How To Play Roulette
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Understanding the Roulette Wheel: Game Overview
The roulette wheel is the centerpiece of the game and determines the outcome of each round. In European and French roulette, the wheel contains 37 numbered pockets (0-36), with the zero colored green and the remaining numbers alternating between red and black. American roulette wheels have 38 pockets, adding a double zero (00) that's also colored green.
During gameplay, you'll see the wheel spin in one direction while a small ball spins in the opposite direction around the outer edge. As the ball loses momentum, it bounces around before settling into one of the numbered pockets. This number (and its corresponding color) determines which bets win.
Online roulette games typically provide a clear view of both the wheel and the resulting number. Many also include a history board or statistics panel showing recent winning numbers, often displayed as a sequence of numbers or as red/black/green indicators. While these history panels can be interesting to look at, remember that each spin is completely independent of previous results.
Choosing a Roulette Table to Play: Gameplay Setup
When you open the roulette section of an online casino, you'll see several game options. The three main variations you'll encounter are European, French, and American roulette. European roulette features a single zero (0) and offers better odds compared to American roulette, which has both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00) pocket. French roulette is similar to European but sometimes includes player-friendly rules like La Partage, which returns half your stake on even-money bets when zero hits.
Beyond these variations, you'll need to choose between RNG and live dealer games. RNG roulette uses computer graphics to simulate the wheel and offers instant results with typically lower minimum bets (often starting at $0.10-$1). Live dealer roulette streams a real croupier spinning a physical wheel and creates a more authentic casino atmosphere, though minimum bets are usually higher (typically $1-$5).
Pay close attention to the betting limits displayed on each table. For beginners, tables with lower minimums allow you to learn the game without risking too much on each spin. If you're just starting out, European roulette with a low minimum bet is your best choice for learning the basics.
Understanding the Roulette Table Layout
The betting layout is where you'll interact most with the game. It's designed as a grid featuring all the numbers from the wheel, organized in a specific pattern that allows for various betting combinations. The layout is divided into two main areas: the inside betting area and the outside betting area.
The inside betting area consists of the numbered grid containing 1-36 (plus 0 and 00 in American roulette). Each number appears in its corresponding color—red or black—while zeros appear in green. This area allows for bets on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers. Surrounding this grid is the outside betting area, which contains boxes for larger groups of numbers. Here you'll find options for betting on:
- Red or Black (covering 18 numbers of that color)
- Odd or Even (covering 18 numbers)
- 1-18 or 19-36 (covering the low or high half of numbers)
- Dozens (three sections covering 12 numbers each: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36)
- Columns (three vertical lines of 12 numbers each)
How to Place Bets in Online Roulette (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Select your chip value
Before you can place bets, you need to specify how much you want to wager. Look at the bottom of your screen for a row or stack of chips with different values. Click on your preferred denomination—common options include $1, $5, $25, $100, and higher values. Once selected, your cursor will change to show that chip value.
Choosing appropriate chip values is important for managing your bankroll effectively. If you're new to roulette or working with a smaller budget, start with the lowest denominations available. This gives you more spins and allows you to place multiple bets without quickly depleting your funds.
Step 2: Click or tap the betting area
For a straight bet on a single number, simply click directly on that number. Want to bet on red? Click the red diamond in the outside betting area. To place a split bet covering two adjacent numbers, click on the line between those numbers.
You can place multiple chips on the same bet by clicking repeatedly on the same spot. To spread your bets around, just click on different areas of the layout. Most games allow for multiple bet types in the same round—you might place some chips on black, others on your favorite number, and more on a specific column.
If you make a mistake or change your mind, most online roulette games offer ways to adjust your bets. You can typically right-click on a bet to remove a single chip, or look for "Clear Bets" or "Undo" buttons to start fresh. Some games also let you drag chips around the table to reposition them.
Step 3: Confirm bets before the timer ends
In live dealer roulette, a countdown timer shows how long you have to place your bets—usually 15-40 seconds. You must complete all your betting before this timer expires or when the dealer announces "no more bets." Any bets not placed in time will have to wait for the next round.
For RNG roulette games, you generally have unlimited time to decide on your bets. When you're satisfied with your wagers, click the "Spin" or "Play" button to start the wheel. Many RNG games also offer an auto-spin option that will continue playing multiple rounds using the same bet pattern.
Roulette Bet Types You Can Place While Playing (Gameplay View)
Outside Bets (simpler bets)
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, offering better chances of winning but with smaller payouts. These are perfect for beginners or players who prefer more frequent wins:
- Red/Black: A bet that the winning number will be the color you chose (pays 1:1)
- Odd/Even: A bet on whether the number will be odd or even (pays 1:1)
- High/Low: Betting on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high) (pays 1:1)
- Dozens: Betting on numbers 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 (pays 2:1)
- Columns: Betting on one of three vertical columns of numbers (pays 2:1)
What Happens After the Spin: Roulette Wheel Results
Once the wheel stops spinning and the ball lands in a pocket, the action moves quickly. The winning number and color are highlighted on both the wheel and table, and the software automatically identifies all winning bets. Any winning wagers are highlighted or animated, and your payout is instantly calculated and added to your balance. Losing bets are cleared from the table.
After payouts are complete, the game prepares for the next round. Most online roulette interfaces offer convenient options to speed up this process:
- Rebet: Automatically places the same bets as your previous spin
- Double: Places the same bets but doubles the amount on each
- Clear: Removes all previous bets so you can start fresh
Set a budget before you start playing, take your time learning the different bet types, and most importantly—enjoy the unique thrill that comes with watching that little ball bounce around the wheel before revealing your fate!
FAQ's
How do I start playing online roulette?
Can I play online roulette for free before betting real money?
When exactly can I place bets in online roulette?
Are online roulette spins fair and random?
What are the basic types of bets I can make in online roulette?
What happens if the roulette ball lands on zero?
Can I play online roulette on my phone or tablet?
