How to Play Online Roulette
Roulette may have the reputation of being a game purely based on luck, but it’s more complex than just that. This live casino game is easy to master, and will have you biting your nails with every spin! So if you want to learn how to play roulette online, there’s no place better than our very own beginner’s guide to live roulette! Read on to understand the inner workings of this classic casino game.
Table of Contents:
- What is Online Roulette?
- Why Online Roulette is Popular
- How to Place Bets in Online Roulette
- Types of Online Roulette
- Rules and Basics of Online Roulette
- Types of Bets in Online Roulette
- Strategies for Playing Online Roulette
- Advanced Roulette Techniques
- Roulette Rules FAQ
What is Online Roulette?
Roulette has a rich history dating back to 18th-century France, where it emerged as a popular casino game. The name "roulette" translates to "little wheel" in French, a nod to the game’s central feature. Over the years, it evolved, gaining different versions like the European and American styles, each with unique rules and odds.
By the late 1990s, the internet was making classic casino games like poker and roulette much more accessible to anyone with a computer. Early online roulette aimed to replicate the casino experience, but now, decades later, online tables offer much more. In addition to classic options like European, American, and French roulette, online casinos introduced innovative games like Double Ball Roulette.
By the mid-2000s, Live Casino tables featuring live dealers brought games like Sticky Bandits Roulette Live into the mix, which piggy-backed off of popular slots themes with serious winning potential.
Why Online Roulette is Popular
Imagine having a life-sized roulette wheel right in your living room - it’s a great dream but not exactly practical. However, you don’t need to dismiss the idea altogether; that’s the essence of online roulette. You can play your favourite casino game anywhere, anytime, including right from the comfort of your couch.
What’s more, online roulette keeps your gameplay exciting with a wide range of tables to choose from. Beyond the standard offerings of European, American, and French roulette found in brick-and-mortar casinos, online platforms feature innovative varieties like Mega Fire Blaze Roulette potential payouts can soar to $500,000. This endless variety ensures that every session feels fresh and full of possibility.
How to Place Bets in Online Roulette
Playing online roulette is quite easy, even if you’re new to this classic game. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Create an Account - registering at LeoVegas requires no intrusive personal information, your full name, address, and email is all you need to get started.
Pick a Game - make your choice from Casino and Live Casino roulette tables with classic gameplay or supped-up variations, and launch your pick with a single click.
Choose your Bet: Now that you’re ‘sitting’ at a roulette table, it’s betting time. On most games, you’ll find a selection of chips, each with its own denomination. Depending on your table of choice and its limits, chips can start as low as 10/20 cents to $2,000. Click the chip and click to release it on your chosen bet, from a straight-up lucky number pick to an entire column, or play it simply with a red or black bet.
Now, let the good times ROAR, and the spinning begin!
Types of Online Roulette
European Roulette
European Roulette is played on a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. Its primary advantage over most roulette options is its lower house edge of 2.7%. Having only one zero pocket reduces the risk, making it an attractive play, especially for roulette beginners who are looking to keep it safe playing even-money outside bets, like red/black, high/low, and even/odd.
American Roulette
The American table got a little greedy, or perhaps the casinos did. The American roulette wheel features 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and an extra double zero (00). While this addition may seem minor, it significantly spikes the house edge from 2.7% in European roulette to 5.26%.
One unique betting option in American roulette is the Five Number Bet, also known as the Basket Bet. This bet covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, and pays out at 6:1. However, it also carries a higher house edge, making it less favourable overall.
French Roulette
As the name suggests, French Roulette is played on the European roulette wheel, which features 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36. And true to French style, they added flair to the game with two standout rules: La Partage and En Prison.
La Partage acts like an insurance policy: if the ball lands on zero, you recover half of your even-money bet.
En Prison gives you a second chance if zero hits, keeping your bet on the table for the next spin, essentially putting it in “prison.” Not only do these rules add a little more fun to the game, they significantly boost your odds, lowering the house edge as low as 1.35% on even-money bets. This makes French Roulette one of the most player-friendly options. Oui, oui.
Other Roulette Variants
Mini Roulette - it’s all in the name as this roulette variant plays with a smaller wheel that’s home to just 13 pockets: numbers 1 to 12 and a single zero (0). It’s betting options are also ‘mini’, but it’s a speedy version that’s quite fun if you want to spice up your regular roulette play.
Multi-Wheel and Multi-Ball Roulette - want to get your heart really pumping? The multi in these online roulette options are just as they sound - adding multiple wheels and multiple balls to gameplay. Let’s break it down: Multi-wheel roulette lets you bet on several wheels simultaneously, while Multi-Ball Roulette adds an extra layer of excitement by having multiple balls in play - giving you multiple chances to hit a win on a single spin. Now that’s action!
Live Dealer Roulette - they figured out how to zoom call the casinos with Live Dealer action. Ok, it’s much better than Zoom, but you get the idea. The action is happening live in high-definition quality complete with authentic casino sounds. It’s an immersive experience so you can feel the buzz of the casino, and interact with the dealer and other players, without the need for any travel. It checks all the boxes, from the convenience of online gaming to the authenticity of a night out at your local casino (only no driving required).
Rules and Basics of Online Roulette
Understanding the Roulette Wheel and Table Layout
To get started on roulette, get familiar with the roulette wheel and the table layout where bets happen. In European and French roulette, the wheel features 37 pockets (numbered 0 to 36), and American Roulette with the addition of a double zero pocket (00) features 38. Each pocket is colour-coded: red or black for numbers 1 to 36, and zeros are typically green.
Looking at the table layout, it's divided into two main betting areas: inside and outside. Inside bets focus on specific numbers, small groups, or entire columns of numbers.
Outside bets are broader and less risky, predicting whether the ball will land on a red or black pocket, an odd or even number, or a high or low number.
While these even-money bets may seem like 50/50 shots, the odds are actually 48.65% on European and French wheels, and 47.37% on American roulette due to those pesky zero pockets.
Roulette Wheel Numbers
Following the same structure as the table has, a standard roulette wheel contains 37 numbers. 18 of which are black (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, and 35) and the remaining 18 which are red (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, and 36). The final number is 0, and this is the only green number on both the wheel and also on the roulette table layout.
Did you know: The roulette wheel is often called the Devil’s Wheel. Why? Adding up all the numbers on it results in 666 - the number of the beast!
The Roulette Ball
Once all bets have been made and the dealer spins the inner wheel (usually in the opposite direction to the previous spin), the ball is then spun in the opposite direction to the inner wheel and allowed to settle in one of the pockets, giving the winning number.
While the roulette ball can have a diameter of up to ¾ of an inch, it is usually around ⅝ of an inch, with the most common material being Ivorine or Teflon. Roulette balls made of the former material are generally considered highly volatile as they bounce much more, while the latter material provides a heavier ball which doesn’t bounce around as much.
Roulette Chips
If you are learning how to play roulette, it is crucial to be able to tell how to use roulette chips properly, as these are what represent your money. In online live roulette, your chips can be found towards the lower part of the screen, and are what you use to represent your bet (like they do in land-based casinos).
The chips are colour-coded, with each colour representing a different value. Since chip values often vary from provider to provider, you should never rely on the colour of the chip when betting - always check the displayed value on the table interface. In general, the lowest chip value in an online roulette game is usually between $0.10 and $2 - far lower than the average at regular land-based casinos!
Once you’ve decided on what you want to bet, click the chip and place the bet on the section of the table denoting the bet you have decided to go for!
Types of Bets in Online Roulette
| Common Bets | European/French Odds | American Odds | No-Zero Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 2.70% | 2.60% | 2.77% | 35:1 |
| Split | 5.40% | 5.30% | 5.55% | 17:1 |
| Street | 8.10% | 7.90% | 8.33% | 11:1 |
| Trio | 8.10% | 7.90% | N/A | 11:1 |
| Basket | N/A | 13.20% | N/A | 6:1 |
| Corner | 10.80% | 10.50% | 11.11% | 8:1 |
| Line | 16.20% | 15.80% | 16.66% | 5:1 |
| Column | 32.40% | 31.60% | 33.33% | 2:1 |
| Dozens | 32.40% | 31.60% | 33.33% | 2:1 |
| Red/Black | 48.65% | 47.37% | 50.00% | 1:1 |
| High/Low | 48.65% | 47.37% | 50.00% | 1:1 |
| Odds/Evens | 48.65% | 47.37% | 50.00% | 1:1 |
Inside Bets
Inside bets are all about precision, as they predict where the ball will land on the roulette wheel. These high-stakes wagers focus on single numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers on the layout. If you're after those exhilarating “OMG” moments, inside bets are your ticket to potentially turning a modest chip stack into a serious payday. However, be aware that they can drain your bankroll just as quickly.
- Straight-up Bet (35:1) - a bet on a single number
- Split Bet (17:1) - a roulette bet on two numbers that sit adjacently on the layout
- Street Bet (11:1)- covers three numbers in a horizontal line on the betting layout
- Corner Bet (8:1) - a bet on four numbers that sit in a square formation on the betting felt
Outside Bets
If you're looking for a more balanced approach to roulette betting, outside bets are an excellent choice. Unlike the thrill ride of inside bets, outside bets cover a wider range of numbers, providing a more conservative strategy. This makes them ideal for players wanting to minimize risk or extend a moderate bankroll.
Outside bets include options like Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low, all offering better odds of winning with even-money payouts. Additionally, Dozen and Column bets allow you to cover groups of numbers with slightly higher payouts (2:1). While the house edge still exists due to the 0 (and 00 in American roulette), outside bets can help create a more sustainable and somewhat relaxed betting experience.
- Red/Black - bet on whether the ball will land in a red or black pocket
- Odd/Even: wager on whether the number will be odd or even
- High/Low: covers 18 numbers; allows a set of low numbers (1-18) or high set (19-36).
- Dozen Bet (2:1): a bet on one of the three sets of 12 numbers; 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36
- Column Bet (2:1): covers 12 numbers on one of the three vertical columns on the betting layout
Call Bets in French Roulette
Call bets are specific types of wagers in French roulette that allow players to bet on a group of numbers based on their position on the wheel rather than on the betting layout. They cover sections of the wheel instead of individual numbers. The main types are:
Voisins du Zéro: covers the numbers closest to the zero on the wheel, including 17 numbers (from 22 to 25). It’s great for players who want to focus on this section and can be particularly effective due to the clustering of numbers.
Tiers du Cylindre: covers the opposite side of the wheel, consisting of 12 numbers (from 27 to 33). It’s a good choice if you’re looking to balance your bets across the wheel.
Orphelins: covers the remaining 8 numbers that aren’t included in the Voisins or Tiers bets. It’s perfect for those who want to target specific, less frequently hit numbers.
Announced Bets and Neighbour Bets
Looking to get a little fancy when you make your roulette bets? If you're comfortable with the basics, have a bigger bankroll to play with, and are looking for a more exciting roulette experience, these bets might be right up your alley. But what are they?
Announced Bets: special bets that need to be verbally declared to the dealer. They typically cover a section of the wheel, commonly the French call bets of Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphans that each target a specific section of the roulette wheel.
Neighbour Bets are wagers on numbers that are adjacent to a selected number on the roulette wheel itself, rather than on the betting layout. For instance, if you have a lucky number, placing a Neighbour Bet allows you to include the numbers directly next to it on the wheel. Typically, you can choose how many neighbours to include in your bet - usually up to two on each side of your selected number.
While Announced Bets and Neighbour Bets do not alter the house edge, they allow players to cover larger sections of the roulette wheel. This can potentially increase the frequency of wins, though the payouts are often smaller compared to straight bets. They're perfect for players who enjoy a more tactical approach but remember - they require larger wagers and can be riskier.
Strategies for Playing Online Roulette
Martingale Betting Strategy
The Martingale is a popular roulette strategy that’s quite simple: double your bet after a loss. For example, if you start with a $10 bet and lose, your next bet would be $20, then $40 if you lose again, and so on. The deal is that when you eventually win, you’ll instantly make back your losses, plus gain a small profit equal to your original bet.
Easy to learn with the ability to provide a nice short-term boost, The Martingale is not without its pitfalls. Without a healthy bankroll, it can be challenging to withstand a lengthy losing streak, which is the strategy's nemesis. Not only that, you could hit a roadblock of table limits that prevent you from sticking to the strategy.
Fibonacci Roulette Strategy
The Fibonacci Roulette Strategy is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on). In roulette betting, it uses the sequence to determine bet amounts. After a loss, you move one step forward in the sequence; after a win, you backtrack two steps.
It’s a structured approach that allows for a more gradual recovery than the Martingale. However, not only does it require some memorization of the sequence, its success can also be by a slim bankroll, table limits, and extended losing streaks.
D'Alembert Betting System
This roulette strategy is a bit more balanced than the others. Here’s how it works: if you lose, you increase your bet by one unit, and if you win, you decrease it by one unit. So, rather than doubling your bet each time as with the Martingale, it’s a little more even-keeled risk-wise.
It works best with even-money bets, like red or black, where you have better odds. Many players appreciate D'Alembert for its simplicity and lower risk compared to systems like Martingale. It’s great for those who want to play longer without the stress of big bet jumps. If you’re looking for a more relaxed strategy that can stretch out your session, this one’s for you.
Other Popular Roulette Strategies
The Labouchere and Paroli systems are two popular roulette strategies worth noting here too. The Labouchere System involves creating a betting sequence based on how much you want to win, breaking that amount down into smaller units. For example, if you want to win $10, you might write a sequence like 1-2-3-4. You then bet the sum of the first and last numbers; if you win, you cross them off, and if you lose, you add your bet to the end of the sequence.
On the other hand, the Paroli System focuses on increasing your bets after each win. You start with a base bet and double it after a win, aiming to ride the wave of a winning streak while keeping your initial stake safe. If you lose, you simply return to your base bet.
Choosing the right strategy really depends on your playing style. Some strategies, like Martingale and D'Alembert, focus on adjusting bets based on wins and losses. These methods can have you basking in the glory of a big stack if you hit a lucky winning streak, but they can also drain your bankroll if luck turns its back on you. Others, like Labouchere and Paroli, offer a more structured approach. Ask yourself about your risk tolerance and play preferences, and pick a tactic that checks those boxes.
Tips for Successful Online Roulette Play
Managing Your Bankroll Effectively
Whether you’re a high roller or a penny pincher, everything begins with setting your betting limits. Make a game plan before you hit the roulette table and decide how much you’re willing to spend. But the key, of course, is sticking to this plan. Be wary of emotional swings - playing on tilt can lead you to chase losses or stray from your strategy. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but remember that the ultimate goal is always entertainment and fun.
Understanding Roulette Odds and Probability
Understanding roulette odds and probability is essential for a better roulette experience. First off, start with the house edge, which varies depending on your roulette table: American roulette has a higher edge of 5.26% due to its extra double zero (00) pocket, while European roulette offers better odds with a house edge of just 2.7%, thanks to its single zero (0). Being aware of these differences can help you make more informed betting decisions.
Calculating potential payouts is straightforward. For example, if you bet on a single number, the payout is 35 to 1, meaning you’d win $35 for a $1 bet, plus your original stake. For even-money bets, like red or black, you typically double your money if you win. These bets are often favoured for their lower risk and higher likelihood of winning, making strategies like D'Alembert or Paroli a good fit. No matter what the casino table or game, knowing your odds is always going to help you make the most of your experience.
When to Use Free Roulette Games
It’s doubtful you hit the golf course without first taking a few swings at the driving range. Consider free roulette games at your casino practice grounds. Play around with strategies, and experiment with different bets, while boosting your confidence - and it’s 100% risk-free. Plus, it’s still possible to get that same casino thrill when your stack builds and builds, even if those chips are virtual.
Just as standing beside a roulette table in a brick-and-mortar casino can build your knowledge, so can ‘watching’ LeoVegas Live Casino roulette games. Soak in the action, watch bets unfold in real-time, and see who’s making a good run for their money. It’s a fantastic way to learn from others and get a sense of how different strategies play out. Or, get hands-on experience playing a free online roulette game with a stack of virtual coins and see if you’re ready to put a roulette strategy to the test. Whether you're practicing or observing, these methods help you become a more informed and confident player when you hit the tables for real wins.
Recognizing and Avoiding Common Mistakes
If you’re new to roulette, we can’t stress enough the importance of learning the ropes - understanding roulette odds and betting options should be at the top of your list. Get familiar with the different types of roulette bets and their payouts, as once you know the reward, you can better assess the risk.
As with any casino table game, remember it’s just that - a game, and one where chance plays a hefty role. Meaning? It’s mostly out of your control - so thinking you can win in the long-term may be setting yourself up to disappointment, or worse, have you chasing losses.
Advanced Roulette Techniques
Tracking Patterns and Hot Numbers
We do it with the lottery, don’t we? Track numbers to see if they’re ‘hot’ or not. In roulette, looking for those ‘hot numbers’ or a red or black table storm can be intriguing, but is there any truth to it? While it can be fun to track patterns and see if certain numbers seem to come up more often, it’s important to remember that each spin of the wheel is independent. The odds remain the same for every number with each spin, meaning that a number that just hits doesn’t have a higher chance of hitting again. Best to do it as part of the fun rather than a reliable strategy.
Another common roulette myth - the gambler’s fallacy - is the misguided belief that certain numbers are ‘due’ to hit. For example, if a roulette wheel has landed on red several times in a row, someone might think that black is "due" to come up next. In reality, each spin is independent, and the odds remain the same regardless of previous results.
Roulette Wheel Bias
Roulette wheel bias is the idea that physical imperfections in a roulette wheel can lead to certain numbers coming up more frequently. There are historical examples where sharp-eyed players spotted patterns on specific wheels and used them to their advantage. For instance, players have successfully capitalized on biased wheels in brick-and-mortar casinos, where factors like wear and tear could influence outcomes.
However, this tactic doesn’t apply to online roulette. Online games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that each spin is completely random and fair, making it nearly impossible to identify any bias. So, while wheel bias can be an interesting topic, it’s not a strategy you can rely on when playing online.
Roulette Rules FAQ
What are the basic rules of roulette?
You bet on one of the 36 numbers (1–36) displayed on the roulette wheel. Additionally, you can wager on any combination of odd or even numbers. You win your bet with the number appearing at the wheel's top after it stops spinning.
What are the odds for specific types of bets on Roulette?
Even money bets like red/black or odd/even have the highest odds in roulette, around 48% percent.
What are the different types of bets that can be made on a Roulette table?
Two main types of roulette bets are inside and outside. Inside bets are made within the numeric grid and include number-centric bets like straight up, split, street, line bet, corner bet, and four & five number bets.
Off grid is for outside bets. Most commonly, it’s red vs black, even vs odd, or high vs low.
What are the different types of strategies for playing roulette?
Roulette strategies are often referred to as "betting systems" since they involve a series of betting plays rather than one-shot wins. The main idea is to control your bankroll and place calculated bets depending on the win or loss of the previous wager.
What are the minimum and maximum bets at the roulette table?
The exact bet amount is different for each online roulette game you can play at LeoVegas Canada. You can start playing with the lowest stake of 0.20 and up to 10,000 if you consider yourself a high roller.
How can I maximize my chances of winning at Roulette?
Checking the odds and payouts for each bet, managing your bankroll and following some of the roulette strategies increase your chances. However, always remember that roulette is a game of random chance on a wheel ruled by lady luck.
What are the different types of roulette?
Three main roulette variations are European, American and French. These classic games can also be played in brick-and-mortar casinos.
What is en prison rule in roulette?
If the 0 comes up on the European wheel, the even-money bet is "locked up," meaning it cannot be won or lost. For instance, if you placed a "red" wager and the ball landed on zero, your "red" wager will stand for the following round.
What is in la partage rule in roulette?
La partage is a French Roulette rule similar to the surrender rule in American Roulette; half of your bet is returned if the ball lands on zero.
What are the house edge percentages for roulette?
For the single zero roulette wheel (European and French variations), the house edge is 2,7%, and for double zero roulette (American version), it is 5,26%.
What are some common mistakes people make when playing roulette?
Some common mistakes are: not having a predefined budget, poor bankroll management, and not following the selected roulette strategy.
Is roulette easy to learn?
Roulette is one of the most simple casino games since it does not require any complex skills to start playing.
Can you bet on red and black at the same time?
You can, however, these two bets will effectively cancel each other, and you just receive your initial stake back.
Is roulette a skill or luck?
The outcome of the roulette game is completely random, and there is no particular skill involved. However, good bankroll management and some roulette strategies can help to improve the chances of winning long-term.
How do you place a roulette bet?
Placing a roulette bet at the online roulette table is quite easy: just click or place the chip with your bet on the number you want to bet on. Some roulette tables have options for saving your preferred bet types and patterns, and also some presets of the most popular bets.
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