The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world. A spinning wheel, a small ball, and a felt betting layout — the concept is simple, but the variety of bets available gives players plenty of ways to engage with the game. Understanding how it works is essential before you place your first chip.
European vs. American Roulette: A Key Difference
There are two dominant versions of roulette, and the difference between them has a significant impact on your odds:
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pockets | 37 (0–36) | 38 (0, 00, 1–36) |
| House edge | ~2.7% | ~5.26% |
| Best for players? | Yes | No |
The extra double-zero (00) in American roulette nearly doubles the house edge. When given a choice, opt for European roulette.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner part of the layout. They pay more but win less frequently.
- Straight Up: Single number. Pays 35:1.
- Split: Two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
- Street: Three numbers in a row. Pays 11:1.
- Corner: Four numbers in a square. Pays 8:1.
- Six Line: Two adjacent rows of three numbers. Pays 5:1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. They win more often but pay less. These are typically recommended for beginners.
- Red/Black: Color of the winning number. Pays 1:1.
- Odd/Even: Whether the number is odd or even. Pays 1:1.
- Low/High (1–18 / 19–36): Which range the number falls in. Pays 1:1.
- Dozen: First, second, or third group of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.
- Column: One of three vertical columns on the layout. Pays 2:1.
How a Round of Roulette Plays Out
- Players place bets on the layout before the spin.
- The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
- Betting closes as the ball slows ("no more bets").
- The ball lands in a pocket; the dealer marks the winning number.
- Losing bets are collected; winning bets are paid out.
- The next round begins.
Understanding the House Edge
Every bet on the roulette table carries the same house edge (in European roulette) — approximately 2.7%. This means for every €100 wagered over time, the house expects to keep about €2.70. No betting system can change this mathematical reality.
French Roulette and the "La Partage" Rule
French roulette is a variant of European roulette that adds the La Partage rule: if the ball lands on zero and you made an even-money outside bet, you get half your bet back. This cuts the house edge on those bets to approximately 1.35% — making French roulette the most player-friendly version of the game.
Tips for New Roulette Players
- Start with outside bets to get comfortable with the flow of the game.
- Choose European or French roulette whenever possible.
- Set a budget before you sit down and stick to it.
- Avoid "lucky number" betting as a primary strategy — every number has the same odds.