Zane | February 20, 2023 | Updated on: April 15th, 2025
Want to learn how to play roulette and start winning real money? Whether you’re a total beginner or just need a refresher, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about roulette rules, betting options, and strategies.
By the end of this guide, youβll know how to:
π― Place winning bets with confidence
π― Understand the difference between European, American & French Roulette
π― Use smart betting strategies to increase your odds
π Want to improve your chances of winning? Check out Roulette Tips & Roulette Strategy.
Roulette Basics β How the Game Works

What is Roulette?
Roulette is a classic casino game where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel.
The wheel contains numbered pockets (0-36 or 0,00-36), and you can bet on:
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A single number (e.g., 7, 23, 35)
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A group of numbers (e.g., 1-12, 19-36)
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Colors (red or black)
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Even or odd numbers
How the Game Works in 4 Simple Steps
1οΈβ£ Players place bets on the roulette table.
2οΈβ£ The dealer (or software) spins the wheel, and the ball is released.
3οΈβ£ The ball lands in a numbered pocket, determining the winner.
4οΈβ£ Winning bets are paid out, and a new round begins.
π‘ Pro Tip: European Roulette has a lower house edge (2.7%) than American Roulette (5.26%).
Understanding the Roulette Table Layout
The roulette table is where you place bets. It has two main sections:
πΉ Inside Bets β Betting on specific numbers (higher payouts, lower odds).
πΉ Outside Bets β Betting on groups (red/black, odd/even, 1-18/19-36) (lower payouts, higher odds).
Bet Type | Payout | Odds of Winning (European Roulette) |
---|---|---|
Straight-Up (Single Number) | 35:1 | 2.7% |
Split (Two Numbers) | 17:1 | 5.4% |
Street (Three Numbers) | 11:1 | 8.1% |
Corner (Four Numbers) | 8:1 | 10.8% |
Six-Line (Six Numbers) | 5:1 | 16.2% |
Column (12 Numbers) | 2:1 | 32.4% |
Dozen (12 Numbers) | 2:1 | 32.4% |
Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
π‘ Pro Tip: If you’re new, start with even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) for better chances of winning.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Play Roulette Online or at a Casino
π Step 1: Choose a Roulette Game
Pick between European, French, or American Roulette.
Variant | Number of Zeros | House Edge | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
πͺπΊ European Roulette | 1 (0) | 2.7% | Best winning odds |
π«π· French Roulette | 1 (0) | 1.35% (with La Partage rule) | Lowest house edge |
πΊπΈ American Roulette | 2 (0, 00) | 5.26% | Higher-risk play |
π‘ Pro Tip: Avoid American Roulette unless you love high-risk betting.
π Step 2: Place Your Bets
π° Choose how much to bet (e.g., $5, $10, $50).
π― Select where to place your chips (single number, red/black, odd/even, etc.).
πΉοΈ Click spin (online) or wait for the dealer to spin the wheel (live games).
π‘ Pro Tip: Higher-risk bets (single numbers) have bigger payouts but lower chances of winning.
π Step 3: Watch the Ball Spin & Land
The dealer (or software) spins the wheel, and the ball bounces around before settling in a pocket.
π If your bet matches the winning number or section, you win based on the payout table!
π Step 4: Collect Your Winnings & Play Again
π΅ Winning bets are automatically paid out.
π Players can place new bets for the next round.
π‘ Adjust your betting strategy to maximize winnings!
π Want to improve your chances? Read Roulette Strategy
Pro Tips for Playing Roulette Like a Pro
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Start with Low-Risk Bets β Bet on red/black or odd/even to maximize winning chances.
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Avoid the American Roulette Table β The extra 00 increases the house edge.
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Manage Your Bankroll β Set a budget and donβt chase losses.
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Use Betting Strategies β Systems like Martingale, Fibonacci, and Paroli can improve play.
π Check out the best winning strategies here: Roulette Strategy
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Roulette
π« Betting too much on a single number β High payout, but low winning chance (2.7%).
π« Chasing losses β Set a budget & stick to it.
π« Ignoring the House Edge β Play European or French Roulette for better odds.
π« Not Checking Casino Licensing β Only play at trusted, licensed casinos.
π‘ Pro Tip: Smart betting & bankroll management = longer play & bigger wins!
π Want insider secrets? Read Roulette Tips
How To Play Roulette FAQsΒ
1. What is the best bet in roulette?
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, 1-18/19-36) offer the highest winning chances (48.6%).
2. Can I play roulette online for free?
β Yes! Many Australian casinos offer free roulette games to practice.
3. Whatβs the best strategy for roulette?
The Martingale system is popular but requires a big bankroll. The Fibonacci system is safer for longer gameplay.
4. Can I play live roulette online?
β Yes! Live dealer roulette brings the real casino experience to your screen.
Final Thoughts β Start Playing Roulette Today!
Now that you know how to play roulette, you can start placing bets confidently and have fun while increasing your chances of winning.
π’ Next Step: Try real money roulette at Best Online Roulette Casinos or learn advanced betting strategies in Roulette Strategy!