How to play Roulette: The ultimate guide
A simple, jargon-busting guide to playing one of the world’s favourite casino games.
What is roulette? A quick introduction
If you’ve never stepped foot in a casino, played at one of online roulette tables or seen a James Bond movie, then we’ll cover this quickly. Roulette is a game of a chance where a wheel with numbered sections spins at high speed. A ball is then added and will eventually land randomly on one of the numbered sections as the wheel comes to a stop. Players bet on where the ball will land. It’s as simple as that.
Roulette is a casino staple. Whether you’ve seen a couple of James Bond films or you’re an online casino regular, it’s impossible to miss the giant wheel that can draw some of the biggest crowds on the gaming floor. Unlike card games, there’s something that is a little bit more exciting about the black and red (and green) wheel of fortune.
In this handy guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about roulette and explain how this exciting, unique and sometimes intense game can be great fun. We’ll also include some handy tips to play roulette the right way and show you top roulette apps.
The objective of roulette
The objective of roulette, as we’ve mentioned, is to guess which number or colour the ball will land on when it is spun around the wheel. Betting takes place using casino chips, with a big board known as the layout containing a table full of numbers, colours, odd or even, and other betting options. Just place your chips on the sections on the board and wait to see where the ball lands!
You can bet on:
- An outright number (place your chip on the number)
- Several numbers (by placing your chip on the edge or corner of the number’s box)
- Odd or even
- Black or red
- High value or low value
- Zero(es)
- Groups of numbers (usually in thirds)
Roulette is a game of chance so there is no guaranteed way to win. However, some players deploy their own strategies and play styles. At the end of the day, the odds of roulette are always the same, so you’re playing with luck, rather than skill or expertise, but a strategy or two could certainly come in handy.
Roulette variants
Although originally developed in French casinos, roulette has evolved in different places. There are three main roulette variants; American Roulette, European Roulette, and French Roulette.
What is American Roulette?
This variant has a double-zero pocket alongside the regular single-zero pocket, meaning the chance of the ball landing on zero doubles and effectively increases the house edge. If you’re wondering how to play American Roulette with these extra zeroes and still retain a good house edge, then remember there’s a special ‘surrender’ rule which we’ll cover later.
What is European Roulette?
European Roulette is the classic version of the game. It’s played with 37 pockets, featuring a single zero but no double-zero. This version offers higher chances of winning than American Roulette.
What is French Roulette?
The French version of roulette is very similar to European Roulette as It uses the same wheel and pockets. However, French Roulette has two special rules that make it more favourable for players – En Prison and La Partage. This reduces the house edge to just 1.35%! We’ll explain those soon.
Roulette rules
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, and it’s easy to see why. It’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed by both experienced players and first-timers who want a piece of the action. There are a few different variants of the game, each with its own set of rules, but the fundamentals essentially remain the same across all variants. And guess what? There are only really two main rules – but lots of quirks, etiquette and variables to watch out for.
Players start by placing their bets on the table layout. The dealer is responsible for making sure bets are in the correct place, but players will be asked to place their chips correctly, and not to overcrowd the layout.
The dealer then spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction, around a tilted circular track that runs around the outer edge of the wheel. Here comes the first rule: no more bets if the dealer has announced ‘no more bets!’ This stops players from placing their chips when the ball is about to come to a stop, preventing any sort of cheating or additional advantages. The good part about playing online roulette is that you can forget about this rule, as the layout will lock once ‘no more bets’ has been announced.
La Partage and En Prison
So, let’s get to the French Roulette additional rules / features, La Partage and En Prison. These side bets are only an option in French Roulette.
The dealer immediately divides all even-money bets in half, keeping half for the house and giving the other half back to the player when the “La Partage” rule is in place. Keep in mind that the European wheel only includes one zero. You would be right if you assumed that this would dramatically lower the “house edge” in roulette. It actually reduces the house edge by half, from 2.70% with the “La Partage” rule to 1.35% without it. This means the ball landing on zero is slightly less painful if you’ve spread your chips and you see a flash of green!
Roulette surrender
Similar to ‘La Partage’, American Roulette wheels have a rule that softens the blow of a zero or double zero, known as a surrender. This reduces the house edge by giving you part of your bet back if the ball lands on green, but you’ll need to check the rule is in place before you begin – just check the online game rules or, if you’re in a real casino, ask your dealer.
Roulette wheel and table
The classic roulette wheel is composed of two main parts – the wheel itself and the table. The wheel is a metal or wooden disc that spins and holds the numbered pockets. These pockets are numbered 0 through 36, with an additional 00 pocket in some variants of American Roulette. The wheel is set up so that the numbers are evenly distributed around the wheel.
The roulette table is a large, flat surface where players place their bets. The table is divided into sections, which usually consist of either one or two sections for each type of bet. The inside section of the table is where players place their inside bets, such as straight up numbers, splits, corners, lines and more – don’t worry, we’ll cover all of this later!
Roulette table etiquette
When playing at a roulette table, or online, it’s important to observe proper etiquette. Roulette is a game of chance, and the casino staff are there to ensure that the game runs smoothly. By observing the following etiquette guidelines, you’ll ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time.
Remain Calm
Don’t let your emotions get the better of you when playing at a roulette table. While it may be tempting to get excited or frustrated if the wheel is not going your way, keep your cool and be courteous to other players and the dealer.
Be respectful
Show respect to other players and the dealers at all times. Do not use profane language or make any type of physical contact with another person while at the table.
Don’t mess with other players’ bets
Do not try to place chips on another player’s bet after they have already placed their chips on the table.
Place your chips carefully
When placing chips on the betting layout, be careful to avoid accidentally pushing any chips off the layout or onto another player’s bet.
Wait for the dealer’s signal
Once you have placed your bet, wait for the dealer to signal before you pick up your chips or move them around on the betting layout.
Be polite
If you need to ask any questions or make any comments during the game, do so politely. Don’t interrupt the dealer while they are spinning the wheel or speaking to other players.
