How to Play Online Roulette
New to online roulette? Kick things off with a quick interactive demo that shows you how to play step by step, and a free game to practice. Then, scroll down for expert tips, strategies, odds, and betting options.
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How to Play Online Roulette
The goal of playing roulette is simple: predict the exact slot where the ball will land on the spinning roulette wheel. If your guess is correct, you win. If not, you lose.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started.
Pick a Bet
You can bet on single numbers or small groups (Inside Bets) or go for red, black, odd, even, dozens, or columns (outside bets).Place Your Bets
Choose the amount you want to wager and place the chips on the betting table corresponding to your desired bets.Spin the Wheel
Click the “Spin” button, which can be automatic after placing your bets.
Watch as the ball lands in the numbered pockets to determine the outcomeCollect Your Winnings
Once the ball lands in its final slot, the dealer places a marker (also known as a dolly) on the winning number, removes all losing chips from the table, and highlights the winning number.
Winnings are automatically added to your account balance.
You can continue playing by placing new bets or cashing out your winnings.
Understanding the Roulette Table Layout
The table layout is where you place your bets. It mirrors the numbers and sections on the roulette wheel, allowing you to choose where you think the ball will land.
Let’s break down the elements. In this example, I considered a classic American Roulette game.
- Zero Betting Areas: You’ll find a zero at the top of the table layout, colored green. The color distinguishes these bets from others and signifies the house edge.
- Colored Number Spaces: These are the red and black numbered sections on the table. Each numbered space corresponds to a number on the roulette wheel. You place your chips on these spaces to bet on specific numbers.
- Column Betting Areas: These sections are labeled ‘2 to 1’. You can place bets on entire columns of numbers. If any number in the selected column wins, the payout is 2 to 1.
- Other Betting Options: These are mostly ranges of numbers and are considered outside bets. In each case, you win if the roulette hits any number within your chosen range. You have more chances to win, but the pay is less. I will briefly explain each one below.
- 1st 12, 2nd 12, & 3rd 12: These sections are labeled to cover the first, second, and third sets of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
- 1-18 / 19-36: These sections represent low numbers (1-18) and high numbers (19-36).
- Even / Odd: This one is self-explanatory. You can bet on even or odd numbers.
- Red / Black: You can bet whether the winning number will be red or black.
The layout is designed to accommodate a variety of betting options, allowing you to choose between low-risk, high-frequency bets and high-risk, high-reward bets.
By familiarizing yourself with these sections and terms, you can make informed betting choices and enjoy the game of roulette.
Roulette Betting Options
Roulette has two major types of wagers: inside bets and outside bets.
The roulette table is a large felt area with a box full of numbers. Wagers made inside that box (on the numbers) are inside bets. Wagers made outside the box are outside bets.
The outside ones have better chances of winning but pay out smaller amounts. The inside ones are less likely to win but pay more significant amounts.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Outside Bets
There are many types of outside bets. If you want to wager on big blocks of numbers, you want to place chips outside the number box. You either bet on 12 numbers or 18 numbers at a time.
Since these are more likely to hit, the payouts are smaller.
In certain types of online casino roulette, house rules allow better odds on even-money bets like hi-lo, black-red, or even-odd.
When those house rules are in effect, it’s best to wager only on the even-money propositions.
Dozen Bet
This is made on 12 numbers at a time. You have three options:
1 through 12, 13 through 24, or 25 through 36.
High/Low Bet
This is considered an even-money wager. You have two options. You can bet on the 1 through 18 or the 19 through 36.
Even/Odd Bet
This is another type of even-money wager. You are wagering whether the ball lands on an even or odd number.
Black/Red Bet
This is another even-money wager. Half of the numbers on the wheel are red, while half are black. You wager on whether the ball lands on red or black. It should be noted that the “0” and “00” are green slots, so the ball landing on zeroes produces a losing bet on either proposition.
Column Bet
This is made on 12 numbers at a time, too. In this case, you’re wagering on one of three columns in the number box. The options here are wagering on the 1-4-7-10-13-16-19-22-25-28-31-34, the 2-5-8-11-14-17-20-23-26-29-32-35, or the 3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36.
Serpent Bet
The serpent is a 12-number wager made on a set of numbers that snake through the column of numbers. The bet is placed on the 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. This bet is used in some casinos to max out the betting potential for high rollers.
Inside Bets
Many people prefer inside bets because they pay out the most.
These wagers are made on three columns of numbers, which contain 1 through 36. At the top of the columns, the “0” is found.
In American roulette, a “00” is also located there.
From the largest payouts to the smallest ones, here are those wagers.
Straight Bet
This is a bet on a single number. It’s the simplest one. To make this wager, place your chip inside the number’s box.
Split Bet
This is a wager on two numbers that are adjacent to the table. Place your chip on the line between the numbers to make this bet.
Street Bet
This is a wager on three numbers. These are on a single horizontal row. Place your chip on the outside line of that row of numbers to make this bet.
Corner Bet
The square bet is placed on four numbers whose boxes are adjoining. Place your chip on the four corners where the number boxes converge.
Six Line Bet
Two adjoining street bets make this wager. You must place your chip on the outlined line of those two rows of numbers and the dividing line between the two streets.
Trio Bet
This wager is made on either the 0-1-2 or the 2-3-0 slots. To make it, you must place your chips where these three boxes intersect.
Basket Bet
This is a 3-number wager placed on the 0-1-2, the 0-00-2, or the 2-3-00 numbers in American roulette. To bet, place your chips where these boxes intersect.
Top Line Bet
In American roulette, this is a 5-number wager made on the 0-1-2-3-00. Place your chip at 0 and 1 or the juncture of 00 and 3 to make this bet.
Tips to Win at Online Roulette
Online roulette is a game of luck, but some basic tactics will help you optimize your payouts. Remember these strategies when you’re at the table spinning the wheel.
- Learn How the Game Works: It can be helpful to practice first, especially if you are new to casino games. Get an idea of how to play online before placing real bets.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Always have a set amount of money you plan on betting at the roulette table. Creating and sticking to a budget is essential when gambling online.
- Play Roulette Games with Better Odds: You must beat the house edge to make a profit. European Roulette has the lowest house advantage. Make money by finding the titles with the best odds.
- Keep it Simple: look for a single-zero wheel and wager on the third column and black. It covers most of the numbers with a couple of bets. It’s not a key to win, but you’ll lose less.
- Play Roulette at Low-Limit Tables: At most low-limit roulette casinos, you can deposit as little as $20. Depending on the welcome bonus, you can also double your first deposit. That may not seem like a lot, but even betting $1 at a time gives you 40 chances to hit on the roulette wheel. The best part is that whatever you win is yours to keep.
- Place Even Money Bets This betting technique has the best odds at 47.4%. These bets offer the best chances and payouts, increasing your chances of winning money.
- Mix Up Your Bets: Don’t just stick to one number. Try a mix of outside and inside bets to keep things balanced and improve your chances.
- Take Your Time to Play: Play at a pace that feels right. If you’re frustrated or rushing, take a break and come back when you’re focused.
Online Roulette Strategies
Before jumping into any strategy or roulette system, remember a few things. It can help you avoid common mistakes and make smarter bets.
- Stick to European roulette: it gives you better odds than American roulette.
- Avoid risky systems that double your bet every time you lose, like the Martingale strategy. They look safe, but one long losing streak can wipe out your balance fast.
The best strategy for roulette is Flat betting. This means you set a preferred wager amount based on your bankroll, then make that bet your default throughout the session.
Determine your bankroll and make flat bets based on roughly 2% of that bankroll. Here are some examples
James Bond Strategy
The James Bond roulette strategy requires a specific roulette bet: 20 units of bets. It covers every number on a European roulette wheel except 1-12.
Place 14 units on the outside bet 19-36 (Hi) for a 1:1 payout. Place 5 units on the six-line 13-14-15-16-17-18 for a 5:1 payout. Then place an inside bet on the single zero for a 35:1 payout.
You win varying levels of payouts 2/3 of the time, but you also lose certain bets on each spin.
The James Bond betting system calls for players to spread 20 units among the various betting options, so it’s best for players who make flat bets with relatively small stakes.
It’s best to pick a single wager size and make that your default for each spin.
Three-Two System
This system calls for two simultaneous wagers: an even-money bet and a column one.
Place a $3 wager on the red or black proposition, plus $2 on one of the three columns (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) that includes 2/3 of the numbers the other bet covers. This covers 26 pockets on the roulette wheel.
The betting ratio is 3 to 2, so you could make wagers of $15/$10 or even $300/$200 in the same ratio.
The 3-2 roulette system is excellent for players who want to win chips on most spins.
It’s much like a slot machine with many small payouts, but it also offers the occasional 35:1 payout to boost your excitement.
Roulette Odds: How Much Will You Get Paid?
Understanding the odds and payouts in roulette is crucial for making informed bets.
Different types of bets come with varying odds and payouts, which are expressed in ratios like ‘1 to 1′ or ’35 to 1’.
These numbers indicate how much you can win relative to your bet amount. For example:
- 1 to 1: A $10 bet will win you an additional $10, making your total return $20.
- 11 to 1: A $10 bet will win you an additional $110, making your total return $120.
The more specific the bet, the higher the payout due to the lower probability of winning. Below are the odds for some types of bets.
- High/Low Bet: 1 to 1
- Black/Red Bet: 1 to 1
- Even/Odd Bet: 1 to 1
- Dozen Bet: 2 to 1
- Column Bet: 2 to 1
- Serpent Bet: 2 to 1
- Six Line Bet: 5 to 1
- Top Line Bet: 6 to 1
- Corner Bet: 8 to 1
- Street Bet: 11 to 1
- Trio Bet: 11 to 1
- Basket Bet: 11 to 1
- Split Bet: 17 to 1
- Straight Bet: 35 to 1
Online Roulette Probabilities
Roulette probability gives players their percentage chance of winning. This percentage is stated in two ways: the house edge and the return-to-player.
House Edge
The house edge shows the casino’s advantage, usually between 1.35% and 5.26% in roulette. A house edge of 1.35% means players expect to lose $1.35 of every $100 they wager.
RTP%
Return-to-player (RTP) is the $100 wagered you’d expect to win. The RTP in the above scenario would be 98.65%. Notice how the house edge and RTP add up to 100%.
How Does Roulette House Edge Compare with Other Table Games?
Compared to games with the lowest house edge, the standard house edge in roulette is 2.76% (playing European roulette).
Most blackjack games have a house edge of around 0.5% to 2%, baccarat is just over 1%, pai gow poker is 1.46%, and finally, craps are 1.41% on the pass line, and the odds bet in craps has no house edge at all.
So, if you look at it from a purely mathematical perspective, then roulette isn’t grand. You’ll find better odds at other games.
However, simplicity is sometimes best for the casual player, and it doesn’t get much simpler than roulette.
Roulette is easy to grasp, entertaining, and can provide hours of fun with little effort compared to other casino games.
This makes it a beautiful table game for many players.
Final Spin: You’ve Got the Basics
Now you know how online roulette works. You’ve seen the wheel, learned where to place your bets, and learned a few strategies that work.
I hope this page helped you better understand how online roulette works. Use the demo, try out a few bets in the free game, take your time to learn, and remember, roulette won’t always go your way, but that’s part of it.
The key is knowing how it works and having fun while you play!
FAQ
Here are some common questions about playing online roulette.
What’s the difference between betting on a single number and a color?
A single number pays 35:1 but is harder to hit. Betting on red or black pays 1:1 and hits more often.
What does “auto-spin” mean in online roulette, and should I use it?
Auto-spin lets the game place the same bet for multiple rounds. It’s handy, but it’s easy to lose track of your balance.
What happens if I lose connection during a spin?
Most casinos will finish the round for you. You can usually check the result when you reconnect.
Can I place more than one bet at a time?
Yes. You can place multiple chips on different spots, such as red, odd numbers, and a single number, in one round.
What’s the best roulette bet for beginners?
Red or black. It’s simple, covers half the numbers, and gives you a good feel for the game.
What happens if I bet on 0?
If the ball lands on 0 and you bet on it, you win 35:1, the same as any single number bet.
Can I change my bet after placing it?
Yes, as long as you haven’t clicked “Spin” yet. Most games have a “Clear” or “Undo” button.
Casino and Game Reviews
Jeremy Olson Online Casino and Games Expert
Jeremy Olson is a research writer specializing in US casino reviews and game strategy. He has covered poker, casino games, and sports betting since 2004.
He converted bad beats in blackjack and poker into a passion to learn and now specializes in several areas of the online casino market.