How to Play
Roulette
Master the iconic wheel game with our comprehensive guide. Learn betting strategies, understand the odds, and discover the differences between European, American, and French roulette variants.
📖Game Overview
Roulette (French for "little wheel") is a casino game dating back to 18th century France. The game features a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball. Players bet on where the ball will land, choosing from numerous betting options with varying odds and payouts.
The game's appeal lies in its simplicity—no complex rules or decisions during play—combined with the excitement of watching the wheel spin. Roulette is purely a game of chance with no skill element, making it accessible to all players.
🎯How to Play Roulette
Step-by-Step Process
🎡The Roulette Wheel and Layout
🟢 European Roulette Wheel
The European wheel has 37 pockets numbered 0-36. Numbers 1-36 alternate between red and black, while 0 is green. House edge: 2.70%
🔴 American Roulette Wheel
The American wheel has 38 pockets: 0-36 plus 00 (double zero). Both 0 and 00 are green. House edge: 5.26%
The Betting Layout
The betting layout displays all numbers 0-36 (plus 00 in American roulette) arranged in three columns of 12 numbers each. Outside betting areas surround the number grid for red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns bets.
💰Betting Options and Payouts
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the layout:
| Bet Type | Description | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | Single number | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | Four numbers forming a square | 4 | 8:1 |
| Line | Two adjacent streets (six numbers) | 6 | 5:1 |
| Five Number | 0-00-1-2-3 (American only) | 5 | 6:1 |
Outside Bets
Outside bets are placed on the outer sections of the layout:
| Bet Type | Description | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | All red or all black numbers | 18 | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even | All odd or all even numbers | 18 | 1:1 |
| High/Low | 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high) | 18 | 1:1 |
| Dozens | 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 | 12 | 2:1 |
| Columns | One of three vertical columns | 12 | 2:1 |
🌍Roulette Variants
🟢 European
House Edge: 2.70%
Wheel: 37 pockets (0-36)
Best odds for standard play. Single zero.
🔴 American
House Edge: 5.26%
Wheel: 38 pockets (0-36 + 00)
Double zero increases house edge.
🔵 French
House Edge: 1.35%*
Wheel: 37 pockets (0-36)
*With La Partage on even bets.
🇫🇷French Bets (Call Bets)
Special betting patterns based on the wheel layout, common in European casinos:
Voisins du Zéro
Covers 17 numbers near zero. Requires 9 chips.
Tiers du Cylindre
Covers 12 numbers opposite zero. Requires 6 chips.
Orphelins
Covers 8 remaining numbers. Requires 5 chips.
Jeu Zéro
Covers 7 numbers closest to zero. Requires 4 chips.
📊Odds and Probabilities
European Roulette Probabilities
💡Strategy and Tips
🌐Where to Play Roulette Online
When playing online roulette, choose licensed casinos regulated by reputable authorities (UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, etc.). Look for:
Game Variety
European, French, themed games
Live Dealer
Real wheels via video stream
RNG Certified
eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI
Table Limits
Range of min/max bets
Mobile Ready
Play on any device
Licensed
UKGC, MGA regulated
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is roulette and how does it work?
Roulette is a casino game where a ball spins around a wheel with numbered pockets (0-36, plus 00 in American roulette). Players bet on where the ball will land. The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite direction. When the ball lands in a pocket, winning bets are paid according to the odds.
What's the difference between European and American roulette?
European roulette has 37 pockets (0-36) with a house edge of 2.70%. American roulette has 38 pockets (0-36 plus 00) with a house edge of 5.26%. The extra 00 pocket in American roulette doubles the house edge, making European roulette more favorable for players.
What are inside and outside bets in roulette?
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner part of the betting layout (straight, split, street, corner, line). They have higher payouts but lower probability. Outside bets are placed on larger groups (red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, columns) with lower payouts but higher probability of winning.
What is a straight bet and what does it pay?
A straight bet (or straight-up) is a bet on a single number. You place your chip directly on any number (0-36, or 00 in American roulette). It pays 35:1, meaning if you bet €10 and win, you receive €350 plus your original €10 bet back.
How do split bets work in roulette?
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers on the layout. Place your chip on the line between two numbers. If either number wins, you're paid 17:1. For example, betting on 5/8 split wins if the ball lands on either 5 or 8.
What is a street bet?
A street bet covers three consecutive numbers in a horizontal row. Place your chip on the outer edge of the row. It pays 11:1. For example, betting on the 4-5-6 street wins if any of these three numbers hit.
What are the odds of winning on red or black?
In European roulette, red/black bets have 18/37 probability (48.65%) and pay 1:1. In American roulette, the probability is 18/38 (47.37%). The 0 (and 00 in American) are green, so red/black doesn't cover all numbers.
What is the house edge in roulette?
European roulette has a house edge of 2.70% on all bets. American roulette has a house edge of 5.26% on most bets (5.88% on the five-number bet). French roulette with La Partage or En Prison rules reduces the house edge to 1.35% on even-money bets.
What are French bets (call bets)?
French bets are special betting patterns covering specific sections of the wheel: Voisins du Zéro (neighbors of zero, 17 numbers), Tiers du Cylindre (third of the wheel, 12 numbers), Orphelins (orphans, 8 numbers), and Jeu Zéro (zero game, 7 numbers). These require multiple chips and are common in European casinos.
Can I use a betting system to beat roulette?
No betting system can overcome the house edge in roulette. Systems like Martingale (doubling after losses) or Fibonacci can provide short-term wins but risk large losses and hit table limits. Roulette outcomes are independent events, so past results don't affect future spins.
What is the La Partage rule?
La Partage is a French roulette rule that returns half your stake on even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) when the ball lands on zero. This reduces the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35% on these bets, making French roulette the most player-friendly variant.
What is the En Prison rule?
En Prison is another French roulette rule for even-money bets when zero hits. Your bet is 'imprisoned' for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back (no profit). If it loses, you lose the bet. This also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.
What is the minimum and maximum bet in roulette?
Table limits vary by casino and table. Typical minimums range from €1-€25, while maximums can be €500-€10,000 or higher for VIP tables. Inside and outside bets often have different limits. Online casinos usually offer lower minimums (€0.10-€1) and flexible maximums.
Is online roulette fair and random?
Licensed online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNG) certified by independent testing agencies (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI). Live dealer roulette uses real wheels and dealers streamed via video. Both are regularly audited for fairness. Always play at licensed, regulated casinos.
What's the best roulette strategy for beginners?
For beginners: play European or French roulette (lower house edge), start with outside bets for better winning probability, set a budget and stick to it, understand all bets pay less than true odds, and avoid betting systems. Focus on entertainment value rather than trying to beat the game.
Last Updated: January 31, 2026