Roulette is the most popular spinning wheel game in the casino. Since the game was invented by a famous 17th Century French mathematician, roulette has been favorite with gamblers. The game combines the excitement of payouts as high as 35x with a relaxing, even mesmerizing spinning wheel. Even better, roulette players don’t have to learn complex strategy advice.

Learn how to play roulette online by reading the guide below. We discuss how a typical roulette spin works while covering the full list of roulette bets. We discuss the differences between the three main versions of the game: European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette. Finally, we provide roulette tips and answer a few frequently asked questions.

How a Roulette Spin Works

Whether you prefer the ambiance of a physical casino or the convenience of an online platform, the process of playing roulette remains quite similar. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the game within minutes.

1. Buy Chips: Prior to starting play, you must acquire chips from the dealer. In order to avoid any confusion, each player at the table will be assigned chips of a distinct color. If you’re playing roulette in an online casino, you’ll need to make a deposit if you wish to play with real money.
2. Place Your Bet: Once you have your chips, it’s time to place your bet. Numerous betting options are available, including selecting a specific number, a range of numbers, or a color. Simply position your chips on the corresponding spot on the table.
3. The Roulette Spin: Once all participants have placed their bets, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction. Players can continue placing bets until the dealer announces: “No more bets.”
4. Determine the Winning Number: When the ball eventually comes to rest in one of the numbered slots on the wheel, the dealer will announce the winning number and mark it accordingly.
5. Collect Your Winnings: If your bet covers the winning number, you will receive a payout based on the odds associated with your bet. The dealer removes the losing chips from the table and distributes the winnings accordingly. You can opt to either leave your winnings on the table or collect them.
6. Place New Bets: After the dealer has settled the winnings, you can proceed to place new bets for the subsequent spin. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for each round.

Understanding Online Roulette Bets

• Roulette Odds & Payouts: Each type of bet carries distinct odds and payouts. The more specific your bet, the higher the potential payout, but the lower your chances of winning.
• Roulette Minimum and Maximum Bets: It’s important to be aware of the minimum and maximum bet limits at the table before you begin playing.
• No More Bets: Be sure that you place your bets before the dealer announces “no more bets.” Once the ball is set in motion, you are not allowed to add, remove, or modify your bet.
• Payout Chart: The payout corresponding to each bet will be clearly displayed on the table, enabling you to easily ascertain your potential winnings.

Types of Inside Bets in Roulette

Inside bets in Roulette are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the table layout. The various inside bets have different payout odds and true odds, depending on whether you’re playing European Roulette or American Roulette.

• Straight-Up Bet: This is a basic bet on a single number. If you win, the payout is 35 to 1. In European Roulette, the true odds of winning are 36 to 1, while in American Roulette, they are 37 to 1.
• Split Bet: This bet covers two adjacent numbers. If you win, the payout is 17 to 1. The true odds of winning in European Roulette are 17.5 to 1, while in American Roulette, they are 18 to 1.
• Street Bet: Also known as a street, this bet covers three numbers in a horizontal line. If you win, the payout is 11 to 1. The true odds of winning in European Roulette are 11.33 to 1, while in American Roulette, they are 11.67 to 1.
• Corner Bet: This bet includes four numbers that meet at a corner. If you win, the payout is 8 to 1. The true odds of winning in European Roulette are 8.25 to 1, while in American Roulette, they are 8.5 to 1.
• Five-Number Bet: This bet is exclusive to American Roulette and covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. If you win, the payout is 6 to 1. The true odds of winning are 6.6 to 1.
• Six Line Bet: This bet covers two adjacent horizontal lines of numbers, which is essentially two adjacent street bets. If you win, the payout is 5 to 1. The true odds of winning in European Roulette are 5.33 to 1, while in American Roulette, they are 5.67 to 1.

True Odds of Inside Bets

True odds represent the actual probability of winning a bet, while payout odds denote the payout you receive for a winning bet. Payout odds are always slightly lower than true odds, giving the casino its edge in the game.

European Roulette Bet Table

BET TYPE	HOUSE EDGE	TRUE ODDS	PAYOUT
Straight Up Bet	2.70%	1 in 37	35:1
Split Bet	2.70%	1 in 18.5	17:1
Street Bet	2.70%	1 in 12.3	11:1
Corner Bet	2.70%	1 in 9.25	8:1
Six Line Bet	2.70%	1 in 6.17	6:1
Red / Black Bet	2.70%	48.60%	1:1
Even / Odd Bet	2.70%	48.60%	1:1
Hi / Lo Bet	2.70%	48.60%	1:1
Snake Bet	2.70%	48.60%	1:1
Dozen Bets	2.70%	32.40%	2:1
Column Bets	2.70%	32.40%	2:1

Outside Bets in Roulette Explained

In the game of roulette, outside bets are placed on the outer section of the roulette table. The following are the various outside bets in roulette, along with their corresponding payout details:

• Red / Black Bets: These bets are placed on the color of the number where the ball will eventually land. The payout for this type of bet is 1:1, which means you win an amount equal to your original wager.
• Even / Odd Bets: Here, you wager on whether the number where the ball settles will be an even or odd number. Similar to the red/black bets, the payout for even/odd bets is 1:1.
• High / Low Bets: This type of bet involves predicting whether the resulting number will fall within the high range (19-36) or the low range (1-18). If your prediction is correct, you receive a payout of 1:1.
• Dozen Bets: With dozen bets, you place a wager on which dozen the winning number will belong to. The dozens are divided into three groups: the first dozen (1-12), the second dozen (13-24), and the third dozen (25-36). If your bet is successful, you receive a payout of 2:1.
• Column Bets: This bet involves choosing one of the three columns of numbers displayed on the roulette table. The columns are numbered 1, 2, and 3, starting from the top and going down. If your selected column contains the winning number, you win a payout of 2:1.
• Snake Bets: The snake bet is a wager that zig-zags across the number layout, beginning with the number 1. It consists of 12 individual single-number bets and has a payout of 2:1.

These outside bets offer different opportunities to win and provide a variety of payout ratios based on the likelihood of your predictions being correct.

French Roulette Bets Explained

French Roulette is a popular variation of the roulette game that offers a unique table layout and various distinct betting options. The following are examples of different bets available in French Roulette:

• Neighbors of Zero (Voisins du Zero): This bet covers a range of 17 numbers on the wheel, including between 22 and 25. These numbers are situated on both sides of the green zero. To place this bet, nine chips are required, with one chip placed on each of the following splits: 4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22, and 32/35. Additionally, two chips are placed on the trio of 0/2/3.
• Thirds of the Wheel (Le Tiers du Cylinder): This bet covers a set of 12 numbers opposite the zero on the wheel, ranging from 27 to 33. To make this bet, six chips are needed. These chips are placed on the following six splits: 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, and 33/36.
• Zero Game (Jeu Zero): This bet encompasses the zero and its three closest neighboring numbers on the wheel: 12, 35, and 3. Placing this bet requires four chips, with each chip being placed on the following splits: 0/3, 12/15, 26/32, and 35/36.
• Orphans (Orphelins): This bet covers eight numbers that are not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets. These numbers are 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. To place this bet, five chips are used, with one chip being placed on each of the following splits: 1/4, 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34.
• Finales: The Finale bet allows players to wager on numbers ending with a specific digit. For instance, a player can bet on all numbers that end in 3, such as 3, 13, 23, and 33. The player must specify the desired digit and the number of chips they want to place on each of the corresponding numbers. For example, a Finale bet on the number 3 with three chips would involve placing one chip on each of the numbers 3, 13, and 23.
• Complete Bet (Maximum Bet): The Complete Bet option enables players to wager on every inside bet associated with a single number on the grid. This bet requires the placement of 30 chips. It is popular among high rollers as it reaches the maximum bet limit of the game. Sometimes referred to as the maximum bet, billionaire Mike Ashley once won £1.3 million by making this bet.

Benefits of Playing French Roulette Online

When it comes to online gambling, French Roulette emerges as a compelling choice for players due to its numerous advantages. Many of the top US online roulette casinos offer high-definition versions of French Roulette, making it even more appealing.

• Low House Edge: One of the key advantages is the remarkably low house edge of 2.70%, which is comparable to European Roulette and superior to American Roulette. This translates to better odds for players, increasing their chances of winning when compared to the American variant.
• Ideal for High Rollers: French Roulette presents an enticing option for high rollers with its full/complete bet. This unique 12-in-1 bet allows players to multiply the maximum bet by a factor of 12. By covering all numbers on the table except zero, this bet offers an excellent opportunity for players to maximize their potential winnings.
• Announced Bets: Another notable feature of French Roulette is the availability of announced bets. This feature allows players in both land-based and live roulette settings to place bets even after the ball has been spun. The ability to make bets later than usual adds an extra level of excitement and spontaneity to the game.
• Novelty and Complexity: French Roulette distinguishes itself by offering several distinct bets not commonly found in traditional roulette games. Bets like Voisins du Zero and Orphelins introduce a new level of complexity and excitement, providing a fresh challenge for players seeking a unique and engaging experience.

American Roulette Bet Table

BET TYPE	HOUSE EDGE	TRUE ODDS	PAYOUT
Straight Up Bet	5.26%	1 in 38	35:1
Split Bet	5.26%	1 in 19	17:1
Street Bet	5.26%	1 in 12.67	11:1
Corner Bet	5.26%	1 in 9.50	8:1
5-Number Bet	7.89%	1 in 7.58	6:1
Six Line Bet	5.26%	1 in 6.33	6:1
Red / Black Bet	5.26%	47.40%	1:1
Even / Odd Bet	5.26%	47.40%	1:1
Hi / Lo Bet	5.26%	47.40%	1:1
Snake Bet	5.26%	47.40%	1:1
Dozen Bets	5.26%	31.60%	2:1
Column Bets	5.26%	31.60%	2:1

Essential Tips for Online Roulette

Although roulette lacks a strategic element like blackjack or poker, informed players can improve their chances by following a few straightforward roulette tips. Keep these suggestions in mind when engaging in online roulette.

• Opt for European Roulette: When faced with the choice, select European roulette over its American counterpart. European roulette boasts a lower house edge of 2.7% compared to the 5.26% of American roulette. This means that over time, playing European roulette increases your likelihood of winning.
• French Roulette for High Rollers: If you consider yourself a high roller, French roulette is worth considering. French roulette offers a unique Full/Complete Bet option, allowing you to place 12 bets in one, maximizing your betting potential. This particular bet is exclusive to French roulette and not found in other variants.
• Learn the Roulette Bets: Pay attention to the payouts for different types of bets. Inside bets, which involve individual numbers or small number groups, offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning. On the other hand, outside bets, which cover larger groups of numbers, provide lower payouts but have higher odds of winning.
• Learn the House Rules: Pay attention to specific house rules such as “La Partage” or “En Prison.” These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets. “La Partage” dictates that if the ball lands on zero, only half of your even-money bet is lost. “En Prison” stipulates that if the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet remains “imprisoned” until the next spin, providing an additional opportunity to win.
• Avoid Progressive Betting: It is advisable to steer clear of progressive betting systems like the Martingale system. These systems require increasing your bet after a loss, which can quickly lead to significant losses. Instead, it is best to adhere to a flat betting strategy, where you wager the same amount on each spin.
• Practice Roulette Money Management: Establish a budget for your roulette session and adhere to it strictly. Avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can comfortably afford to lose. Dividing your budget into smaller bets is a prudent approach to extending your playing time.
• Try Free Online Roulette First: Consider playing free online roulette games before risking real money. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the rules and develop a strategy without as much financial risk.

Roulette Online FAQ

What is the optimal bet in online roulette?

In general, the house edge for roulette bets remains the same. However, the best bet for you depends on your preferences: winning more frequently or aiming for bigger payouts when you do win. If you’re playing under “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules, it is advisable to focus on outside bets.

Which online casino offers the best real-money roulette experience?

We highly recommend Wild Casino for its solid selection of roulette games. They offer a wide range of options, including 12 different variations such as European Roulette and American Roulette, each with four versions. Additionally, Wild Casino features unique options like American Double-Ball Roulette, Platinum Chip Roulette, European Roulette Deluxe, and even exciting roulette tournaments.

Which version of real money online roulette is considered the best?

When it comes to online roulette, it’s best to play either European Roulette or French Roulette. Both versions have a significantly lower house edge of 2.70% compared to the 5.26% house edge in American Roulette. By choosing European or French Roulette, you improve your chances of winning due to the reduced house advantage.