Roulette is one of the most recognizable and thrilling casino games on the floor. A spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a table full of betting options create nonstop excitement for both beginners and seasoned players. While chance drives every spin, understanding the rules, bet types, and smart strategies can help you play more confidently and manage your bankroll better.
What Is Roulette?
Roulette is a table game where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. The wheel contains numbered pockets, and you can place wagers on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colors, or broader outcomes like odd/even.
Basic details:
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Wheel numbers: 1–36
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Colors: Red and black (plus green for 0 / 00)
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Common versions: European (single zero), American (single zero + double zero), French (single zero with special rules)
European and French roulette offer a lower house edge than American roulette, due to having only one zero pocket.
How to Play Roulette
Roulette is simple to start, even if you are new to casino games.
1. Choose a Table and Version
Where possible, prefer European or French roulette for better odds. American roulette has an extra double-zero pocket, which increases the house edge.
2. Place Your Bets on the Layout
Before the dealer spins the wheel, place chips on the betting layout. You can make one or multiple bets at the same time.
3. The Wheel Spins
The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the opposite direction. When the ball slows, it drops into a numbered pocket.
4. Winning Bets Are Paid
If your chosen outcome matches the winning pocket, you get paid according to the payout odds for that bet. Losing bets are collected by the house.
Inside Bets vs Outside Bets
Roulette bets fall into two main categories: inside and outside bets.
Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Payout)
These bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
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Straight Up: Bet on a single number (pays 35:1)
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Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1)
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Street: Bet on a row of three numbers (pays 11:1)
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Corner (Square): Bet on four numbers meeting at a corner (pays 8:1)
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Line: Bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers) (pays 5:1)
Inside bets have lower hit frequency but bigger payouts when they land.
Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Payout)
These bets cover broader sections of the wheel and hit more often.
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Red / Black (pays 1:1)
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Odd / Even (pays 1:1)
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Low / High (1–18 / 19–36) (pays 1:1)
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Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) (pays 2:1)
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Columns (pays 2:1)
Outside bets suit players who want longer, more stable gameplay.
Special Rules in French/European Roulette
French and some European roulette tables include additional rules that improve player odds on even-money bets.
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La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money bet.
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En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next result, you get your stake back.
These rules further reduce the house edge and are ideal for serious players.
Popular Roulette Strategies
Roulette is a random game, and no betting system can change the odds. However, some strategies help structure your play and manage risk.
1. Flat Betting
You bet the same amount on each spin, often on outside bets such as red/black or odd/even.
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Simple and low-risk
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Good for beginners and bankroll control
2. Martingale (Use with Caution)
You double your bet after every loss on an even-money outcome.
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Aims to recover losses with a single win
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Extremely risky with table limits and finite bankroll; long losing streaks can wipe you out
3. 2:1 + Even-Money Combinations
Some players combine a column bet with a red/black or odd/even bet to cover more of the table while still chasing decent payouts.
Whatever system you use, remember all spins are independent, and no pattern can “guarantee” a result.
Bankroll Management Tips for Roulette
Smart money management is more important than any betting system.
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Set a fixed session budget and never exceed it.
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Choose a base bet size small enough to survive losing streaks.
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Decide in advance on win and loss limits (for example, stop if you double your money).
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Avoid emotional decisions or chasing losses; once your limit is hit, walk away.
Why Roulette Remains a Top Casino Choice
Roulette stays popular because it combines:
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Simple rules that are easy to learn
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A mix of low-risk and high-risk betting options
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Fast-paced, social gameplay
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Iconic visuals with the wheel and ball
Whether you play online with a live dealer or at a physical casino, roulette delivers classic casino excitement in every spin.