If there ever was a game that evokes the casino thrill, it's Roulette. The rules are easy; all it takes is to place your bets strategically. Browse our selection of Online Roulette Casinos and add some of that land-based casino glamour to your playing routine.
What Is Roulette?
A spinning wheel and a ball are the two fundamental components of the classic casino game of roulette. The roulette rules are simple: the player bets that the ball thrown by the croupier or the software will land on a certain number on the wheel.
Conveniently, the game is available in virtually all online casinos.
Online Roulette
Considered by many to be one of the most fun and exciting games, roulette is popular all over the world. On this page, you can consult the list of online casinos that offer roulette games and select the ones you prefer.
Land-Based Roulette
The classic game of roulette has its origins in land-based casinos, where players place their bets before a real dealer together with other players participating in the game. Just as you've seen in the many films dedicated to the numbered wheel!
Roulette Wheel Numbers
Players have always had their favourites among roulette wheel numbers. The most popular are the numbers 3, 7, 17, 23, and 24. These numbers have been lucky charms for various reasons: historical, numerological, and, of course, a bit superstitious. Some numbers gained their reputation during periods when roulette wheels in land-based casinos were not always well aligned, leading to certain numbers appearing more frequently than others.
Whether caused by religious, personal, or empirical beliefs (and misbeliefs), these roulette wheel numbers have remained popular among players. Understanding their role and significance can add an extra layer of excitement to this already mysterious game.
Variations of the Roulette Game
Like most casino games, this classic and timeless game has evolved over time, resulting in several variations. The underlying setup remained the same; however, casinos have introduced certain changes that affect the odds and strategy.
Here are the most common versions of roulette:
- European Roulette, with a single green zero on the wheel and 36 numbers in red and black, for a total of 37 pockets;
- American Roulette, featuring both 0 and 00 pockets, for a total of 38 pockets;
- French Roulette, with one zero but with the addition of La Partage and En Prison rules;
- Video Roulette, the online version played against the software.
European Roulette
European, aka single-zero Roulette, has a total of 37 pockets on the wheel, scattered in random order, with eighteen of them red and another eighteen of them black. The zero is the only pocket in green.
What you will like in the European version of the game are the odds. Due to having only a single zero, European Roulette's house edge is 2.70%, compared to 5.26% in the American version.
American Roulette
In American Roulette, the goal is the same - play to win: guess the number on the wheel where the ball will come to rest. However, a slight difference affects the odds of winning considerably.
Unlike its European counterpart, American Roulette has both a single and a double zero, increasing the house edge in the casino's favour. You might say that the American variation of roulette is made for the thrill-seeking gamblers who enjoy even more excitement at the casino.
French Roulette
French Roulette variation borrows the wheel from European Roulette, meaning it has only one zero pocket. The bets you can place in French Roulette are the same as in any other version, but two additional rules govern the gameplay: La Partage and En Prison.
La Partage means 'the divide' in French and is a rule valid only for even-money outside bets (e.g. high-low, even-odd, or red-black wagers).
When the 'La Partage' rule is in place, any time the ball falls on the zero pocket, the croupier splits all even money bets in half, retaining half for the house and returning the other half to the player. What's good about the La Partage rule is that it reduces the house edge considerably: from 2.70% to 1.35%.
Likewise, the 'En Prison' rule covers only even-money outside bets. Should the ball land on a zero, the dealer marks the bet indicating it is 'en prison' or 'in prison'. If you're lucky on the next spin, you get your initial bet back in full. So if you bet $50 on, say, even numbers, and an even number follows the zero, you get your $50 back. However, if the ball hits an odd number, you lose the whole bet.
Video Roulette
Video roulette is a cabinet-based or online variation of the casino classic.
Most video roulette games share a similar design, with the screen split into two segments. The top display generally shows the wheel and the results of a certain number of previous spins, whereas the bottom screen displays the betting table, where players place their bets.
Also, most machines show you the percentage of the wheel you cover, giving you a solid idea of your chances of winning.
Real Money Roulette vs Free Roulette
As in any other online casino game, software providers let you try the roulette games before putting in your money.
Playing roulette for free lets you explore the game's rules and layout, adapt to them, and practise your way around before you're sure you've found a suitable game. Say you want to try American Roulette for the first time: playing in fun mode will surely come in handy, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the higher house edge and the double zero wheel.
Likewise, once you get a hold of a particular roulette variation, you can place your bets more confidently, knowing what inside and outside bets entail and being familiar with, say, En Prison and La Partage rules in the French version of the game.
Why Should You Play Roulette Online?
Well, for one, it's the convenience. When you choose Roulette Online, you can play wherever you are without visiting a land-based casino. Also, you have a more diverse selection of roulette versions at your disposal, unlike a single, most popular variation you get at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Another vital advantage of playing Roulette Online is the option to play in fun mode. That way, you can practise all you want, using fake credits, and develop your strategy at your own pace, unbothered by the time limit to place your bet or other players rushing you to decide on which numbers you want to bet.
A Guide to Playing Online Roulette
To help you navigate the world of online roulette, we compiled a simple yet helpful guide to playing online roulette. With a couple of simple tips and most popular strategies, on top of the roulette odds basics, you can master this casino classic in no time!
Ready? Let's roll!
How to Play Online Roulette
To make this short guide to playing roulette online more convenient for you, we created a 4-step template for you to follow:
- Find an online casino - Seeing you've come to AskGamblers significantly shortens the time you need to find the right online casino, as all of our casinos are trustworthy and ready to accept new players. Just scroll up and down the list of online roulette casinos and pick whichever you find the most suitable and in line with your preferences.
- Pick a roulette game - Live dealer or video roulette? The choice is all yours. live dealer games are your go-to if you enjoy the feel of a land-based casino.
- Place your bets - Choose the chip size and place your bets. Video roulette usually doesn't involve a time limit on bets, so you can take your sweet time without worrying about getting on anybody's nerves.
- Spin the wheel and wait for the outcome - Once you press the spin button, the when will start turning and your heart pumping. After the ball settles into a pocket, thanks to a random number generator (in video roulette), you will learn whether you were lucky or not!
Roulette Strategy
Among numerous roulette strategies, we picked three that are the most popular among roulette players:
#1 The Martingale System
The Martingale system is undoubtedly the most popular strategy in online Roulette. The concept is simple: you double your bet after every loss, so when you finally win, you get all your lost money back and start betting with the initial amount.
If applying the Martingale system, seasoned punters advise to bet on even-money outside bets (e.g. 1-18, 19-36, Red-Black, Even-Odd) as the outside bets account for a nearly 50% chance of winning.
Although quite simple, the Martingale system is frowned upon by many experienced gamblers as a somewhat risky strategy.
#2 D'Alembert System
The D'Alembert system is another common roulette strategy, whereby you place your wagers on even-money outside bets. Instead of doubling the stake after each losing bet, the D'Alembert adds a single unit to the stake. When and if you win, the stake decreases by one unit.
Although nobody can guarantee that you will win with the D'Alembert system, one of its primary advantages is that it keeps your stakes in check. That is, at least in the short run.
#3 The Fibonacci System
The Fibonacci system is among the safest strategies in Roulette. The system is based on the Fibonacci sequence of numbers, where the following number equals the sum of the previous two.
The Fibonacci system advises you to bet by adding the last two bets together. That way, you might leave the casino with a profit, despite losing more rounds than you win.
Roulette Odds
To understand odds in roulette, familiarising yourself with the types of bets in this casino classic is essential. This will help you navigate the gameplay, making the most of each bet. So let's break down the odds in each betting type and for both American and European wheel variation.
We will start with outside bets as they offer higher odds of winning. Naturally, higher odds imply lower payouts, so if you don't enjoy taking risks, betting on outside bets is your way to go:
#1 Red/Black; Odd/Even; High/Low
- Payout: 1:1
- European Roulette odds: 48.65%
- American Roulette odds: 47.37%
#2 Column; Dozen
- Payout: 2:1
- European Roulette odds: 32.4%
- American Roulette odds: 31.6%
The so-called inside bets offer significantly lower odds but, in turn, offer substantially higher payouts. Here's the breakdown:
#3 Straight Bet
A straight bet means you're betting on a single number, red or black.
- Payout: 35:1
- European Roulette odds: 2.7%
- American Roulette odds: 2.6%
#4 Split Bet
A split bet is made on any two adjacent numbers, vertically or horizontally.
- Payout: 17:1
- European Roulette odds: 5.4%
- American Roulette odds: 5.3%
#5 Street Bet
A street bet is made when placing your chips on the sequence of three consecutive numbers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 16, 17, 18, or 28, 29, 39, etc.).
- Payout: 11:1
- European Roulette odds: 8.2%
- American Roulette odds: 7.9%
#6 Corner Bet
Placing your chip at the corner of four numbers.
- Payout: 8:1
- European Roulette odds: 10.8%
- American Roulette odds: 10.5%
#7 Basket Bet (Five-Number Bet)
A bet placed on both 0 and 00 pockets, and 1, 2, 3. It is also known as the worst-odds bet, so we advise you to avoid it.
- Payout: 6:1
- European Roulette odds: N/A
- American Roulette odds: 13.2%
#8 Double Street Bet
This type of bet is essentially betting on two streets or two sequences of consecutive numbers; it is placed by putting your chips on the border of the numbered grid, right between the two streets.
- Payout: 5:1
- European Roulette odds: 16.2%
- American Roulette odds: 15.8%
As you can see, the odds are generally higher in European Roulette, thanks to the wheel with only one 0 pocket, so pick the European variation to increase your winning chances.
Roulette Tips
Roulette is the queen of games of chance, and not a single person, or computer, in the world can predict where the ball will settle. However, knowing the roulette odds and strategically placing your bets can substantially lower your losses and increase your chances of winning.
Here are a few tips that can help you emerge as the winner on your next visit to the roulette table:
Practice and prepare for the game
The odds of different bets in roulette vary greatly. The only way to know what you're doing is to read and memorise the odds of each betting type so that you can manage your bankroll better and make the most of it.
Pick the roulette variation wisely
If you can't decide between American or European roulette, the best way is to learn the odds of each roulette type. For beginners, we would recommend European Roulette, given that it has a lower house edge.
Stick to outside bets
Outside bets are for players primarily interested in getting paid out more frequently. Also, you can stick to the minimum bet to stay on the safe side.
Placing two outside bets that are equal in size, say, on red and even, gives you a decent payout chance, even though it won't increase your winnings drastically. After all, roulette should be about having fun, not necessarily winning big cash.
Roulette Bonus
One of the upsides of playing online roulette is taking advantage of casino bonuses that boost your deposits. For example, new players can activate a welcome bonus and receive a credit to start spinning the roulette wheel.
Other bonuses are the reload bonus, which credits a sum based on the player's deposit or a cashback bonus, which returns part of the lost bets to the player's casino account.
Best Roulette Online Tournaments
You can also play online roulette by participating in real tournaments that offer the opportunity to challenge other players.
Each tournament is organised with specific rules: based on these, you can select the best tournaments, evaluating the minimum buy-in required and the other requirements, such as the number of chips credited or the duration of participation in the game.
