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, you’ll know how to:
🎯 Place winning bets with confidence
🎯 Understand the difference between European, American & French Roulette
🎯 Use smart betting strategies to increase your odds
👉 Want to improve your chances of winning? Check out Roulette Tips & Roulette Strategy.
Roulette Basics – 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:
✅ A single number (e.g., 7, 23, 35)
✅ A group of numbers (e.g., 1-12, 19-36)
✅ Colors (red or black)
✅ Even or odd numbers
How the Game Works in 4 Simple Steps
1️⃣ Players place bets on the roulette table.
2️⃣ The dealer (or software) spins the wheel, and the ball is released.
3️⃣ The ball lands in a numbered pocket, determining the winner.
4️⃣ Winning bets are paid out, and a new round begins.
💡 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:
🔹 Inside Bets – Betting on specific numbers (higher payouts, lower odds).
🔹 Outside Bets – 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% |
💡 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
🔄 Step 1: Choose a Roulette Game
Pick between European, French, or American Roulette.
| Variant | Number of Zeros | House Edge | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 European Roulette | 1 (0) | 2.7% | Best winning odds |
| 🇫🇷 French Roulette | 1 (0) | 1.35% (with La Partage rule) | Lowest house edge |
| 🇺🇸 American Roulette | 2 (0, 00) | 5.26% | Higher-risk play |
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid American Roulette unless you love high-risk betting.
🔄 Step 2: Place Your Bets
💰 Choose how much to bet (e.g., $5, $10, $50).
🎯 Select where to place your chips (single number, red/black, odd/even, etc.).
🕹️ Click spin (online) or wait for the dealer to spin the wheel (live games).
💡 Pro Tip: Higher-risk bets (single numbers) have bigger payouts but lower chances of winning.
🔄 Step 3: Watch the Ball Spin & Land
The dealer (or software) spins the wheel, and the ball bounces around before settling in a pocket.
🎉 If your bet matches the winning number or section, you win based on the payout table!
🔄 Step 4: Collect Your Winnings & Play Again
💵 Winning bets are automatically paid out.
🔁 Players can place new bets for the next round.
💡 Adjust your betting strategy to maximize winnings!
👉 Want to improve your chances? Read Roulette Strategy
Pro Tips for Playing Roulette Like a Pro
✅ Start with Low-Risk Bets – Bet on red/black or odd/even to maximize winning chances.
✅ Avoid the American Roulette Table – The extra 00 increases the house edge.
✅ Manage Your Bankroll – Set a budget and don’t chase losses.
✅ Use Betting Strategies – Systems like Martingale, Fibonacci, and Paroli can improve play.
👉 Check out the best winning strategies here: Roulette Strategy
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Roulette
🚫 Betting too much on a single number – High payout, but low winning chance (2.7%).
🚫 Chasing losses – Set a budget & stick to it.
🚫 Ignoring the House Edge – Play European or French Roulette for better odds.
🚫 Not Checking Casino Licensing – Only play at trusted, licensed casinos.
💡 Pro Tip: Smart betting & bankroll management = longer play & bigger wins!
👉 Want insider secrets? Read Roulette Tips
How To Play Roulette FAQs
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?
✅ Yes! Many Australian casinos offer free roulette games to practice.
3. What’s 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?
✅ Yes! Live dealer roulette brings the real casino experience to your screen.
Final Thoughts – 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.
📢 Next Step: Try real money roulette at Best Online Roulette Casinos or learn advanced betting strategies in Roulette Strategy!