Roulette is a table game that consists of a large wheel with the numbers 0 to 36, each in a different pocket — though this can vary slightly depending on which version of the game you’re playing. The pockets alternate in red and black colors, with the 0 and 00 in green pockets.
The wheel is spun and a ball is dropped onto the wheel, revolving in the opposite direction. The aim of the game is to predict which pocket the ball will eventually land in. Guess correctly, and you get a payout.
One of the best things about roulette is that it’s easy to play. All you need to do is choose a number or selection of numbers where you think the ball will land when the wheel stops spinning. A paytable is laid out next to the wheel, and it’s here that you can place your bets.
There are many different types of bets you can place too. Depending on the bet, these will have different payout values. Essentially, the more probable the bet, the smaller the win. However, you do have a better chance of getting it right.
Generally, roulette is a game based on luck. There is no way that you can accurately guess which number the ball will land on. Nevertheless, there are strategies to help you make your bankroll last longer. Additionally, you can place specific types of bets to give yourself a better chance of winning.
If you want a strategy, there are options you can use for bankroll management. Moreover, there are several ways you can do this — for example, using the Martingale strategy. Here you double your bet every time you lose, and you go back to the original bet value you started with when you win. Alternatively, the reverse Martingale means that you raise your bet on a win and reduce it to the original value when you lose.
Other strategies include the D’Alembert and the Fibonacci, but neither of these is foolproof, nor do they guarantee you a win.
Roulette odds
Choosing the right bet can also help you get ahead.
For instance, you can choose to place bets on red/black or odd/even. These have the lowest payout percentages but are easier to guess and get right. After all, there’s a 50/50 chance for these bets. In addition, these types of bets are a great way to get started as they can keep your bankroll ticking over.
In contrast, betting on a single number, known as a straight bet, can be incredibly lucrative, paying out a whopping 1:36, but it’s very hard to get right. You’re likely to lose more often than win with this bet.
As mentioned, there are several roulette versions out there too. In America, the most popular is American roulette. This has an extra pocket with a 00 in place. However, this means that it has a higher house edge than any other roulette version making it harder to win.
European roulette has just the single zero pocket. It’s the most popular version in Europe and has a lower house edge than the American variant. As a result, it’s slightly easier to get regular wins with this version.
Finally, there’s French roulette. This is played on the same wheel setup as the European game. The difference here is that it has several additional bets that lower the house edge. These include La Partage and En Prison, which means that if the ball lands in the zero pocket, you get another turn.
When playing online, the virtual versions of roulette are typically monitored by an algorithm. This means that all outcomes are determined at random by a computer. However, in a land-based setting, the ball is dropped and the wheel is spun by a real person. Nevertheless, both are random.
Playing roulette online does have an advantage, and that’s the fact that you can play it at any time, anywhere. In addition, you don’t need to wait for a seat at the table as you would in a real casino. Moreover, online roulette also often has better betting ranges too.
Finally, you have access to all the different roulette types when playing online. If you’re playing in a land-based casino in the US, you’re only going to be able to play American roulette.
Happily for online players, roulette is now available on mobile devices too. Most providers have ensured that their games are mobile compatible. In fact, most online casinos have mobile apps or mobile-optimized sites to ensure easy access for players.
Excitingly, online roulette has gotten even better over the years due to live dealer games. These live games take roulette to the next level, as they recreate the environment of a land-based casino.
These games take place in a studio setting. There’s a real table with a real dealer in place. The dealer does everything in the same way that a land-based roulette game would work. However, there are cameras capturing that action. The feed from these cameras is then live-streamed to the players at home.
Excitingly, players can then talk to the dealer via live chat to inform them of their decisions regarding their bets. Of course, the dealer can talk to the players too, and players can also interact with each other creating a more realistic casino environment.
Depending on the bet you place, there are different payouts available. Outside bets pay less, but they are more likely to occur. These include odd/even, red/black, as well as column and dozen bets.
Inside bets are more complex and include straight bets, two numbers, three numbers, corners, and so on. However, these pay out at a much higher rate but are less likely to occur.
When getting into roulette, there are several things you should think about when playing. Some of these top tips include:
These can help you out in the long run when playing roulette online.