Roulette online:
What is Roulette?
Roulette is a classic casino game of chance where players bet on the outcome of a spinning wheel. The wheel contains numbered pockets (1–36) and one or two zero pockets (0 and 00), depending on the variation. A small ball is spun around the wheel, and players bet on where the ball will land. With its simple rules and wide range of betting options, roulette is one of the most iconic and popular casino games worldwide.
Types of Roulette
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European Roulette
- Features 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 and a single zero (0).
- House Edge: ~2.7%.
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American Roulette
- Features 38 pockets: numbers 1–36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).
- House Edge: ~5.26%.
-
French Roulette
- Similar to European Roulette, but with additional rules:
- La Partage: Half your even-money bet is returned if the ball lands on 0.
- En Prison: Even-money bets are "imprisoned" when the ball lands on 0, giving you a second chance.
- House Edge: ~1.35% (on even-money bets).
- Similar to European Roulette, but with additional rules:
-
Mini Roulette
- A smaller version with 13 numbers (0–12).
- House Edge: Higher due to fewer numbers and rules.
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Multi-Wheel Roulette
- Allows players to bet on multiple wheels simultaneously in online or digital formats.
The Roulette Wheel and Table Layout
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The Wheel
- The numbers alternate between red and black, with green for 0 (and 00 in American Roulette).
- Numbers are arranged in a non-sequential pattern to balance the wheel.
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The Table
- Contains a betting layout divided into Inside Bets (specific numbers) and Outside Bets (groups of numbers).
Types of Bets in Roulette
Inside Bets (Higher payouts, lower odds)
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | Odds (European) | Odds (American) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | A single number | 35:1 | 2.7% | 2.63% |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% | 5.26% |
| Street | A row of three numbers | 11:1 | 8.11% | 7.89% |
| Corner | Four numbers forming a square | 8:1 | 10.81% | 10.53% |
| Line | Six numbers (two adjacent rows) | 5:1 | 16.22% | 15.79% |
Outside Bets (Lower payouts, higher odds)
| Bet Type | Description | Payout | Odds (European) | Odds (American) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | Ball lands on a red or black number | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Even/Odd | Ball lands on an even or odd number | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Low/High | Ball lands on 1–18 (Low) or 19–36 (High) | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Dozen | Ball lands in one of three groups of 12 | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
| Column | Ball lands in one of three vertical columns | 2:1 | 32.43% | 31.58% |
Payouts and House Edge
-
European Roulette:
- Single Zero (0) results in a house edge of ~2.7%.
- Offers better odds than American Roulette.
-
American Roulette:
- Double Zero (00) increases the house edge to ~5.26%.
- Players face lower winning odds compared to European Roulette.
-
French Roulette:
- Rules like La Partage and En Prison reduce the house edge on even-money bets to ~1.35%.
Strategies for Playing Roulette
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Martingale Strategy
- Double your bet after every loss, aiming to recover losses with one win.
- Risk: Requires a large bankroll and has limits due to table maximums.
-
Reverse Martingale (Paroli)
- Double your bet after every win, capitalizing on winning streaks.
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D’Alembert System
- Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it after a win.
- Risk: Slower progression but less risky than Martingale.
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Fibonacci Sequence
- Bet according to the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, etc.), increasing bets after losses.
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Flat Betting
- Bet the same amount every round to minimize losses over time.
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Focus on European/French Roulette
- These versions have lower house edges compared to American Roulette.
Advantages of Roulette
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Simple Rules
- Easy to learn and play, appealing to beginners and seasoned players alike.
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Variety of Bets
- Offers a range of betting options for different risk preferences.
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Fast-Paced Action
- Rounds are quick, providing continuous excitement.
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Social Experience
- Live tables foster interaction between players and dealers.
Disadvantages of Roulette
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High House Edge
- American Roulette has a significant house edge (~5.26%).
-
Luck-Based
- No skill or strategy can influence the outcome, as the game is purely chance-based.
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Risk of Fast Losses
- Quick rounds can lead to rapid depletion of bankrolls.
Roulette Variations and Comparison
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette | French Roulette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 37 (0–36) | 38 (0–36, 00) | 37 (0–36) |
| House Edge | ~2.7% | ~5.26% | ~1.35% (even-money bets) |
| Special Rules | None | None | La Partage, En Prison |
Where to Play Roulette
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Land-Based Casinos
- Widely available in most casinos, offering an authentic experience.
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Online Casinos
- Provide both RNG-based games and live dealer options.
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Mobile Apps
- Play on the go with apps offering a variety of roulette games.
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Virtual Reality (VR) Casinos
- Immerse yourself in a simulated casino environment with VR roulette.
Future of Roulette
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Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
- Immersive experiences replicating real-world casino environments.
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Blockchain Roulette
- Transparent and provably fair games using cryptocurrency.
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Dynamic Betting Options
- Enhanced betting features and customization in online platforms.
Roulette remains a timeless casino classic, blending simplicity with excitement. Whether played in a bustling casino or online, its universal appeal and potential for big wins ensure it will remain a staple in the gambling world.