Complete Roulette Guide 🎖️ Play Roulette Online Free & Real Money

Roulette is one of those casino games you’ve probably seen in every casino scene on TV or in movies—the spinning wheel, the little white ball bouncing around. It’s iconic. But if you’ve never played before, it might seem a bit intimidating. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. We’re going to break it down step-by-step so even if you’re a total beginner, by the end of this, you’ll know how to play like a pro and maybe even pick up a few tips to improve your chances.

How to Play Roulette #

But first things first, how exactly do you play roulette?

The goal in roulette is simple: predict where the little ball will land on the spinning wheel. Sounds easy, right? But there are actually tons of ways to place your bets, which makes it interesting. Let’s start with the basic setup:

Now here’s how it works:

• Place Your Bets: You put your chips on the table where you think the ball will land. There are a ton of betting options, from betting on a single number (which has a big payout but lower odds) to betting on a color or whether the number will be odd or even (better odds, smaller payout).
• The Spin: The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction. This is where things get fun because as the ball starts bouncing around, everyone’s waiting to see where it’ll finally stop.
• Payouts: If you guessed right, you win based on the odds of your bet. Missed? No biggie—place your next bet and try again.

Roulette is all about balancing risk and reward. You can play it safe with outside bets (more on that in a minute) or go all in on a single number and hope for a big payday.

Inside Bets #

Inside bets are bets placed on specific numbers inside the numbered grid on the roulette table. These bets are higher risk but offer bigger payouts. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main inside bets:

• Straight Bet: This is a bet on a single number. If the ball lands on your number, you win a massive 35:1 payout.
• Split Bet: A bet on two adjacent numbers on the grid. If the ball lands on either, you win 17:1.
• Street Bet: You bet on a row of three numbers. The payout here is 11:1.
• Corner Bet: A bet on four numbers in a square on the table. Pays 8:1.
• Line Bet: A bet on two adjacent rows, covering six numbers. Pays 5:1.

There are a few more inside bets, but these are the main ones that most people go for when they’re feeling lucky.

Outside Bets #

Outside bets are the safer option. They cover broader parts of the table and have better odds of winning, but the payouts are smaller. These bets are ideal for beginners or anyone who prefers to play conservatively. Here are the most common ones:

• Red or Black: You’re betting on whether the ball will land in a red or black pocket. The payout is 1:1.
• Odd or Even: Same concept, but you’re betting on whether the number will be odd or even. This also pays 1:1.
• Dozens: You can bet on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). If the ball lands in your dozen, you win 2:1.
• Columns: Similar to dozens, but you’re betting on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Payout is 2:1.

Advanced Bets (Call Bets) #

European and French roulette introduce a whole new range of betting options known as "call bets" or "French bets," which can be intimidating for beginners but are worth learning about if you want to step up your game.

Orphans (Orphelins) #

This bet covers the numbers not included in the two major sections of the wheel (Voisins du Zéro and Tiers du Cylindre). The Orphelins numbers are 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34. You place a bet to cover these scattered numbers, which can pay off nicely if one hits.

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero) #

This is a bet covering the 17 numbers closest to 0 on the wheel, from 22 to 25. This large bet covers almost half the wheel, and is popular among European roulette players.

Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel) #

This covers the 12 numbers opposite the 0 on the wheel, from 27 to 33. Players often use this bet when they want to cover a significant section of the wheel with one wager.

The Best Online Casinos to Play Roulette for Real Money #

Why Is Roulette So Popular? #

So why is roulette such a big deal? It’s been around for centuries, and it’s still one of the most played games in both online and land-based casinos. The appeal comes down to a few key reasons:

What Are the Odds of Winning at Roulette? #

Now, let’s talk numbers. The odds of winning at roulette depend on the type of bet you make and which version of the game you’re playing. In European roulette, which only has one zero, your odds are slightly better than in American roulette, which has both a zero and a double zero.

Here’s a quick look at the odds and payouts:

Bet Type	European Odds	American Odds	Payout Ratio
Straight (Single Number)	2.7%	2.6%	35:1
Split (Two Numbers)	5.4%	5.3%	17:1
Red/Black	48.6%	47.4%	1:1
Odd/Even	48.6%	47.4%	1:1

European roulette is the better option if you’re trying to maximize your chances since the single zero gives the house a lower edge.

Is Roulette Easier to Win Than Slots? #

Now, this is a question I get a lot: “Is roulette easier to win than slots?” The short answer is, yes—sort of. Slots are purely based on luck, and the house edge tends to be much higher than roulette. You can’t control anything in slots; it’s all random.

Roulette, on the other hand, gives you more control over your bets. You can play it safe with outside bets (which almost have a 50/50 chance) or go for riskier inside bets with bigger payouts. Plus, if you’re playing European roulette, the house edge is only 2.7%, which is far better than most slot games that have an edge between 4-10%.

How Does Roulette Compare to Other Table Games Like Baccarat and Blackjack? #

When it comes to comparing roulette with other popular table games like baccarat and blackjack, it really boils down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. Roulette is pure chance, while baccarat and blackjack introduce elements of strategy and decision-making that can influence the outcome.

Roulette is a hands-off game once you place your bet. You don’t have to make any decisions after the wheel starts spinning, and the results are purely random. This makes it more accessible for beginners or anyone who prefers a less mentally demanding game.

Blackjack, on the other hand, involves a lot more player control. You’re constantly making decisions like whether to hit, stand, double down, or split. The house edge in blackjack can be significantly reduced if you play with the right strategy (down to about 0.5%), which makes it a favorite for seasoned players who want to tilt the odds in their favor.

Baccarat is somewhere in between. The rules are simple, and the house edge is quite low (around 1.06% on the banker bet). Like roulette, baccarat doesn’t require much decision-making once you place your bet, but it offers more predictability than roulette due to its fixed rules. Baccarat is often preferred by high-rollers, but casual players also enjoy it for its simplicity and low house edge.

Each game has its charm, so it really depends on whether you want to rely on luck (roulette), skill (blackjack), or a balance of both (baccarat).

Variations of Roulette #

Now, let’s talk about the different versions of roulette, because not all wheels are created equal. There are several variations of the game, each with its own unique twists, and knowing the differences can really help you decide which one you prefer.

🇪🇺 European Roulette #

This is the most popular version, especially in online casinos. It has 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single zero. The single zero gives the house an edge of 2.7%, which is the lowest among the common roulette variations. If you’re playing for real money and want the best odds, European roulette is where you want to be.

🇺🇸 American Roulette #

American roulette is similar to European roulette, but with one major difference: it has an additional double zero (00), bringing the total number of pockets to 38. This extra zero bumps up the house edge to 5.26%, which is why many players avoid this version if they’re serious about minimizing their losses.

🇫🇷 French Roulette #

French roulette is very similar to European roulette (it also has 37 pockets), but it comes with two special rules—La Partage and En Prison—which significantly reduce the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%. These rules basically give you half your bet back if the ball lands on zero, making French roulette one of the most player-friendly versions.

Live Dealer Roulette #

If you miss the real casino vibe, live dealer roulette is the perfect solution. It’s an online version of roulette where you can play with a real-life dealer through a video stream. This adds an extra layer of excitement because you get the full casino experience without leaving your house. Most top casinos, like Stake.com, offer live roulette games, and they’re definitely worth checking out.

Mini Roulette #

This is a scaled-down version of the game with only 13 pockets (numbers 1-12 and a single zero). The smaller wheel means quicker rounds, but it also increases the house edge to around 7.69%, making it more of a fun, fast-paced option rather than a strategic one.

Multi Ball Roulette #

As the name suggests, this variation features multiple balls in play during each spin. You can have up to 10 balls spinning at once, which massively increases your chances of landing a winning number—but it also means you need to adjust your betting strategy. It’s chaotic, but in the best way.

Multi Wheel Roulette #

If one wheel isn’t enough action for you, try multi-wheel roulette. You place a single bet, but the outcome is decided across several wheels spinning simultaneously. While this ups the excitement, it also increases the complexity of your strategy since you’re essentially betting on multiple outcomes at once.

Advanced Strategies #

Now, if you’re serious about stepping up your roulette game, it’s time to talk strategies. Keep in mind, roulette is still a game of chance—no strategy will guarantee a win—but these systems can help you manage your bankroll and make the game more fun.

Martingale Strategy #

This is probably the most famous roulette strategy. The idea is simple: every time you lose, you double your bet. So when you eventually win, you recover all your losses and make a small profit. The catch? You need a big bankroll to keep doubling up after a losing streak, and there’s no guarantee the streak will end before you run out of cash.

Grand Martingale Strategy #

An aggressive twist on the classic Martingale, the Grand Martingale not only doubles your bet after a loss but also adds an extra unit. This makes it even riskier but with potentially bigger rewards. Use with caution!

D’Alembert Strategy #

If the Martingale feels too risky, the D’Alembert system is a more conservative option. Instead of doubling your bet after a loss, you just increase it by one unit. After a win, you decrease it by one unit. This keeps things more controlled, but don’t expect the same dramatic wins (or losses) as with Martingale.

Fibonacci Strategy #

Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…), this strategy involves betting according to the sequence after each loss. After a win, you move back two numbers in the sequence. It’s a balanced approach that aims to minimize losses while still chasing a win.

Andrucci Strategy #

This one is a little more complex. The Andrucci strategy involves observing the roulette wheel for a while to look for patterns or numbers that seem to hit more often. After identifying a "hot" number, you start betting on it. While this can work in short bursts, keep in mind roulette is designed to be random, so relying on patterns is risky.

James Bond Strategy #

This strategy is perfect for those who like a little flair. You’ll need a decent bankroll for this one. The idea is to cover more than half the table with a single bet. For example, with a $200 bankroll, you’d bet $140 on the high numbers (19-36), $50 on six numbers (13-18), and $10 on zero. If any of these hit, you’ll make a profit, except if the low numbers (1-12) hit—then you lose it all.

Paroli Strategy #

The Paroli system is all about positive progression. Instead of increasing your bet after a loss, you increase it after a win. This lets you capitalize on winning streaks while keeping your risk relatively low. It’s a good strategy for players who want to manage their bankroll conservatively.

Try Roulette for Free #

If you’re not ready to dive into real money roulette just yet, I highly recommend giving free roulette games a try first. Most online casinos, like Stake and Flush, offer free versions where you can practice and get a feel for the game before betting real money. It’s a great way to test out strategies and learn the ropes without any financial risk.

You can easily find these free games under the "play for fun" or "demo mode" sections of your favorite online casino. Just look for the roulette section, and you’ll be spinning the wheel in no time.

You can also try this game below:

My Personal Tips for Playing Roulette #

Alright, now that you know how to play, understand the different variations, and have a few strategies in your back pocket, let me share some personal tips I’ve picked up over the years. These are the things I wish someone had told me when I started playing roulette—it could have saved me some frustration (and probably some money, too).

1. Stick to European Roulette Whenever Possible #

This is hands down my biggest tip. The difference between European and American roulette may seem small (just that extra double zero), but it can have a huge impact on your odds. European roulette has a house edge of 2.7%, while American roulette is a much higher 5.26%. Always choose European if you want to give yourself the best chance of walking away with some winnings.

2. Start with Outside Bets #

When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to go for those big 35:1 payouts on a single number bet. But trust me, you’re much better off playing it safe with outside bets—at least until you’re more comfortable. Outside bets like red/black, odd/even, or dozens give you nearly a 50/50 chance of winning and are a great way to stretch your bankroll and stay in the game longer.

3. Set a Bankroll and Stick to It #

This is true for any casino game, but especially for roulette. It’s super easy to get caught up in the excitement, especially when you’re on a losing streak and trying to win it all back (hello, Martingale!). Before you sit down to play, set a budget for how much you’re willing to lose, and don’t go over it. Once you hit that number, walk away. Roulette will always be there tomorrow.

4. Don’t Chase Losses #

This goes hand in hand with the bankroll tip. Losing streaks happen, and there’s no "hot streak" or pattern that guarantees you’ll win back what you’ve lost. Chasing losses by increasing your bets (especially in strategies like Martingale) can get you into deep water fast. Stick to your plan, and don’t let emotions take over.

5. Test Strategies in Free Games First #

Before you put real money on the line, try testing different strategies in free roulette games. This way, you can get a feel for how each system works, and more importantly, how you handle it emotionally. Do you stay calm when you lose a few in a row? Are you comfortable doubling up after every loss? Free games let you figure out what works best for you without any financial risk.

6. Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses #

Most online casinos offer bonuses, and you’d be crazy not to take advantage of them. Whether it’s a welcome bonus, a reload bonus, or cashback offers, these can give you extra money to play with. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions, as not all bonuses are created equal. Some might have wagering requirements that are tough to meet, so you’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting into before you claim one. That being said, bonuses can be a great way to boost your bankroll and give you more chances to play roulette without risking your own cash.

7. Watch the Table for a Few Spins Before You Join #

If you’re playing at a live dealer table or even a physical casino, it’s a good idea to watch the game for a few rounds before jumping in. This helps you get a feel for the pace of the game and observe any trends or patterns. While it won’t necessarily affect your odds, it can give you some extra confidence when you finally place your bets.

8. Know When to Walk Away #

This one might sound obvious, but it’s harder than you think in the heat of the moment. Set a profit goal before you start playing—something realistic, like doubling your bankroll. Once you hit that goal, cash out. It’s easy to get greedy and keep playing, but the house edge is always working against you. Knowing when to walk away is key to walking out a winner.

9. Mix Up Your Bets #

One thing that keeps roulette fun is the variety of bets you can place. If you stick to just red/black or odd/even, the game can start to feel repetitive. So, once you’re comfortable, try mixing in some inside bets, like splits or streets, to keep things interesting. Just be sure to balance your risk by placing some safer outside bets alongside them.

10. Have Fun #

At the end of the day, roulette is a game of chance. You can use all the strategies in the world, but no system will guarantee you a win. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience and not get too caught up in the outcome. As long as you’re playing responsibly, roulette can be one of the most thrilling games in the casino.