The Appeal of Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, instantly recognizable by its spinning wheel and bouncing ball. Its appeal lies in its variety — you can make simple, near-50/50 bets or speculative long-shot wagers depending on your preference. Before you play, understanding the layout of the table and what each bet means is essential.
European vs. American Roulette: Know the Difference
There are two main versions of roulette, and the difference has a significant impact on the house edge:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 + a single zero). House edge: approximately 2.7%
- American Roulette: 38 pockets (numbers 1–36 + single zero + double zero). House edge: approximately 5.26%
For purely educational terms: European roulette is generally considered more favourable to the player due to the lower house edge. When given a choice, understanding which version you're playing is important.
Inside Bets: Higher Risk, Higher Reward
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main numbered grid.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Single number | 35:1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 |
| Corner | Four numbers in a square | 8:1 |
| Six Line | Six numbers (two rows) | 5:1 |
Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Lower Reward
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and are placed in the outer sections of the betting layout. These are popular with beginners due to their higher probability of winning on any given spin.
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | Colour of the winning number | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | Whether the number is odd or even | 1:1 |
| High / Low | Numbers 1–18 or 19–36 | 1:1 |
| Dozen | 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36 | 2:1 |
| Column | One of three vertical columns | 2:1 |
Understanding Why the Zero Matters
The zero (and double zero in American roulette) is what gives the house its edge. Outside bets like Red/Black pay 1:1, but the zero is neither red nor black — when the ball lands on zero, all outside bets typically lose. This is why the payouts don't perfectly reflect the true probabilities.
Common Roulette Misconceptions
- "The ball is due to land on red." Each spin is independent. Past results have no influence on future outcomes.
- "Betting systems guarantee wins." No betting system overcomes a negative expected value game in the long run.
- "Inside bets are always better." Higher payouts come with proportionally lower probability — the expected value remains the same regardless of bet type.
Tips for Understanding the Game
- Always check whether you're playing European or American roulette
- Start with outside bets to familiarise yourself with the game flow
- Note whether the table uses "La Partage" or "En Prison" rules — these can return half your stake on outside bets when zero hits, reducing the house edge further
- Set a clear budget for each session before you begin