How to Play Online Roulette? The Basic Rules for Beginners

Key Takeaways

  • Easy to learn, simply place a bet on where the ball will land
  • Choose from a wide range of bets on colors, numbers, odds, or evens
  • While luck plays a role, you need to be strategic when playing
  • Focus on making outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, and dozens
  • Set a budget, take regular breaks, and avoid chasing losses

The Basics of Online Roulette

Online roulette is simply the digital version of the classic casino game of the same name. The aim of this game is simple: you predict where the ball will land on a spinning wheel.

This wheel is split into pockets, numbered from 0 to 36 in European roulette and 0, 00 to 36 in American roulette.

You can place bets on various outcomes, from specific numbers and colors to even odds or groups of numbers. Once all the bets are placed, the dealer turns the wheel which releases the ball. The winning outcome is determined when the ball lands in any of the numbered pockets.

Placing Bets in Online Roulette

Betting on online roulette is a simple process, and it starts with selecting a chip size. It represents the amount you want to wager. You then place the chip on the betting layout to determine your preferred outcome. Online roulette lets you bet on the following variables:

  • Inside Bets: These bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations thereof. By design, they offer higher potential payouts but lower odds. For instance, you can place straight-up bets, split bets on two adjacent numbers, and street bets on three numbers in a row. You can also place corner bets with four numbers forming a square and line bets on six numbers.
  • Outside Bets: They cover larger parts of the wheel, providing lower payouts but higher odds. You can make common outside bets such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, and dozens, which lets you bet on a group of 12 numbers. 

Types of Bets and Their Payouts

Online roulette offers a variety of bet types, each with its payout potential. Here are some of the most common bets:

  1. Straight-up bets are bets on a single number. If the ball lands on your selected number, you get a 35 to 1 payout.
  2. Split bets involve placing a chip on the line between two adjacent numbers. If the ball lands on either number, you get a 17 to 1 payout.
  3. Red/Black bets are simple bets you make to determine whether the ball will land on a red or black number. This bet comes with a 1 to 1 payout. 
  4. Odd/Even bets are like red/black with one significant difference: you bet on the winning number being an odd or even number. This bet is also a 1 to 1 payout. 
  5. Dozen bets cover 12 numbers, divided into three groups of 12. You get a 2 to 1 payout if your chosen dozen wins. 
  6. Column Bets are similar to dozen bets but cover 12 numbers arranged in a vertical column. You also get a 2 to 1 payout.

How the Online Roulette Game Works

Online roulette offers an experience that simulates the traditional brick-and-mortar roulette gameplay. Once you place your bets on selected outcomes like colors, specific numbers, or a group of numbers, the dealer starts the round by spinning and releasing a small ball in the opposite direction. 

The outcome of every betting round in online roulette is determined by a Random Number Generator. An RNG ensures unbiased and fair results, replicating the randomness of a physical roulette wheel. Once the ball settles in a slot, the winning number is determined. We use our software to automatically calculate and pay out winnings to players with bets that match the outcome. If you want more realism, there are live roulette games you can try out.

European vs. American Roulette

You will discover two major variants when playing online roulette: European and American. These versions differ in the number of pockets on the wheel, significantly impacting the house edge.

With European Roulette, you get:

  • A wheel 
  • 37 numbered pockets (1-36 and a single 0).
  • Comes with a lower house edge of 2.7%

The lower house edge makes European roulette a more attractive option, increasing your chances of winning in the long run.

With American Roulette, you get:

  • A wheel with 38 numbered pockets (1-36, 0, and 00).
  • 00 significantly increases the house edge to 5.26%.

The higher house edge reduces your odds of winning compared to European roulette. Therefore, consider playing European roulette over American roulette to maximize your chances. There’s also French roulette, which has the same wheel layout as the European variant.

Most players prefer the French roulette due to the La Partage rule. The rule states that if you make an even money bet on black or red, for instance, and the ball lands on 0, you get half your stake back. There’s also En Prison, which keeps your bet “imprisoned” for the next wheel spin instead of losing half immediately.

Tips for Playing Online Roulette

While online roulette is a game of chance, there are a couple of strategies and tips you can use to improve your chances of getting better results:

  • Choose European roulette over American roulette, as it offers a lower house edge.
  • Start with outside bets like red/black and odd/even. Although the payouts are lower, these bets provide a higher chance of winning.
  • You should always keep an eye on your bankroll. Setting a budget for your gaming session and sticking to it can help avoid overspending. You shouldn’t chase your losses by increasing your bets.
  • Take advantage of bonuses and promotions that can extend your playing time and keep you from overspending.
  • Practice your strategy by using the free roulette demo versions. We offer demo versions of roulette, enabling you to hone your strategy before playing with real money

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