Roulette is one of the most popular table games to play online and in casinos around the world today. First played centuries ago, the word “roulette” means “little wheel” in French. If you’re new to the game or just need a rule refresher, you’ve landed in the right place. Explore our guide below to learn how to play roulette in under 10 minutes.

Object of the Game

Roulette is a simple game of chance with a dealer, also known as a “croupier,” who drops a small ball onto a spinning, numbered roulette wheel. Players try to predict which slot the ball will land in and use chips to place money bets accordingly. If the ball lands in the space you bet on, you win the game.

Roulette Gameplay

Classic roulette is the original English version of the game, which includes standard roulette gameplay and betting rules. A wheel has 37 specific numbers on slots from 1 to 36 and a zero. Each slot alternates between black and red, except for the zero slot, which is green. The roulette table layout has an inside and an outside section. Players use colored chips to place bets in one or both areas.

Here is the usual order of gameplay:

• Players use chips to place red/black bets on the table. Every roulette table has a minimum bet that each player must make to play the game. For example, if the minimum bet is $5, you must place a bet of at least $5 on the table. There can also be maximum bet rules as well, so be sure to pay attention. The bet can be split among individual numbers on the inside, placed on one inner number, or placed on an outside bet (more about how to place bets below).
• The dealer spins the wheel. Then, they drop the ball onto the spinning wheel and announce when betting is closed, usually by waving their hand over the table and saying “no more bets.”
• The ball lands in a numbered and colored spot. The dealer calls out the ball’s location and, depending on your original bet’s location, you’ll lose your bet or be rewarded based on the payout.
• The dealer collects all bets and pays out any winnings. Once the table is cleared of chips, the following round of roulette can begin when the dealer announces it’s time to place bets before the next spin.

How long it takes to play a round of roulette depends on which version of the game you choose to play and the total number of players. Playing roulette online is often a much faster experience than live roulette. However, some online versions include a live dealer and real players for a more traditional casino experience. 

Types of Bets in Roulette

Some casinos use special color-coded roulette chips for betting while others use regular chips. Cash is exchanged for chips before the game starts and a value is assigned to each chip (you decide on this value and the dealer marks it down). A small object, known as a “puck,” will be on the table at this time to indicate which number was hit in the last game.

When the dealer removes the puck, betting can begin. Players usually place their own chips, but the dealer is there to help you reach places you can’t from your position. There are many ways to bet on a roulette table and players can place multiple number bets in the same round. Remember to place at least the minimum bet and don’t place any chips after betting has closed.

The first type of bet you can make is an inside bet. Inside bets include single numbers from 0 to 36 located on the inside of the betting table. You can place an inside bet on a single number or a group of numbers as follows:

• Straight-up bet: You place a bet on a single number, which can include the single zero. Payout = 35:1
• Split bet: You place a bet on the line between any two adjacent numbers, including bets with the single zero. Payout = 17:1
• Street bet: This includes three numbers in a row. You place a bet on the line at the end of the row. Different placement is required for bets that include the single zero. Payout = 11:1
• Corner bet: This includes a group of four numbers. You place a bet in the corner where the four numbers meet. Payout = 8:1
• Line bet: This includes six numbers as two rows of three numbers. You place bets at the end of two rows or on the border between rows. Payout = 5:1

The second type of bet you can place is an outside bet. Outside bets are placed in the outer boxes of the table and are used to indicate bets on large groups of numbers, such as:

• Column bet: This includes an entire column of numbers. You place a bet at the bottom of the column you want to win. Payout = 2:1
• Dozens bet: This includes a group of 12 numbers. You place a bet in the “1st 12” box to bet on numbers 1 through 12, the “2nd 12” box to bet on numbers 13 through 24, or the “3rd 12” box to bet on numbers 25 through 36. Payout = 2:1
• Color bet: This includes either all red or all black numbers. You place a bet on the red or black box to bet on color only. Payout = 1:1
• Odd or even bet: This includes either all odd or all even numbers. You place a bet on the box labeled “Odd” or “Even.” Payout = 1:1
• Low or high bet: You place a bet in the “1 to 18” box to bet on all the low numbers or the “19 to 36” box to bet on all the high numbers. Payout = 1:1

Outside bets are less risky than inside bets because you are betting on a larger group of numbers with the greater possibility of a hit. Outside payouts are less rewarding than inside payouts; however, they occur more frequently. Practice placing different kinds of bets in free roulette online games to see which betting strategy works best for you.

An important note about zero: If the ball lands on zero, all players lose their roulette bets unless they’ve bet on zero. The American wheel has both a zero and a double-zero slot. This is one reason it has become much less popular to play than European roulette.

Once all bets are placed and the ball finds its home, the winning number is called by the dealer and he or she places the puck on top of the winning bet. When all losing bets have been collected and rewards paid out, the dealer removes the puck and announces that betting can begin again.

Roulette Variations

Roulette has evolved over the years to include many different rules for betting and gameplay. European roulette is the closest to the classic game but includes a few additional rules that may benefit players. You can also play several other types of roulette online or around the world from Las Vegas to Monte Carlo. In addition to the American and European game, versions include:

• 3D roulette
• American roulette
• Double ball roulette
• French roulette
• High stakes roulette
• Live dealer roulette
• Mini roulette

Some roulette games can be played for free while others allow betting with real money. If you’re a newbie or if it’s been a while since you’ve last played, it’s best to try some of the free versions of the game to practice betting and learn more about the gameplay without any risk. Always thoroughly check the house rules before starting any roulette game.

It’s also important to note that some variations offer better odds than others. For example, European roulette has a lower house edge than American roulette. This means players are more likely to win when playing the European version — which is why it’s one of the most popular variations to play today.

Play Roulette Online Today

There is no one strategy that can guarantee a win every time you play roulette. To keep gameplay fun and exciting, you need to understand your odds of winning and know when it’s time to stop playing. Try setting a bankroll limit for the amount you are willing to bet and lose, in addition to a modest profit goal. Once you’ve hit either your loss limit or profit goal, it’s a good time to call it a day.

Are you ready to try your luck at roulette? GamblersPick offers many safe and reputable online roulettes games to play responsibly, in addition to other popular online casino games, such as blackjack and craps. Check out our gaming and casino reviews from real players in our community. They can help you decide which roulette game you’d like to play today.