How to Play Roulette – Learn All About the Game Rules

Basic Roulette Rules

Roulette revolves around a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball. The dealer launches the ball along the wheel, and it eventually lands in one of the pockets. The goal is to predict where the ball will land based on several betting options. Understanding these core mechanics is essential for learning how to play roulette, as they apply to all versions of the game. Familiarise yourself with the rules to make informed decisions and enjoy the game more effectively.

Roulette is available in three main versions: French, European, and American, all of which can be played both online and in physical casinos. If you’re looking to explore these variations, the best roulette sites offer a range of RNG and live dealer games for you to try. While the core principles remain the same, key differences such as the number of pockets, house edge, and specific rules affect the probabilities and payouts. The following sections will dive into these distinctions and how they influence your overall gameplay.

Roulette Wheel – How It Works?

Modern roulette wheels are precision-engineered for balance and smooth rotation. They can spin in either direction, while the ball is always launched in the opposite direction. The ball must complete at least three revolutions for a valid spin. Between the ball track and wheel, eight metallic diamonds, shaped like elongated lozenges, are evenly spaced to disrupt the ball’s movement and shorten spin duration, with half positioned parallel and the rest perpendicular to the wheel’s radius. These diamonds help control the spin speed and enhance the randomness of the ball’s landing.

One of the fascinating aspects of roulette is the arrangement of pocket numbers and colours. European and French roulette have 37 pockets (0-36), while American roulette adds a 38th pocket with a double zero. The numbers are not in consecutive order, and half the pockets are red, half are black, with the zeroes (single or double) always green. Neighbouring pockets on the wheel are never the same colour.

The Roulette Table – How to Work with It?

Knowing how to play roulete at a casino depends a lot on your understanding of bet placement. The roulette table consists of a layout where chips can be placed, and the actual wheel operated by the dealer. We already described the main features of the wheel in the paragraph above. Now let’s look at the layout and how it’s organised. As you can see in the picture below, the layout represents the pockets on the wheel. However, here we have a different order because the layout’s purpose is to facilitate multiple types of bets.

On the inside, we have the numbers from 1 to 36 in consecutive order, distributed in 3 columns and 12 rows. The zero is placed on top in a green field. On the outside, there are areas that allow placing high probability bets on outcomes covering multiple numbers. Outside bets include:

It’s important to note that inside bets can be made for multiple outcomes too. This is done by placing your chips in a way that covers more than one facet of the layout. For more details about bet types, probabilities and layouts, check the following paragraph.

Rules of Roulette – Bets and Payouts

As mentioned above, there’s a variety of bets you can place in a roulette game. This allows for diverse approaches and strategies that players can apply. Probability and payouts are in a very broad range. The main dependency here is that the lower the odds, the higher the payouts, and vice versa. In other words, riskier bets get higher rewards when you win and they are preferred by many players of high stakes roulette, but the chances to win are lower. The most profitable bets, however, are those with the lowest payouts. The probability there is a little less than 50%, resulting in a high long-term return to player. Check the table below to compare the payouts and probabilities for the different bet types in roulette. The given odds are for European and French roulette. The odds for American roulette are between 0.2% and 1.2% lower than the ones listed below.

We already explained the different types of outside bets. They allow you to bet on an outcome that includes a range of numbers. This is also possible with inside bets. All you need to do is place your chip in a way that it covers 2 or more facets of the layout. A corner bet, for instance, covers four numbers, by placing the chip over the intersecting lines separating the facets. Examples of corner bets are 4, 5, 7, 8, or 26, 27, 29, 30.

Keep in mind that your chips can be spread in many stacks across the entire layout. This allows players to make elaborate bet combinations. In such situations, every winning bet in the combination is awarded according to the payout table. However, the overall probability of these complicated wagers, and hence the risk, is much harder to calculate.

Roulette Variations and Their Rules

We already mentioned briefly the three main versions of roulette. Now it’s time to explain in greater detail how they differ from one another and what are their pros and cons. There’s no difference in the way the game is conducted. Bets are also played in the same way. Bet combinations are allowed in all versions.

The main distinction is in the number of pockets on the wheel. French and European roulette have identical order of the numbers and colours of the pockets. American roulette stands out with one additional green pocket numbered with double zero. This increases the house edge to 5.26%, compared to only 2.7% for European roulette. Also, at American roulette, the order of the numbers is not identical.

European Roulette Rules

European roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets. Those numbered from 1-36 are either black or red. The zero pocket is green. In roulette, the zero is neither red nor black, even, odd, high or low. Also, it’s not included in any dozen, street, line or column. In European roulette, if you make any of these bets and the ball hits zero, this is a definite loss. The table layout is quite similar to the one in French roulette and allows the same types of bets. The only major difference is that the European version uses the English language. Here’s a shortlist of the unique features in European roulette:

• The wheel features a single zero;
• Zero results in a definite loss for Red / Black, Even / Odd, and High / Low bets;
• Highest possible odds are 48.64%;
• House edge is 2.70%;
• The layout is in English;

The role of the zero is pivotal for the game’s house advantage and the theoretical return to player. It means that even for the bets with the highest odds (e.g. Red / Black), there are 19 losing outcomes versus 18 winnings. This results in a house edge of approximately 2.70%, or 97.30% RTP. This is better than American roulette, where the double zero further decreases your winning odds. However, the house advantage is higher than in French roulette where special rules apply.

American Roulette – Learn How to Play

As mentioned on a couple of occasions, the main feature of American roulette is the double zero wheel. Also, the order of the numbers on the wheel, and the layout respectively, is different than in French or European roulette. This makes the American version riskier even when players stick to high probability bets. Here are the main distinctions of American roulette:

• The wheel has an additional pocket numbered with double zero, making the total number of pockets 38;
• Both the single and the double zero result in a definite loss for even-money bets;
• Highest possible odds are 47.37%;
• House edge is 5.26%;
• The layout is in English;

The additional zero pocket makes a big difference by reducing the winning odds. The highest probability bets have 18 winnings versus 20 losing outcomes. Therefore, the house edge in American roulette is 5.26%, and the RTP is 94.74%. This makes it the least favourable of all roulette versions.

French Roulette – All the Rules

French roulette is known for its lower house edge, thanks to unique rules like La Partage. This rule allows players to recover half their bet when the ball lands on zero during even-money bets, reducing the house edge to 1.35%. Another version of this rule, En Prison, lets players hold their bet for the next spin. While the layout is in French and differs slightly—such as the dozen bets being positioned differently—it’s easy to understand with a bit of practice.

Advanced Roulette Rules – La Partage and En Prison

Both La Partage and En Prison are rules unique to French roulette but cannot be applied simultaneously, as they offer different outcomes for the same scenario. The more common La Partage rule splits even-money bets when zero lands, with half going to the player, boosting the RTP to 98.65%.

En Prison, on the other hand, allows the bet to remain on the table for the next spin instead of losing half. In this case, zero is neither a win nor a loss for even-money bets, giving the player a second chance. Both rules are simple and easy to follow.

How to Play Roulette – Our Top Tips

Understanding how to play roulette means knowing the basic rules. To get better, practice is key. New players might feel unsure, so here are some essential tips to make your start easier:

• Choose European or French Roulette – These versions have a lower house edge, making them a better choice. Avoid American roulette due to its higher house advantage.
• Practice with Free Demo Versions – Many online casinos offer demo games once you have registered. These are a great way to learn without risking real money.
• Understand the House Edge – The casino always has an advantage, so keep in mind that the house wins over time.
• Ask the Dealer if You’re Unsure – The croupier is there to help. In online games, check the help section for rules.
• Set Limits and Play Responsibly – Decide how much you can spend before playing. When you reach your limit, stop and walk away.

The right mindset is key to playing roulette successfully. However, it’s essential to remember that luck plays a major role in the game. Avoid falling into the trap of superstitions and false beliefs, as these can mislead you. Focus on the basics and steer clear of relying on myths. Finally, choose games with a low house edge and make sensible bets that don’t carry excessive risk.

Play Roulette for Real Money

Once you understand the rules of roulette and the odds of the main bet types, you can begin playing with real money. We’ve already highlighted the significance of the casino’s advantage. Since the house edge differs between roulette versions, it’s wise to choose games with better odds.

It’s best to avoid American roulette due to its higher house edge. While it’s not a bad game and still ranks among the top 10 casino games with good odds, there are more favourable options available. Opting for these games gives you a better chance in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide covers a lot of information, and we know roulette can be confusing at first with so many details to consider. If you have any questions, check the following Q&A for answers to the most common roulette queries.

More Roulette Guides

We hope this guide sparked your interest in roulette. If you’re eager to try it out, spend some time with our detailed guides. While knowing the rules is essential, there’s more to explore. We’ve prepared separate pages covering the table layout, an advanced guide on bets, odds, and payouts, and a review of popular roulette strategies for those looking to deepen their understanding.