when it is best to withdraw while you’re ahead or before the losses begin to pile up. Knowing when to do this is an instinct that develops as you become more experienced in the game.
• Place Small Bets on Zeros — The 0 and 00 are potential risks to even-money bets. Placing a small bet on zeros is essentially insurance in the unlikely case that the ball lands on them. It’s a technique used in the James Bond strategy, but it is also employed in other strategies.
• Sticking to a Betting System — Changing your betting system halfway through a gaming session can deplete your bankroll and ruin your initial plan. By practising using demo versions of roulette, you can figure out and become familiar with the best-suited betting system for you. Then, once you’re in a session, you’ll know exactly how to manage your betting and remain consistent according to that system.

Online Roulette Table Etiquette

Whether you’re at a physical table or online, it is important to adhere to the correct etiquette. However, playing roulette online requires a slightly different approach:

• Be Respectful in the Chat — Many online roulette games will have a chat feature where you can communicate with other players. Always be respectful to others and use the chat in a helpful way.
• Remain Calm — Even if you’re unsuccessful, remain calm in the situation. It’s no use getting angry with other players; it’s detrimental to your gameplay and state of mind. If there is an issue, handle it in a polite manner.
• Abide by the Time Limits — Ensure that you place bets within the time limit so that the game can continue smoothly. It is important to pay attention and be ready to place your bets.
• Be Polite — Even though you’re online and somewhat anonymous, you should be just as courteous as you would in real life, both to the dealer and other players. Trying to keep a positive atmosphere is beneficial for all players.
• Be Aware of the Rules — It is important to have a good grasp of the rules to avoid disrupting anyone's time. Different games might have specific rules at online casinos, so take the time to understand them.

Roulette How To Play — Our Verdict

This timeless casino classic is known for its simplicity. By understanding the basic rules and betting options, you can improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning. But keep in mind that it is a game of chance, so the final outcome is always unpredictable.

How To Play Roulette Sources

For further information about roulette, please refer to the following sites:

• Roulette Wikipedia — A detailed overview of the history of roulette and its rules
• Roulette Britannica — Comprehensive information about the rules, odds, and betting strategies