Key Takeaways

• Best Variant: French Roulette (1.35% Edge)
• Worst Variant: American Roulette (5.26% Edge)
• Best Bet for Beginners: Outside Bets (Red/Black)

Roulette, a game with roots traced back to 18th-century France, has become a staple of casinos worldwide. Its simple yet thrilling gameplay—watching the wheel spin and the ball bounce—has captivated players for centuries. The enduring popularity of roulette lies in its balance between luck and strategy, making it a favourite among seasoned gamblers and newcomers.

In recent years, online casinos have brought roulette to an even wider audience. The appeal of playing roulette in an online casino is undeniable – from the convenience of playing from anywhere to the wide and exciting range of roulette variations, there is always something new to explore. Whether you’re looking to place a quick bet or take a more strategic approach, online platforms make it easier than ever to immerse yourself in the excitement of this timeless game.

In this guide from The Casino Count, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to start playing roulette online. We’ll cover the essential rules, provide practical tips to help you get started, and explain how to gamble safely and responsibly. Whether you’re completely new to the game or just looking for a refresher, this is our Beginner’s Corner: How To Play Online Casino Games post for you. By the end of our guide, you’ll feel confident and ready to try your hand at online roulette.

Highlights:

1. Roulette offers three primary variations: European, French, and American. European and French roulette have a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette has a higher house edge of 5.26%.
2. Bets fall into two categories; inside bets and outside bets.
3. Roulette can be unpredictable, and knowing when to stop is crucial. Set win and loss limits; if you hit either, walk away from the game.

Understanding The Basics: Rules Of Roulette

At its core, roulette is a game of chance centred around a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets. The wheel consists of numbers ranging from 1 to 36, alternating between red and black. In addition, there is a green pocket marked ‘0’ and a second green pocket marked ‘00’ in American roulette. The game’s objective is simple: predict where the ball will land after spinning the wheel.

Roulette offers three primary variations: European, French, and American. While the gameplay remains largely the same, the wheel layout and house edge differ. European roulette has 37 pockets (1-36 and a single green zero), giving it a lower house edge of 2.7%. French roulette follows the same structure but offers additional rules, like ‘La Partage,’ which can reduce the house edge further. On the other hand, American roulette includes an additional green ‘00’, raising the house edge to 5.26%, making it less favourable for players.

When it comes to placing bets, roulette offers a range of options, broadly categorised into inside bets and outside bets:

Inside bets:

• Straight up (betting on a single number)
• Split (betting on two adjacent numbers)
• Street (betting on three numbers in a row)
• Corner (betting on four numbers in a square)
• Six-line (betting on two rows of three numbers)

Outside bets:

• Red or black (betting on the colour)
• Odd or even (betting on the type of number)
• High or low (betting on whether the number will be 1-18 or 19-36)
• Dozens (betting on groups of 12 numbers)
• Columns (betting on a vertical column of 12 numbers)

The house edge is an important aspect of roulette that varies depending on the game variation. As mentioned, European and French roulette have a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette has a higher house edge of 5.26%. Opting for European or French versions is a smarter choice for players looking to maximise their chances.

For those new to roulette and looking to explore other online games, our guide on How to Play Texas Hold ’em in an Online Casino is an excellent resource for exploring further strategies and tips for online casino games.

The Mathematics of Roulette (Odds vs. Payouts)

Understanding roulette requires distinguishing between the payout (what the casino pays you) and the true odds (your actual chance of winning). 

The casino makes money because the payout is calculated as if there were only 36 numbers on the wheel, while in reality, there are 37 (European) or 38 (American).

That difference—the zero(s)—is where the casino gains its mathematical advantage.

Betting Odds Breakdown (European Roulette)

Note: In American Roulette, the probability for an Even Money bet drops to 47.37% due to the extra double zero, but the payout remains 1:1.

House Edge Comparison (American vs. European vs. French)

Not all roulette wheels are created equal. The single most effective strategy you can use is game selection. The variation you choose determines how much the casino expects to win from you over time.

1. American Roulette (The Worst Odds)

• Wheel Layout: 38 pockets (Numbers 1–36, plus 0 and 00).
• House Edge: 5.26%.
• The Trap: The extra “00” pocket effectively doubles the house edge compared to European roulette without increasing payouts. If you bet £100, the mathematical expectation is a loss of £5.26.

2. European Roulette (The Standard)

• Wheel Layout: 37 pockets (Numbers 1–36, plus a single 0).
• House Edge: 2.70%.
• The Benefit: By removing the “00”, the player’s chances of winning straight-up bets improve, and the house’s take is nearly cut in half.

3. French Roulette (The Best Odds)

• Wheel Layout: Same as European (37 pockets, single 0).
• House Edge: 1.35% (on even-money bets).
• The Rules: French Roulette often includes the “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules.
• La Partage: If you place an even-money bet (like Red/Black) and the ball lands on Zero, you get half your stake back rather than losing it all. This reduces the house edge to a player-friendly 1.35%.

Verdict: Always play French Roulette if available. If not, play European. Avoid American Roulette unless absolutely necessary.

Getting Started: How To Play Roulette In An Online Casino

Getting started with online roulette is straightforward, and with a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to join a game. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin your online roulette experience:

With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying roulette from the comfort of your home. Remember to start small and focus on enjoying the game rather than simply chasing big wins.

Top Tips For Playing Roulette Online

To get the most out of your online roulette experience, it’s essential to adopt a strategic approach and play responsibly. Here are some top tips to help you enjoy the game while maximising your chances of success:

1. Smart betting strategies

Several popular betting strategies can help you manage your bets and increase your chances of winning. Some of the most common include:

• Martingale: Double your bet after every loss, aiming to recover losses with a win. Be cautious, though, as this can be risky with a limited bankroll.
• Fibonacci: This strategy’s progression is slower than Martingale’s. It follows the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, etc.), with bets increasing more gradually.
• D’Alembert: A less aggressive strategy where you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one after a win.

Remember that these strategies don’t guarantee wins but can help manage your risk and keep play engaging.

The Truth About Betting Systems (Martingale & Others)

Many guides label betting systems as “strategies,” but they are actually money management systems. They cannot change the mathematical house edge of the game. It is vital to understand why popular systems often fail in the long run.

The Martingale System

• The Concept: You double your bet after every loss. Theoretically, when you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original stake.
• The Flaw:

1. Table Limits: Every online casino table has a maximum bet limit. If you hit a losing streak (which happens more often than players think), the required bet to cover your losses will eventually exceed the table limit, making the system collapse.
2. Bankroll Depletion: Exponential growth is dangerous. Starting with a £5 bet, a streak of just 8 losses requires a £1,280 bet on the 9th spin just to win £5 back.

The Gambler’s Fallacy

Players often believe that if Red has hit 5 times in a row, Black is “due” to hit next. This is mathematically false. Roulette wheels have no memory. Every spin is an independent event with the exact same odds (48.6% for Black on a European wheel), regardless of what happened previously.

Conclusion: Use betting systems to structure your fun, but never assume they guarantee a profit. The only way to win consistently is to get lucky and walk away while you are ahead.

2. Managing your bankroll for longer play

Set a budget before you begin playing, and stick to it. Determine how much you’re willing to lose and avoid chasing losses. Divide your bankroll into smaller amounts to extend your gameplay, and don’t bet everything on one spin.

3. The importance of knowing when to walk away

Roulette can be unpredictable, and knowing when to stop is crucial. Set win and loss limits; if you hit either, walk away from the game. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to win back losses or push for bigger wins, as this often leads to more losses.

4. How to enjoy the game responsibly while increasing your chances of winning

Play for fun, not as a means of making money. Focus on small, manageable bets and enjoy the excitement of the game itself. Playing responsibly ensures a more enjoyable and less stressful experience. Taking breaks and stepping away when needed helps maintain perspective and keeps gambling healthy.

Nuances Of Playing Roulette In An Online Casino

Online roulette offers unique features and a distinct experience compared to traditional land-based casinos. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The difference between live and digital roulette

• Live roulette: Played in real-time with a professional dealer, it is streamed directly to your device and provides an immersive, authentic casino experience.
• Digital roulette: This version is automated and powered by software. It uses a random number generator (RNG) to determine results, allowing faster gameplay.

2. How random number generators (RNGs) work

RNGs ensure that digital roulette outcomes are fair and unpredictable. The software generates a random sequence of numbers corresponding to the wheel’s outcome, ensuring the game is unbiased and compliant with regulations. This technology makes digital roulette trustworthy, even though no physical wheel exists.

3. Unique features of online platforms

• Bonuses: Many online casinos offer promotions like welcome bonuses, free spins, or deposit matches, which can boost your bankroll.
• Demo versions: Some platforms allow players to try roulette in a demo mode, helping you familiarise yourself with the game without risking real money.
• Quick spins: In digital versions, you can activate quick spins to speed up gameplay, allowing for more rounds in less time.

While standard digital roulette relies on audited RNGs, modern crypto casinos often use “Provably Fair” technology. This allows you to verify the fairness of every single spin yourself using blockchain cryptographic hashes, offering a level of transparency that traditional online casinos cannot match.

4. The convenience and flexibility of online roulette vs land-based casinos

Online roulette provides unmatched convenience. You can play anywhere, anytime, without travelling to a physical casino. Online platforms also offer various game types and betting limits, catering to all player preferences. Whether you’re a high roller or just playing for fun, the flexibility of online roulette means there’s always a game suited to your style.

By understanding these nuances, you can make the most of your online roulette experience while enjoying the flexibility and features of online platforms.

Safe Gambling In Online Roulette

While playing roulette online can be an exciting and entertaining experience, it’s important to approach the game with a mindset of responsibility. Here are some essential guidelines to help you gamble safely:

1. Responsible gambling guidelines: It’s crucial to always play within your means and view roulette as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Responsible gambling ensures that you maintain control over your gameplay and prevents the experience from becoming stressful or harmful.
2. Setting limits and sticking to a budget: Before you start playing, set a clear budget for how much you’re willing to spend and ensure you don’t exceed this limit. Many online casinos offer tools that allow you to set deposit and loss limits, ensuring you can control your spending effectively. Once your budget is reached, it’s time to stop.
3. The importance of choosing licensed and reputable casinos: Always play at licensed and regulated online casinos. Look for casinos certified by trusted authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission. This guarantees that the casino follows fair play guidelines and protects your personal and financial data. A reputable casino also offers safer gambling tools and supports responsible gambling.
4. Where to find help if needed: If you ever feel that gambling is becoming problematic, there are resources available to help. Organisations like GambleAware and GamCare provide free support, advice, and tools for anyone struggling with their gambling habits. Reaching out early can help you maintain a healthy relationship with the game.

Our Guides And Strategies

If you’re looking to further refine your roulette skills or explore other areas of online casinos, The Casino Count offers a wide range of guides and strategies designed to enhance your experience. Check out some of our most popular blogs below:

• Best Online Casinos for High Rollers: Where to Play and Win Big
• Top Tips for Safely Playing at Online Casinos
• How to Choose the Best Online Casino: Key Features to Consider
• The Best Slot Themes For Every Type Of Player
• Live Dealer Casinos Vs. RNG Casinos
• Online Casino Lingo Terms Every Player Should Know

These articles will provide valuable insights and help you become a more knowledgeable and confident online casino player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Michael Brown