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How to Play Roulette

How To Play Roulette​

Roulette is a casino game that has been around for centuries. However, as it is a game of chance, there is no sure way or strategy that can be used to make a guaranteed win, so the most important thing to remember when playing roulette is to have fun with the game.

That being said, there are some statistically proven ways to improve your odds of winning roulette. In this guide, we’ll share some of our best expert tips and strategies you can implement when learning how to play or master roulette.

How to Play Roulette – The Basic Rules of The Game

If you are new to playing roulette, you should know a few things before placing your first bet. Here are the basic rules when playing roulette:

  • The game is played with a wheel that has 37 or 38 numbers, depending on the type you are playing. The numbers on the wheel are alternately coloured red and black, except for the zero (and double zero in American roulette), which is green.
  • Players place their bets on the numbered layout in front of them. There are a lot of different types of bets that can be placed, each with its own odds and pay-
  • Once all bets have been placed, the dealer spins the wheel and drops a small ball onto the roulette. The ball will eventually lose momentum and land in one of the numbered pockets on the wheel. The number that the ball lands in are the winning number.
  • Bets placed on the winning number are paid out, while all other bets are lost.

Which Types of Roulette Bets Exist?

Dozens of types of bets can be made while playing roulette. While some bets are more likely to win than others, the payout for each type of bet varies widely. Usually, players differentiate between two main types of roulette bets: inside and outside bets.

Inside bets are the more risky bets but offer higher payouts, while outside bets are safer but have lower payouts.

Here is a breakdown of the different types of inside and outside roulette bets you can make:

 Inside bets:

  • Straight up: A bet on any single number. Pays 35 to 1.
  • Split: A bet on two adjoining numbers, either on the vertical or horizontal axis. Pays 17 to 1.
  • Street: A bet on three numbers in a row. Pays 11 to 1.
  • Corner: A bet on four adjoining numbers, forming a square. Pays 8 to 1.
  • Six line: A bet on two adjoining streets (six numbers in total). Pays 5 to 1.

Outside bets:

    • Columns: A bet on all 12 numbers in any of the three columns on the Roulette table layout. Pays 2 to 1.
    • Dozen: A bet on the first (1-12), second (13-24), or third (25-36) group of twelve numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
    • Odd/Even: A bet that all odd or even numbers will be drawn. Pays 1 to 1.
    • Red/Black: A bet that all red or black numbers will be drawn. Pays 1 to 1.
    • Low/High: A bet that the numbers will be low (1-18) or high (19-36). Pays 1 to 1.

Roulette Rules

If you’re new to playing roulette, or even if you’re an experienced player, it’s always a good idea to brush up on not only the rules of the game but also the general strategies and casino etiquette that you can expect when playing roulette.

Let’s start with some of the most important rules of thumb when playing roulette:

  • The first rule of thumb is only to bet what you can afford to lose. Roulette is a game of chance, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll win every time, so it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it.
  • Another essential rule is never to chase your losses. If you find yourself losing more than you’d like, it’s best to walk away and try another day again.
  • When placing your bets, make sure to take into account both the inside and outside bets. Outside bets typically have better odds of winning but pay out less when you do win, while inside bets have worse odds but pay out more.
  • Finally, remember that roulette is meant to be fun! So don’t get too caught up trying to win; sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Remember: Do you feel like you can’t control your gambling? The Australian government provides free gambling support here.

6 Expert Roulette Tips That Will Earn You Respect at the Table

  • 1# Getting Your Casino Chips

    The best way to get chips for playing roulette is to buy them from the casino. You can also get them from other players, although this is not recommended. Chips should be purchased in denominations of $1, $5, $25, or $100. The higher the denomination, the more chips you will need.

    In addition, you can also exchange larger bills for chips at the roulette table. This is done by handing the dealer your bill and telling them what denomination of chips you would like in return. The dealer then gives you a stack of chips in that denomination.

    #2 When to Bet When Playing the Roulette

    When it comes to roulette, timing is everything. You need to know when to bet to maximize your chances of winning. To make a bet on the roulette, place your chips on your desired bet. If it’s too far for you to reach, the dealer will help you.

    Here are some tips from experienced players on when to bet:

    • Bet on inside numbers when the roulette wheel is spinning faster. This can increase your chances of hitting the correct number.
    • Bet on outside numbers when the roulette wheel is spinning slower. This could give you a better chance of hitting a winning streak.
    • Place your bets on the table after the ball has been released. This move lets you gauge the hot or cold numbers and adjust your bets accordingly.
    • Refrain from betting on numbers that have come up recently. Statistically, the odds are that they won’t hit again for a while.
    • Wait for at least two spins before betting on a number. Doing so lets you get a feel for the game’s momentum and make more informed bets.
    • Wait until at least ten spins before betting on the same number. Statistically, this gives you a better chance of hitting that number.

    #3 Make Your Bet in Time & Control Your Bet Sizes

    When playing roulette, you only have a limited time frame to place your bet(s). Then, as the dealer spins the wheel, you can continue to place bets until he announces, “no more bets.” Observing the roulette table before participating lets you get a feel of how much time you have to put your bets.

    Now, regarding how much and when you should place your bet on the roulette depends on several factors, including your level of risk tolerance and the amount of money you have to play with. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is advisable to stop betting on the roulette when you are ahead by a certain amount or if your bankroll starts to dwindle too much.

    If you are playing with a fixed bankroll, you should always be aware of how much you have left to bet with and stop when you reach your limit. On the other hand, if you are playing with a winning goal in mind, you should stop betting once you get that target.

    Either way, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid getting too caught up in the excitement of the game, as this can lead to impulsive decisions that may cost you dearly.

    #4 Dealing with Other Players at Your Table

    When playing roulette, you must respect the other players at your table by showing proper etiquette. Here are a few tips on how to do that:

    • Don’t be disruptive or noisy. Like you, other players are there to enjoy the game, and they don’t want to be distracted by chatter.
    • Don’t play too slowly. If you take too long to place your bets, it can hold up the game for everyone else.
    • Don’t argue with the dealer or other players. If you disagree with a decision that’s been made, keep calm and politely ask for an explanation. Raising your voice or causing a scene will only make things worse.
    • Don’t criticise other players’ strategies. Everyone has their own style, and judging them is not your place.
    • Don’t bring alcohol or drugs to the table. This can lead to poor decision-making both for you and other players and will make for an uncomfortable gaming experience for everyone involved.

    By following these tips for proper game etiquette, you can ensure that everyone is having a great time at the roulette table!

    #5 What Happens When You Win on The Roulette

    As the wheel stops spinning and the ball lands somewhere on the roulette wheel, the dealer will announce the result. She will then sweep the losing bets off the table and then proceed to pay the winning bets.

    Your payout will depend on the type of bet that you have placed. For example, if you have placed a bet on a single number, you will receive a 35 to 1 pay-out.

    If you have placed a bet on a column or dozen, you will receive a 2 to 1 pay-out. If you have placed a bet on an even money bet, such as red/black or odd/even, you will receive a 1 to 1 pay-out. Many more pay-out ratios depend on the bet you’ve made.

    #6 Know When You Can Bet Again After Finishing a Round in Roulette

    While the so-called “dealer puck” is in place on the winning bet, no bets can be made. But as soon as the winning bets are paid, the dealer will remove the puck and typically announce something like “you may now place your bets.”

    This means the roulette round has concluded, and players can place new bets again if they wish. There is no waiting period or limitation on how many rounds one can play in succession. However, some players may take a break between rounds to regroup, observe, and strategise.

    The only restriction on players in an online roulette game is the maximum bet limit set by the casino.

What Is the Roulette House Edge?

The Roulette house edge is the casino’s advantage over the player. The percentage of the total wagered that the casino expects to keep over the long run. Therefore, the higher the house edge, the worse the odds are for the player.

There are two main types of roulette: American roulette and European roulette. American roulette has a higher house edge than European roulette because it has two zeros on the wheel instead of just one.

This means there are more ways for the casino to win and fewer ways for the player to win. For example, the house edge on American roulette is 5.26%, while the house edge on European roulette is 2.7%.

So, if you want to improve your winning odds, you should stick to playing European roulette.

How To Bet to Reduce House Edge

It is no secret that the house always has an edge in casino games. But many players don’t know there are ways to bet on roulette to reduce the house edge. Following some simple tips can give you a better chance of winning.

The first thing to remember is that the 0 and 00 (American Roulette) are not your friends. These options give the house a significant advantage, so you should avoid them when possible. You can do this by betting on red or black, even or odd, 1-18, or 19-36. These bets all have a 47.37% chance of winning, which gives you a decent shot at coming out ahead.

Another way to reduce the house edge is to bet on multiple numbers. This is known as a “street bet” covering three numbers. The odds of winning are 11.1%, but the payout is only 8-1. While this may not seem like much, it’s still better than betting on a single number (which has a 2.7% chance of winning).

Finally, one of the best roulette tips is to quit while you’re ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and keep playing even when you’re losing money. But if you walk away when you’re up, you’ll be more likely to come out ahead in the long run.

Why The Anatomy of the Roulette Wheel Matters

There are two types of roulette wheels in use today: the European and American wheels. The difference is that the European wheel has 37 slots, while the American wheel has 38. The extra slot on the American wheel is for the double zero (00).

The roulette wheel sections are numbered from 1 to 36, with each number corresponding to a specific colour (red or black). In addition to the numbers, there are two other spaces on the roulette wheel: 0 and 00. These spaces are green.

The European wheel is considered more favourable to players, giving them a better chance of winning. This is because the house edge on a European wheel is only 2.7%, while it’s 5.26% on an American wheel.

When you’re playing roulette, it’s essential to know which type of wheel you’re using. If you’re unsure, ask a dealer or look for signs around the casino floor. Once you know which type of wheel you’re playing on, you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

How to Play Roulette – Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference between the Arrangement of Numbers on the Wheel and the Betting Layout?

It’s essential to understand the difference between the arrangement of numbers on the wheel and the betting layout. This may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your overall success at the game.

On a standard roulette wheel, the numbers are arranged in a specific sequence: 0, 28, 9, 26, 30, 11, 7, 20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 34, 15, 3, 24, 36, 13, 1, 00, 27, 10, 25, 29, 12, 8, 19, 31, 18, 6, 21, 33, 16 4.

However, on most betting layouts (including online roulette), the numbers are not arranged in this sequence. Instead, they are grouped into sets of twelve numbers (1-12; 13-24; 25-36).

Why does this matter? Well, if you’re betting on specific numbers or groups of numbers on the layout (e.g., “the first twelve,” “the third column,” etc.), then it’s important to know where those numbers fall on the wheel itself.

For example, let’s say you’re betting on black 18. On a standard wheel layout (0-36), black 18 would be located in the third column – but on most betting layouts (1-12; 13-24; 25-36), black 18 would be located in the first column.

As you can see, it’s important to understand this difference to ensure your bets are placed correctly.

Why Is a Number Five Bet Called “The Beast”?

The five-number bet is also called “the beast” because it has a high house edge of 7.89%. This bet is only available on American Roulette wheels and covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The bet pays 6 to 1 if any of those numbers hits.

What Does It Mean When a Casino Allows Surrender?

When a casino allows surrender, players are allowed to take back half of their bet on even-money wagers if the ball lands on 0 or 00. This reduces the house edge from 5.26% to 2.63%. This is possible with bets of red/black, odd/even, and high/low.

Playing at casinos that allow surrender is a great way to minimise house edge and improve your own odds of beating the house.

What Does It Mean When a Casino Allows “En Prison”?

When the casino allows so-called “en prison,” it means that players can choose to either forfeit half of their bet or leave their bet on the table for the next spin. This rule applies to even-money bets only, so if you bet on red and the ball lands on zero, you have the option to either lose half your bet or keep your bet on the table for the next spin.

If you decide to keep your bet on the table, and the ball lands on red on the next spin, you will get your original bet back.

What Is an “Inside” Bet?

An inside bet is a bet on a specific number or group of numbers within the roulette table layout. The most common inside bets are Straight (a single number), Split (two adjacent numbers), Street (three consecutive numbers in a row), Corner (four adjacent numbers), and Six Line (six consecutive numbers).

What Is an “Outside Proposition” Bet?

In roulette, an outside proposition bet is a type of bet that covers a group of numbers on the roulette wheel. These bets are typically placed outside the betting layout, and they can offer better odds than inside bets.

There are several different types of outside proposition bets, including red/black and odd/even bets.