Roulette Game Rules
Roulette is one of the most iconic and exciting casino games, famous for its spinning wheel and the suspenseful drop of the ball. Whether you play European Roulette, American Roulette, or French Roulette, the goal is simple: predict where the ball will land.
Created by Adam D Fernsby
How to Play Roulette
This guide explains how to play roulette, the different versions, bet types, payouts, strategies, and frequently asked questions to help you get started.
Preparations
- Choose a casino (online or land-based) and buy chips or deposit funds.
- Understand the roulette table layout:
- Betting grid matches the numbers on the wheel.
- Learn the wheel differences:
- European Roulette → 37 pockets (0–36).
- American Roulette → 38 pockets (0–36 + 00).
- Check minimum and maximum table limits before playing.
Gameplay
Roulette is played in rounds with these steps:
- Place Your Bets
- Bet on single numbers, groups of numbers, red/black, odd/even, or high/low.
- No More Bets
- The dealer spins the wheel and ball (or software does so in online roulette).
- Winning Number Announced
- When the ball lands in a pocket, the dealer calls the result.
- Payouts
- Winning bets are paid based on roulette payout odds.
- Losing bets are removed from the table.
How to Win at Roulette
To win, you must correctly predict where the ball lands. Payouts vary by bet type:
| Bet Type | Payout |
|---|---|
| Straight-Up (1 number) | 35:1 |
| Split (2 numbers) | 17:1 |
| Street (3 numbers) | 11:1 |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 8:1 |
| Line (6 numbers) | 5:1 |
| Dozens (12 numbers) | 2:1 |
| Columns (12 numbers) | 2:1 |
| Red/Black | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even | 1:1 |
| High/Low | 1:1 |
Roulette Strategies & Tips
Roulette is a game of chance, but strategy can help you manage risk and extend playtime.
Popular Roulette Strategies
- Martingale System → Double your bet after each loss (high risk, high reward).
- Reverse Martingale (Paroli) → Double after wins, minimizing losses.
- D’Alembert System → Increase/decrease bets by one unit after losses/wins.
- Fibonacci Strategy → Bet amounts follow the Fibonacci sequence.
Odds, House Edge & Version Differences
| Roulette Version | Pockets | House Edge | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 37 (0–36) | ~2.7% | Better odds |
| American Roulette | 38 (0–36 + 00) | ~5.26% | Extra 00 increases edge |
| French Roulette | 37 (0–36) | ~1.35%* | “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules reduce losses on 0 |
Tip: Always choose European or French Roulette when available, the house edge is lower.
Complete Roulette Payout Table
| Bet Type | Payout | Probability (European) | Probability (American) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-Up | 35:1 | 2.7% | 2.63% |
| Split | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.26% |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.89% |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.53% |
| Five Number* | 6:1 | N/A | 13.16% |
| Line | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15.79% |
| Column/Dozen | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.58% |
| Red/Black | 1:1 | 48.6% | 47.37% |
| Even/Odd | 1:1 | 48.6% | 47.37% |
| Low/High | 1:1 | 48.6% | 47.37% |
*The Five-Number Bet only exists in American Roulette and has the worst odds – avoid it.
Lightning Roulette, Quantum Roulette & Online Variants
Modern online roulette includes innovative versions like:
- Lightning Roulette (Evolution Gaming) → Adds random multipliers up to 500x on straight-up bets.
- Quantum Roulette (Playtech) → Similar, with high-volatility bonus features.
- First Person Roulette → Combines RNG play with live casino modes.
These games have bigger potential wins but slightly lower base payouts.
Roulette in Casinos & Online
- Land-based Roulette → Traditional tables in UK, Europe, and Las Vegas casinos.
- Online Roulette → Available as:
- Live Dealer Roulette → Real-time video streaming.
- RNG Roulette → Fast-paced, software-based play.
- Regulated by gaming authorities to ensure fair play.
Overview of Roulette Rules
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Goal | Predict where the ball lands |
| Wheel | 37 or 38 pockets depending on version |
| Bets | Choose numbers, colors, or ranges |
| Payouts | From 35:1 (single number) to 1:1 (even-money bets) |
| Win | Match your bet with the winning pocket |
FAQ
What are the basic roulette rules?
You place bets on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Correct bets win according to payout odds.
What are the best bets in roulette?
Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) offer the highest chance to win but lower payouts.
What is the Martingale system?
A betting system where you double your bet after each loss to recover previous losses and make a profit.
Are there rules for roulette payouts?
Yes, standard payouts range from 35:1 (single number) to 1:1 (even-money bets). Always check the roulette rules payout structure.
What's the difference between American and European roulette?
American has two zeros (0, 00), European has one, making the house edge lower in European.
Can I play roulette online?
Yes. Most online casinos offer online roulette including variants like Lightning Roulette.
What are the odds in roulette?
Depends on your bet. A straight-up bet has a 1 in 37 chance in European roulette (2.7% house edge).
Is shot roulette a real gambling game?
No, shot roulette rules refer to a party drinking game where shots replace chips.