There is no game more iconic, more synonymous with the glamour and suspense of the casino, than Roulette. The sight of that polished wooden wheel, the smooth flick of the croupier’s wrist, and the hypnotic sound of the little white ball bouncing its way toward destiny—it’s pure, elegant excitement.
While it may seem like a simple guessing game, there’s a surprising amount of depth and strategy involved in playing Roulette smartly. Understanding the different types of wheels, the various bets you can make, and the underlying odds is the key to getting the most enjoyment out of this timeless classic. This guide will take you beyond a simple red or black bet and turn you into a confident Roulette player.
The Most Important Decision: European vs. American Roulette
Before you place a single chip, you need to know about the two main variations of the game. This is the most crucial decision you will make.
- European Roulette: The wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, and a single green ‘0’.
- American Roulette: The wheel has 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a single green ‘0’, and an additional green ’00’.
That extra ’00’ pocket on the American wheel might not seem like a big deal, but it almost doubles the casino’s advantage (the “house edge”). The house edge in European Roulette is a respectable 2.7%. In American Roulette, it balloons to a hefty 5.26%.
The lesson here is simple and non-negotiable: always, always play European Roulette. There is absolutely no advantage to playing the American version. Any good online casino ausy will offer the European version as standard.
Placing Your Bets: Inside vs. Outside
The bets in Roulette are split into two main categories:
- Outside Bets: These are the bets you make on the outer section of the betting table. They are lower risk and have lower payouts. They’re perfect for beginners. They include:
- Red or Black (pays 1:1)
- Odd or Even (pays 1:1)
- High or Low (1-18 or 19-36, pays 1:1)
- Columns (betting on one of the three long columns of 12 numbers, pays 2:1)
- Dozens (betting on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd dozen numbers, pays 2:1)
- Inside Bets: These are higher risk bets placed directly on the numbers themselves, offering much bigger payouts. They include:
- Straight Up (betting on a single number, pays a massive 35:1)
- Split (betting on the line between two numbers, pays 17:1)
- Street (betting on a row of three numbers, pays 11:1)
- Corner (betting on a corner of four numbers, pays 8:1)
- Six Line (betting on two adjacent rows of three, pays 5:1)
A good strategy often involves mixing a few inside bets with a larger outside bet to cover your bases.
A Quick Word on Betting Strategies
You’ll find many websites promoting betting “systems” like the Martingale (doubling your bet after every loss) or the Fibonacci. While these can be a structured way to manage your play, it’s critical to understand that no betting system can overcome the house edge. The outcome of the wheel is random. These systems can be fun to try, but they can also be very dangerous for your bankroll if you hit a long losing streak. Use them with extreme caution and never believe anyone who tells you they can guarantee a win.
Roulette is a beautiful game of pure chance. By understanding the bets, sticking to the European wheel, and managing your bankroll wisely, you can fully appreciate the suspense and excitement it offers.
