Fancy having a flutter on the wheel? Roulette is one of the most iconic games in the casino – simple, exciting, and full of “ooh, so close!” moments. Whether you’re a newbie or just need a quick refresher, here’s your no-nonsense guide to how roulette works, how to place your bets, and what the deal is with all those numbers spinning around.
The Basics – How Roulette Works
Roulette (from the French for “little wheel”) is all about guessing where a small white ball will land after the dealer – also known as the croupier – gives the wheel a spin. The table layout might look a bit intimidating at first, but don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks.
There are 37 or 38 numbered pockets on the wheel, depending on the version (we’ll get to that in a sec). Numbers range from 1 to 36, alternating red and black, and there’s a green zero (0) – plus a sneaky double zero (00) if you’re playing American-style.
💷 Placing Your Bets – Inside and Outside
Bets in roulette fall into two main camps: inside bets and outside bets. Let’s break that down.
🎯 Inside Bets (Higher risk, bigger payouts)
These are bets placed on the numbered section of the table:
- Straight up – Pick a single number. Pays 35 to 1. Feeling lucky?
- Split – Bet on two numbers next to each other by placing your chip on the line between them. Pays 17 to 1.
- Street – Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (or Square) – Four numbers in a square. Pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line – Two rows of three numbers (six total). Pays 5 to 1.
🌍 Outside Bets (Lower risk, smaller payouts)
Great for beginners and those who like a steadier ride.
- Red or Black – Bet on the colour. Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even – Guess if the number will be odd or even. Pays 1 to 1.
- High or Low – 1-18 or 19-36. Also pays 1 to 1.
- Dozens – 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Pays 2 to 1.
- Columns – Vertical column of 12 numbers. Pays 2 to 1.
So, chip down, fingers crossed, and hope Lady Luck is smiling at you.
🇪🇺 European vs 🇺🇸 American Roulette – Spot the Difference
Here’s a tip: if you’ve got the choice, go European.
Why? European roulette has a single zero (0), while American roulette adds a double zero (00). That extra green pocket might seem harmless, but it bumps the house edge up from 2.7% to a chunky 5.26%. That means your odds are just that little bit better on the Euro version.
If you’re playing online, most sites offer both – just look for the wheel layout before you dive in.
Casino Slang – Talk Like a Pro
- The Wheel – That spinning beast at the heart of it all.
- The Ball – That little white devil that never lands where you want it to.
- Croupier – The dealer who spins the wheel and calls the results.
- House Edge – The built-in advantage the casino has over time.
- Martingale – A betting strategy where you double your stake after every loss (risky business, mind you).
A Word on Responsible Gambling
Roulette is a cracking game for fun and excitement – but it’s still gambling. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill and chase your losses. That’s when it stops being a bit of fun and turns into a problem.
Remember: never bet more than you can afford to lose, set limits, and take breaks. The wheel will still be there tomorrow. If you’re feeling out of control or worried about your gambling, don’t be afraid to talk to someone or seek help. There are brilliant organisations like BeGambleAware.org that are there to support you.
🎲 Play smart. Have fun. And may your number come in!
