Roulette is one of the most iconic and exciting games you’ll find in any casino. With its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and variety of betting options, roulette offers both chance and strategy. If you’re new to the game and wondering how to play roulette in a casino, this guide covers everything you need to get started.
Table of Contents
What is Roulette?
Roulette is a gambling game named after the French word for “little wheel.” The game involves a spinning wheel with numbered slots and a small ball. Players bet on where the ball will land after the wheel is spun.
There are three main types of roulette:
| Variant | Number of Pockets | House Edge | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| European | 37 (0 to 36) | ~2.70% | Single zero, best odds for players |
| American | 38 (0, 00 to 36) | ~5.26% | Includes double zero (00) |
| French | 37 (0 to 36) | ~1.35% (with La Partage rule) | Same as European but with special rules |
The Roulette Table Layout
Before you bet, it’s essential to understand the layout of the table. A standard roulette table has two main sections:
- The Wheel – with slots numbered from 0 to 36 (and 00 in American roulette).
- The Betting Area – where players place their chips to make bets.
The numbers are alternately colored red and black, except for 0 and 00, which are green.
Types of Roulette Bets
Roulette bets are divided into two categories:
1. Inside Bets
These bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | A single number | 35 to 1 | 17 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17 to 1 | 17 and 18 |
| Street | A row of three numbers | 11 to 1 | 1, 2, 3 |
| Corner | Four numbers in a square | 8 to 1 | 10,11,13,14 |
| Six Line | Two adjacent rows (6 numbers) | 5 to 1 | 1–6 |
2. Outside Bets
These cover larger groups of numbers and have higher chances of winning, but lower payouts.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | Numbers Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | Color of the winning number | 1 to 1 | 18 numbers |
| Odd/Even | Whether number is odd or even | 1 to 1 | 18 numbers |
| 1–18 / 19–36 | Low or high numbers | 1 to 1 | 18 numbers |
| Dozens | 1–12, 13–24, 25–36 | 2 to 1 | 12 numbers |
| Columns | Vertical columns of 12 numbers | 2 to 1 | 12 numbers |
How to Place a Bet
- Buy Chips: Roulette tables use color-coded chips unique to each player. Exchange your money for chips at the table.
- Place Your Bets: Place your chips on the desired betting areas before the dealer spins the wheel.
- No More Bets: Once the dealer announces “no more bets,” you can’t place or change your wager.
- Spin & Result: The dealer spins the wheel and rolls the ball. Once it lands, the dealer announces the winning number and color.
- Payouts: Winning bets are paid out, and losing bets are cleared from the table.
Tips for Beginners
| Tip | Advice |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start with outside bets – they’re safer and easier to understand. |
| 2 | Know the house edge – European roulette offers better odds than American. |
| 3 | Avoid betting systems like Martingale unless you understand the risks. |
| 4 | Set a budget before playing to avoid overspending. |
| 5 | Watch a few spins before joining to understand the pace. |
Sample Betting Strategy: The “Even Money” Approach
For beginners, one of the simplest strategies is to stick with even money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36). These have nearly a 50% chance of winning (slightly less due to the zeroes).
Example:
- Bet $10 on Red
- If Red hits, you win $10 (total $20)
- If it doesn’t, you can either try again or increase your bet (as some do with progression systems)
Caution: No strategy guarantees success. Roulette is a game of luck.
Popular Myths vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “The wheel is due for red” | Each spin is independent; past results don’t affect future outcomes. |
| “Always bet on lucky numbers” | Numbers have equal odds regardless of superstition. |
| “You can beat the system with a pattern” | The house always has a mathematical edge. |
Roulette is easy to learn but endlessly entertaining. With its mix of luck, strategy, and the thrill of the spinning wheel, it’s no wonder it remains a casino favorite worldwide. Whether you’re playing conservatively with outside bets or going bold on a straight-up number, always remember: play for fun, not just for profit.
Quick Reference Table: Bet Types and Payouts
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 | 2.70% | 35 to 1 |
| Split | 2 | 5.41% | 17 to 1 |
| Street | 3 | 8.11% | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | 4 | 10.81% | 8 to 1 |
| Six Line | 6 | 16.22% | 5 to 1 |
| Dozens/Columns | 12 | 32.43% | 2 to 1 |
| Red/Black | 18 | 48.65% | 1 to 1 |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 48.65% | 1 to 1 |
| 1–18 / 19–36 | 18 | 48.65% | 1 to 1 |
Bonus: What’s the Best Bet?
If you want the lowest house edge, go for Even Money bets on a European roulette table. With the La Partage rule in French roulette, the edge drops even further to 1.35%!
