Roulette Rules
Online roulette has become increasingly popular among casino enthusiasts, providing an engaging and fun gaming experience from the № comfort of one's home. This classic casino game is easy to understand and play, yet it offers a thrilling experience for both beginners and experienced players.
This article will delve into the basic rules and strategies of online roulette, equipping you with the knowledge needed to optimize your gaming experience.
The roulette game revolves around a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball. The primary objective is to predict the outcome of the spinning wheel by placing bets on specific numbers, colours, or combinations.
Whether you're playing European or American roulette, the core principles remain the same, with only slight variations in the wheel's design and betting options.
As you embark on your journey into online roulette, you must familiarize yourself with the betting options and understand the odds associated with each bet. This will help you make informed decisions when placing bets and maximize your potential winnings.
So without further ado, let's dive into the exciting world of online roulette and explore the rules and strategies that will enhance your gaming experience online casino.
Online Roulette Rules Basics
Types of Roulette
There are several variations of roulette, the most common being European, American, and French. European roulette has a single 0-pocket, while American roulette adds an extra 00-pocket. French roulette offers a unique rule called “la partage,” which returns half of the player's stake if the ball lands on zero when betting on even money bets.
When learning how to play online roulette, it is essential to understand the game's basic rules, which apply across all variations. Consequently, this section will primarily focus on European roulette, with the understanding that additional rules may apply depending on the variation.
Placing Bets
Roulette offers players numerous betting options, both “inside” and “outside” bets, each with different odds and payouts. Let's summarize each type of bet:
- Inside Bets: These bets are placed directly on the numbered grid on the roulette table.
- Straight-up bet: Placing a bet on a single number, including 0.
- Split bet: Placing a bet on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip(s) on the shared line between them.
- Street bet: Placing a bet on a row of three numbers by placing your chip(s) on the outer line of that row.
- Corner bet: Placing a bet on a group of four numbers by placing your chip(s) at their shared corner.
- Line bet: Placing a bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers) by placing your chip(s) on the shared outer line.
- Outside Bets: These bets involve a more extensive range of numbers, and are placed outside the numbered grid. They include:
- Column bet: Placing a bet on 12 numbers of a vertical column; chip(s) placed at the bottom of the desired column.
- Dozen bet: Betting on 12 consecutive numbers; chip(s) placed on one of the three boxes marked “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” or “3rd 12.”
- Color bet: Betting on either red or black numbers; chip(s) placed on the “red” or “black” box.
- Odd/Even bet: Betting on either odd or even numbers; chip(s) placed on “odd” or “even” box.
- High/Low bet: Betting on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high); chip(s) placed on “1 to 18” or “19 to 36” box.
The Roulette Round
A standard online roulette round can be broken down into these steps:
- Place your bet by selecting a chip size and dragging the chip onto the desired section of the roulette table.
- Spin the wheel by clicking the spin button; the wheel will rotate, and a digital ball will be spun in the opposite direction.
- Wait for the ball to land in one of the numbered pockets; this determines the winning number.
- Collect your winnings if your bet was successful, or lose your stake if not. The game will then reset and continue with the next round.
Placing Bets
In online roulette, players place bets by selecting a chip value and clicking on the desired area of the roulette board. Various bets can be made, divided into two main categories: inside bets and outside bets. Each category covers specific numbers and combinations, and the payouts and odds for each differ. This section will explore both types of bets in more detail.
Inside Bets
Inside bets refer to those placed directly on single numbers or combinations of specific numbers. Types of inside bets include:
- Straight bet: A bet on a single number (0, 00, or 1-36). Payout is 35 to 1.
- Split bet: A bet on two adjacent numbers. Payout is 17 to 1.
- Street bet: A bet on three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line. Payout is 11 to 1.
- Corner bet: A bet on four numbers that share a common corner. Payout is 8 to 1.
- Five-number bet: A bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. Payout is 6 to 1. (Exclusive to American roulette)
- Six-number bet: A bet on six consecutive numbers that form two horizontal lines. Payout is 5 to 1.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight bet | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split bet | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street bet | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner bet | 4 | 8:1 |
| Five-number bet | 5 | 6:1 |
| Six-number bet | 6 | 5:1 |
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groupings of numbers, with lower payouts due to the increased probability of winning. Types of outside bets include:
- Column bet: A bet on 12 numbers in a vertical column. Payout is 2 to 1.
- Dozen bet: A bet on the first, second, or third set of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). Payout is 2 to 1.
- High/Low bet: A bet on either the first 18 numbers (1-18) or the second 18 (19-36). Payout is 1 to 1.
- Even/Odd bet: A bet on either all even or all odd numbers. Payout is 1 to 1.
- Red/Black bet: A bet on either all red or all black numbers. Payout is 1 to 1.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Column bet | 12 | 2:1 |
| Dozen bet | 12 | 2:1 |
| High/Low bet | 18 | 1:1 |
| Even/Odd bet | 18 | 1:1 |
| Red/Black bet | 18 | 1:1 |
Payouts
Understanding how Roulette payouts work can help you make better bet decisions.
Payouts are determined based on the probability of a number or outcome occurring.
This section will cover Inside Bets Payouts and Outside Bets Payouts, including examples and discussions on the odds associated with each type of bet.
Inside Bets Payouts
Inside bets are placed directly on the Roulette wheel's numbered grid. There are several types of inside bets, and their associated payouts are as follows:
- Straight-up bet: When you bet on a single number, the payout is 35:1. If you bet NZ$1 and your number hits, you'll win NZ$35 plus your original bet.
- Split bet: A bet placed on two adjacent numbers, vertically or horizontally. The payout for a split bet is 17:1.
- Street bet: A bet on a row of three numbers, known as a ‘street.' The payout for a street bet is 11:1.
- Corner bet: A bet on a group of four numbers that form a square on the grid. The payout for a corner bet is 8:1.
- Line bet: A bet on six numbers that form two adjacent rows. The payout for a line bet is 5:1.
Outside Bets Payouts
Outside bets offer lower risk and lower payouts compared to inside bets. These bets are placed on the table's parts surrounding the numbered grid. The most common types of outside bets are:
- Column bet: A bet placed on the 12 numbers that form a column on the Roulette table. The payout for a column bet is 2:1.
- Dozen bet: A bet placed on a group of 12 numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. The payout for a dozen bet is also 2:1.
- Color bet: A bet placed on all red or all black numbers. The payout for a color bet is 1:1, meaning you double your money if you win.
- Even/Odd bet: A bet on all even or all odd numbers. The payout for an even/odd bet is also 1:1, doubling your money if successful.
- High/Low bet: A bet on the lower half of numbers (1-18) or the upper half (19-36). The payout for a high/low bet is 1:1 as well.
By understanding the payouts for different types of Roulette bets, players can make informed decisions and enjoy the game at a higher level. Developing knowledge of the odds and potential payouts can be a useful tool when strategizing and managing your bankroll during gameplay.
Roulette Strategies
In this section, we will discuss some popular strategies that players use while playing online roulette. Although roulette is a game of chance, players employ various strategies to increase their winning odds or manage their bankroll. While no strategy can guarantee a win, they can add an element of excitement and fun to the game.
Martingale System
The Martingale System is a popular betting strategy used in roulette, where a player doubles their bet after every loss. The idea behind this system is that the player will eventually win, recoup previous losses and gain a profit equal to their initial bet.
- Start with a small initial bet.
- If you win, keep your bet the same.
- If you lose, double your bet.
- Repeat the process until you win or reach table limits.
Here's an example of the bet progression if you start with a NZ$10 bet:
| Bet Amount | Outcome | Cumulative Loss |
|---|---|---|
| NZ$10 | Loss | NZ$10 |
| NZ$20 | Loss | NZ$30 |
| NZ$40 | Loss | NZ$70 |
| NZ$80 | Win | NZ$70 |
This system requires a large bankroll to cover long losing streaks and may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, many roulette tables have betting limits, which can hinder the effectiveness of the Martingale System.
Labouchere System
The Labouchere System is another betting strategy involving using a number sequence to determine bet amounts. The player creates a sequence and adds the first and last numbers to determine their first bet.
- Create a sequence of numbers (e.g., 1-2-3-4).
- Add your initial bet's first and last number (1+4 = 5).
- Place the bet on even chances (even/odd, red/black, 1-18/19-36).
- If you win, remove the first and last number in your sequence.
- If you lose, add the bet amount to the end of your sequence.
- Continue until no numbers are left in the sequence or reach table limits.
Pros and cons of the Labouchere System:
- Requires less capital compared to the Martingale System.
- Players can customize their number sequences.
- Losing streaks can lead to long sequences and larger bets.
- No guarantee for recovering losses.
Remember that these strategies may not work for every individual or situation. Playing responsibly and understanding that roulette is primarily a game of luck is essential.
Tips for Playing Online Roulette
Online roulette is a popular game of chance that is easy to pick up and can provide plenty of excitement. Here are a few tips to help you improve your chances of winning and enjoy the game more effectively.
Understand the Types of Roulette Games
Before diving into online roulette, familiarize yourself with the various roulette games available. The two main types are European and French roulette, which has a single zero, and American roulette, which has a double zero. The house edge is lower in European and French roulette, so it's advisable to choose these versions when available.
Manage Your Budget Wisely
Set a budget for your online roulette play and stick to it. Determine your betting limits and never chase losses. Always play responsibly and remember that, in the end, this should be a fun experience.
- European or French Roulette: lower house edge
- American Roulette: higher house edge
Betting Strategies
While no foolproof strategy guarantees a win, some players use betting systems to manage their wagers. Two common strategies include the Martingale System, which entails doubling your bet after a loss, and the Fibonacci System, which follows a specific sequence of bets. Remember that these systems can help you manage your budget but do not guarantee a win.
Understand Inside and Outside Bets
Roulette allows various betting options, broadly classified as inside and outside bets. Inside bets, such as single numbers and splits, have higher payouts but lower odds of winning. Outside bets, such as red/black or odd/even, have lower payouts but higher odds of winning. Manage your risk and reward by finding a balance between the two and adapting your wagers accordingly.
Practice Before You Play
Finally, use free online roulette games to familiarize yourself with the rules and betting options. This practice will help you gain confidence and become more comfortable with the game before wagering real money.
Conclusion
In summary, online roulette is an exciting and easily accessible game for players of all levels. By understanding the basics, such as the types of bets and the difference between American and European roulette, players can improve their chances of winning and enjoy the game more.
- American roulette: 1 to 36 (red or black), 0 and 00 (green)
- European (French) roulette: 1 to 36 (red or black) and 0 (green)
When playing online roulette, selecting the appropriate chip size and placing bets on the desired number or combination of numbers is the first step. Players can then spin the wheel, and if the ball lands in their chosen slot, they win.
One of the benefits of playing online roulette is the flexibility and lack of time pressure, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the betting options and strategies at their own pace. Furthermore, many online platforms offer digital tools for calculating odds and planning bets.
Players must approach online roulette with a responsible mindset, setting limits and enjoying the game as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed source of income. By staying informed and adopting sound betting strategies, players can enhance their online roulette experience and make the most of this classic casino game.
Lars Wahlström is a recognized leader in the iGaming industry, with over 20 years of experience from both the tech side and an operator. He's now CEO and Publisher at ARGO Gaming Group, the company behind Casinoclaw.
Games and gambling has been an interest of Lars' since early years and besides slots and casino, he's also into poker, sports betting and trotting.
All this experience is drawn upon when he writes, and we dare say he's one of the best casino writers out there. Lars' base is the ARGO HQ and Stockholm office, but he travels a lot and often participates in industry trade shows and panels. To get in contact with Lars, use our contact page or message him directly on LinkedIn or Twitter.
