How To Play Online Roulette: Rules And Beginner’s Guide

Online roulette stands out as one of the easiest and most thrilling games in a casino, offering a myriad of options for placing bets. The rules of online roulette are quick to learn, allowing you to start spinning the wheel in a matter of minutes.

Before you embark on your roulette journey, it’s crucial to understand how to play this casino game. Fortunately, our casino experts, with years of experience, have crafted this guide to assist you.

Within this guide, you can expect step-by-step instructions on playing, insights into different types of roulette, and more advanced betting rules and strategies. If you’re eager to maximize your chances of winning, diving into the world of online roulette starts right here.

How Online Roulette Works

Online roulette is a digital adaptation of the classic casino game. It uses software and Random Number Generators (RNGs) to simulate the spinning wheel and ball. This means you can sit back while the computer does everything you need to play.

Your main goal in this game is to predict which number a ball will land on when the roulette wheel is spun. You do this by using a virtual interface to place bets on numbers (there are 37 or 38 numbers, depending on the version you’re playing), colors, or other outcomes. The software then determines the outcome, and you’ll get paid if your bet is successful.

Online roulette has just 3 simple steps:

You try to predict where the ball will land on a numbered wheel.
You make a bet, placing chips on the number/s or groups of numbers you think will come up.
You can win between 1x and 35x your bet based on how specific your prediction was.

For online roulette, you really don’t need any skill at all, as the game is based on chance, meaning even if you are a complete beginner, you will have a chance of winning some money when you play.

Understand The Roulette Wheel And Table

Now that you know how online roulette works as a game, it is time that we go a little bit deeper and explain to you what the roulette wheel and table are and understand how they work.

A roulette wheel is one circle filled with red and black pockets. It is numbered from 0 to 36. Since there are different roulette game types, there are also two types of roulette wheels. On the European roulette wheel, you can find 18 red and 18 black pockets (36 in total) and a single green 0.

While on the American roulette wheel, there is a difference: an additional green 00 pocket. Also, remember that the numbers don’t run in order around the wheel. The line is designed to balance high, low, odd, and even numbers.

Below, you can see the difference between the American wheel (left) and the European wheel (right).

Image 1

Regarding the online roulette table, that is a place where you put your bets. It is organized into two sections: the inside and the outside. The inside section of the table has 36 squares with numbers, either red or black.

The outside section has boxes that cover a broader range of numbers: even or odd. On the top of the roulette table, you will notice a zero or double zero, depending on the type of the game. Below you can see the difference between European table with one zero, and American table with double zero and zero.

Image 2

Learn How To Bet In Roulette Online

In online roulette, betting is a crucial aspect that determines your potential winnings. How you place your bets significantly influences your chances of winning small or large prizes or possibly nothing at all. While online roulette is inherently a game of luck, understanding strategies and the dynamics of bets can enhance your chances of winning prizes.

In this online casino game, there are outside and inside bets, each with its own range of varying payouts and odds. If you look at any roulette table, you can see that a large part of the table has numbers 0-36, and on the remaining parts, you can bet on groups of numbers like odd/even, red/black, 1-18/19-36, columns and dozens.

Below, our roulette experts have categorized inside and outside bets, providing detailed explanations to help you grasp these essential concepts. Without understanding these bets, playing the game can be challenging.

Inside bets

These bets are individual numbers placed ‘inside’ the roulette table and include bet names such as split, street, straight up, quarter, and six-line. These types of bets have high payouts and long odds, which means you have a much lower chance of winning than with outside bets, but the amount you win is much higher.

Here, we will give you an explanation of what these bets mean and how to play them:

Straight up/Single number
Pick one number and put your chip on it. If that number hits, you win 35 times your bet.
Split bet
Choose two neighboring numbers and place your chip on the line between them. If either of those numbers comes up, you win 17 times your bet.
Street
Bet on a row of three numbers by placing your chip at the outer corner of the row. If any of those three numbers win, you get 11 times your bet.
Quarter
Also known as a corner bet, this covers four numbers. Put your chip in the center where all four squares meet. If any of those four numbers hit, you win eight times your bet.
Six-line
This bet covers two rows of numbers. Place your chip on the outer part of the line where the two rows meet. If any of those six numbers win, you get five times your bet.

Inside Bet	Example	Payout
Straight Up (one number)	36	35x
Split (two neighboring numbers)	26/29	17x
Street (three numbers in a line)	13/14/15	11x
Quarter or Corners (four connected numbers)	14/15/17/18	8x
Six-Line Bet	1/2/3 + 4/5/6	5x

Outside bets

These bets are placed outside the roulette table on the grouped values. They feature bets such as red/black, odd/even, dozen, and high/low. They have low payouts, which means that you probably will not get a huge payout, but with higher chances of hitting than inside bets, you can keep your bankroll for longer.

Dozens Bet
Wager on one of the three dozen on the table, also known as 12s, with a payout ratio of 2:1.
Column Bet
Place a bet on any of the three columns for a 2:1 payout, similar to dozens.
Red/Black Bet
Predict whether the ball will land on a red or black pocket with a 1:1 payout ratio.
Odd/Even Bet
Bet on the ball ending up in an odd or even-numbered pocket, offering a 1:1 payout.
High/Low Bet
Cover half the board with 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high), also known as 1:1 or 19:36 payout.

Outside Bet	Example	Payout
Column	12 numbers in a column	2x
Dozen	12 numbers on a third of the board	2x
Odd	All the odd numbers	1x
Even	All the even numbers	1x
Red	All the red numbers	1x
Black	All the black numbers	1x
1-18	All the numbers from 1 to 18	1x
19-36	All the numbers from 19 to 36	1x

Which Different Types Of Online Roulette Can You Play?

Online roulette comes in various forms, with some using multiple balls or wheels. Specific variations offer a lower house edge, potentially leading to more significant winnings over time.

But, when it comes to the main types, there are American, European, and French roulette. While they share similarities, American roulette stands out with its double-zero on the wheel. In contrast, French roulette includes rules like la partage and en prison that are good for you as a player.

For all of these types, you must know the rules for online roulette in order to play all these exciting and unique games. Our experts prepared for you the necessary information about different roulette games, and yours is only to choose which one suits you the most.

American Roulette

American roulette is a popular version of the roulette game, but it has some differences compared to the others. The American roulette table has 38 pockets, with numbers 1-36 in red or black and two green zero slots.

You bet where the ball will land, and the dealer (or, in online roulette, a computer) spins the wheel. The house edge is always 5.3%, making it less favorable for you as a player.

The distinctive feature of American roulette is the double zero (00) on the wheel, increasing the house edge to 5.26%. This reduces your odds of winning compared to other versions.

In American roulette, you lose your bet when the ball lands on zero or double zero during an even-money bet. So, if you’re learning how to play and aiming for big wins, we recommend you avoid this version.

European Roulette

A European roulette table is similar to an American one but with a key difference. The European version has 37 slots on the wheel and only a single zero, making it more beginner-friendly.

Simply stopping the double zero reduces the house edge to a more reasonable 2.7%. However, the house edge in European roulette is lower than in French roulette, which includes additional player-friendly rules like la partage or en prison. In European roulette, you still lose your even money bet when the ball lands on zero.

French Roulette

French roulette uses the same single zero wheel as European roulette, maintaining an identical house edge.

However, the layout of the French roulette table differs slightly. The outside bets are divided between the two long sides of the board. While the bet types remain the same as in European roulette, the terminology differs; for instance, odd and even become ‘pair’ and ‘impair,’ high bets are ‘passe,’ and low bets are ‘manqué.’

Additionally, the board includes 12 P (premiere douzaine), 12 M (moyenne douzaine), and 12 D (dernier douzaine), representing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dozens, respectively, on the American or European roulette table.

French roulette introduces the ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage’ rules, providing insurance on even-money wagers if the ball lands on zero. In this scenario, you only lose half of your wagered amount.

100/1 Roulette

In 100/1 roulette, the traditional roulette structure is expanded with 100 numbers on the board and five symbols (star, circle, triangle, square, and diamond). The aim is the same, where the ball will land, but with more numbers, the potential payout increases to 100 x instead of the usual 35x.

Multi-wheel Roulette

Multi-wheel roulette allows bets across up to six wheels, each activation additionally raising the bet. More wheels mean better odds. Here, the cost per round is slightly higher because you’ve got multiple balls and, therefore, more chance of hitting a pick.

Double Bonus Spin Roulette

Double Bonus Spin roulette improves the American table with an extra betting option, resulting in 39 betting choices. The added bet triggers a bonus game with two wheels and balls, combining their prizes for a maximum payout of 1,200x.

Lightning Roulette

Lightning Roulette transforms a standard European table by reducing the maximum payout to 30x but introducing lightning bolts. Before each round, these bolts supercharge random numbers, elevating their payouts to 500x.

Although standard single-number wins are reduced to 30x, the excitement lies in the potential 500x payout, making it a thrilling live dealer casino game online. This type of roulette you can find at our top-rated live roulette casinos, where you can try your skills and use what you learned here.

A Comparison Of Online Roulette Variants By Our Experts

In this section, our experts have compiled a table for you to compare the main types of roulette games, and highlighting their key differences. This table serves as a helpful tool for better understanding each roulette game.

Feature	American Roulette	European Roulette	French Roulette
Pockets	38	37	37
Zeros	Double zero	Single zero	Single zero
House edge	5.26%	2.7%	1.35%
Free play	Yes	Yes	Yes
Live dealer	Yes	Yes	Yes

Learn General Roulette Tips and Strategies

Learning how to play roulette is an important part of winning some money, but playing it well and winning even more prizes involves more. While we won’t delve deeply into strategies here, our experts have collected some easy-to-follow tips for your next online roulette session. If you want to learn more about them, you should read our online roulette strategy guide made by our experts.

Balance risk and reward

Consider your betting preferences before diving into online roulette. Decide how much risk you’re comfortable with, as different bets carry varying levels of risk. Single-number bets are riskier but offer higher payouts. Focus on finding the right balance between risk and reward that suits your preferences.

Take advantage of bonus features

Online casinos often provide welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. These bonuses can unlock credits for playing roulette and winning real cash (after meeting wagering requirements). Also, explore a game’s special features. For example, in French roulette, you may receive a 50% refund on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. Understanding the rules allows you to maximize value through bonus features.

Always stick to your limits

Only bet money you can afford to lose and create a bankroll consisting of disposable income. Each bet should be a small percentage of your available funds. For example, if you have a $400 budget for casino games, limit each bet to less than 1% of that amount (e.g., $4 or less). Always stick to your set limits for a more enjoyable and controlled gaming experience.

A Roulette Glossary Of The Most Important Terms

Since roulette has so many terms and phrases that you need to remember in order to improve your understanding of the entire game, as well as to help you keep track of the gameplay and manage your bankroll effectively while playing roulette, we’ve compiled a table containing all the possible terms you may encounter in this game.

Term	Definition
Corner Bet	Placing chips where four numbers meet creates a corner bet resembling a square or box.
Croupier	Another term for the dealer, more commonly used in European casinos or when playing European or French roulette.
En Prison	Exclusive to French roulette, this rule is rarely used. If you bet on outside even-money sections such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, and the ball lands on 0, your initial wager is 'en prison' until the next spin. If your bet wins in the following round, it will result in a total return on your initial bet.
Double zero (00)	Present only on American roulette wheels, the double zero raises the house edge to 5.26%. Specific bets allow wagering on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
High/Low	An outside bet where you predict whether the ball will land on the high end (19-36) or low end (1-18) of the table.
Inside bets	Wagers made 'inside' the roulette table, including single numbers, sets of numbers, rows, or chunks of numbers.
La Partage	Exclusive to French roulette, this rule automatically returns half the wager to you if the ball lands on 0 and you bet on outside even-money sections.
Line Bet	Betting on two adjoining rows, covering a total of six numbers.
Neighbors/Voisins du Zero	A French term common in European casinos for betting on numbers neighboring the zero, also found on American double zero roulette wheels.
Odd/Even	A bet predicting whether the ball will land on an odd or even number (excluding 0 and/or 00).
Orphans/Orphelins	A bet covering numbers not included in voisins du zero or tiers bets, commonly found on European and French tables and some American double zero wheels.
Outside Bets	Unlike inside bets, these wagers on the roulette table do not involve numbers and are placed around the edge.
Pockets	Individual numbered slots on the roulette wheel where the ball lands after a spin.
Red/Black	Similar to odd/even, this outside bet lets you wager on the ball landing on a red or black number.
Street Bet	An inside bet allowing you to bet on a 'street' by placing chips on the top of a three-number row.
Straight Up	Betting on a single number on the roulette table, offering a high payout of 35:1.
Thirds/Tiers	A bet on the 12 numbers opposite the 0, typically found on European or French roulette tables and certain American double zero wheels.
Zero (0)	Present on all roulette wheels, European and French roulette retain a single zero, while American roulette has both a single and double 00, raising the house edge to 5.26%.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Play Online Roulette In Online Casinos

Now that you’ve learned how to play online roulette, understand betting strategies and have considered important gameplay tips, it’s time to put your skills to the test and practice until you become an adept online roulette player.

To guide you through the process, our roulette experts have crafted a simple list of steps for starting to play this game at an online casino.

Choose a Casino to Play With
Selecting the right online casino is crucial for a satisfying gaming experience. You can always check out our list of recommended best casino sites with online roulette to find the best platforms.
Open an Account
Once you’ve chosen a casino, the next step is to open an account. Follow the casino’s registration process, providing the necessary information to create your account.
Find a Roulette Game
Navigate through the casino’s game library to find various online roulette games. Explore different versions, such as American, European, or French roulette.
Place Your Bet
After selecting a roulette game, it’s time to place your bets. Familiarize yourself with the betting options, choose your strategy, and place your chips on the desired areas of the virtual roulette table.
See If You're a Winner
Watch the virtual wheel spin and anticipate where the ball will land. If the outcome aligns with your bet, you’re a winner. Payouts are based on the type of bet you placed.
Place Your Bets Again
Whether you win or not, the excitement continues. Place your bets again for the next round and enjoy the thrilling experience of online roulette.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a skilled online roulette player.

FAQ

Is online roulette easy to understand?

Yes, online roulette is one of the most straightforward casino table games to learn. The goal is to accurately predict the number on the roulette wheel where the white ball will land.

How can I quickly learn to play roulette online?

You can learn to play online roulette swiftly and effectively through free online play. This approach allows you to familiarize yourself with the gameplay, betting mechanisms, rounds, and the difficulties of odds and payouts at your own pace—all without the risk of losing real money.

How to play roulette online for free?

Many of our online casinos offer free-play versions of their roulette games. To get started, find a reputable online casino with a demo or free-play mode for their roulette games. This allows you to practice placing bets, understand the game dynamics, and refine your strategy—all without wagering real money.

What is the safest bet in roulette?

The safest bets in roulette are the even money wagers, containing red/black, odd/even, and high/low. While these bets may offer relatively modest rewards, they boast the highest probability of winning.

How to win roulette online?

Winning in online roulette involves a combination of strategy, understanding the odds, and managing your bets. One approach is to focus on even-money bets like red/black or odd/even, which have higher chances of winning. Also, familiarize yourself with various betting systems, such as the Martingale or Fibonacci, to tailor your strategy to your preferences.

How to play online European roulette?

Playing European roulette online follows similar principles to other roulette variants but with a key difference—the absence of the double zero (00). To play European roulette online, choose a reputable online casino offering this variant. Understand the basic rules, such as placing bets before the wheel spins, and explore the unique ‘En Prison’ and ‘La Partage’ rules, which can benefit you.

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Azyadi Niyas

Hello our dear players, my name is Azyadi Niyas. I am coming from Doha, and at the beginning of 2012, I joined the casino industry. Enjoying casino games is very hard for Arab people, so I am here to help you. Is some Arab casino safe, how do you deposit money, and how do the bonuses work were all questions to which we were eager to know the answers. We all need a little help sometimes, or just a different point of view, so feel free to ask me anything that you want to know.