The Game Of Roulette

Play the best free roulette game with millions of players from all over the world! A realistic roulette table with 3D graphics, featuring all varieties of roulette: three-sector European, 'double zero' American and French with additional betting on sectors. Place bets, take risks, improve your skills, and gain experience! Experiment and win to become the best online roulette player! The origins of the game known as ‘roulette’ are shrouded in mystery. The most widely accepted version is that the first incarnation of the game was created by French math wizard and accomplished nerd Blaise Pascal somewhere in the 17th century, while he was hard. Roulette is a casino game played at a table that features 38 numbers, 2 colors, and a roulette wheel that has all of the same numbers and colors on it. At the beginning of the game, players place bets on the different spaces on the table. Roulette is one of the easiest games to play and understand in the casino. As usual the easier a game is to understand the greater the house edge, and roulette is no exception. If you are looking for a easy to understand and slow paced table game, and are willing to sacrifice on the house edge, then you may like roulette. Roulette is a casino game named after the French word meaning little wheel.In the game, players may choose to place bets on either a single number, various groupings of numbers, the colors red or black, whether the number is odd or even, or if the numbers are high (19–36) or low (1–18).

Roulette
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Writer and game designer. Author of Pokerhandboken, among others.

Roulette, (from French: “small wheel”), gambling game in which players bet on which red or black numbered compartment of a revolving wheel a small ball (spun in the opposite direction) will come to rest within. Bets are placed on a table marked to correspond with the compartments of the wheel. It is played in casinos worldwide. Roulette is a banking game, and all bets are placed against the bank—that is, the house, or the proprietor of the game. As a big-time betting game, it has had its popularity superseded in the United States and the Caribbean islands by others, notably craps, blackjack, and poker.

How To Play The Game Of Roulette

The Game Of Roulette

Fanciful stories about the origin of roulette include its invention by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, by a French monk, and by the Chinese, from whom it was supposedly transmitted to France by Dominican monks. In reality, roulette was derived in France in the early 18th century from the older games hoca and portique, and it is first mentioned under its current name in 1716 in Bordeaux. Following several modifications, roulette achieved its present layout and wheel structure about 1790, after which it rapidly gained status as the leading game in the casinos and gambling houses of Europe. During the years 1836 to 1933, roulette was banned in France.

Equipment

Roulette

The roulette table is composed of two sections, the wheel itself and the betting layout, better known as the roulette layout. There are two styles of roulette tables. One has a single betting layout with the roulette wheel at one end, and the other has two layouts with the wheel in the centre. The wheel spins horizontally.

Heading the layout design, which is printed on green baize, is a space containing the figure 0 (European style) or the figures 0 and 00 (American style, although such wheels were used also in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries). The main portion of the design is composed of 36 consecutively numbered rectangular spaces, alternately coloured red and black and arranged in three columns of 12 spaces each, beginning with 1 at the top and concluding with 36 at the bottom. Directly below the numbers are three blank spaces (on some layouts these are marked “2 to 1” and are located on the players’ side of the table). On either side of these or along one side of the columns are rectangular spaces marked “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” and “3rd 12” on American-style layouts. On European-style layouts these terms are “12p” (première), “12m” (milieu), and “12d” (dernière douzaine). Six more spaces are marked “red” (rouge), “black” (noir), “even” (pair), “odd” (impair), “1–18” (low, or manque), and “19–36” (high, or passe).

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Roulette

The roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape. Around its rim are metal partitions known as separators or frets, and the compartments or pockets between these are called canoes by roulette croupiers. Thirty-six of these compartments, painted alternately red and black, are numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. On European-style wheels a 37th compartment, painted green, carries the sign 0, and on American wheels two green compartments on opposite sides of the wheel carry the signs 0 and 00. The wheel, its spindle perfectly balanced, spins smoothly in an almost frictionless manner.

The standard roulette table employs up to 10 sets of wheel checks (usually called chips). Each set is differently coloured; each traditionally consists of 300 chips; and there is one set for each player. The chips usually have a single basic value, although some casinos also sell chips of lesser value. The colour of the chips indicates the player, not the value of the chips. If a player wishes to buy chips of slightly higher value, the croupier places a marker indicating that value on top of the table’s stack of chips of the colour corresponding to the chips purchased. Most casinos also have high-value chips that can be wagered at any gaming table. Unlike roulette chips, these have their numbered values printed on them.

Bets

It is possible to place the following bets in roulette: (1) straight, or single-number (en plein), in which the chips are placed squarely on one number of the layout, including 0 (and also 00 on American layouts), so that the chips do not touch any of the lines enclosing the number; a winning single-number bet pays 35 to 1 (for each unit bet, a winning player receives his original bet and 35 matching units); (2) split, or 2-number (à cheval), in which the chips are placed on any line separating any two numbers; if either wins, payoff odds are 17 to 1; (3) street, or 3-number (transversale pleine), in which the chips are placed on the outside line of the layout, betting the three numbers opposite the chips; payoff odds on any of the three numbers are 11 to 1; (4) square, quarter, corner, or 4-number (en carré), in which the chips are placed on the intersection of the lines between any four numbers; payoff odds are 8 to 1; (5) line, or 6-number (sixaine or transversale six), in which the chips are placed on the intersection of the sideline and a line between two “streets”; payoff odds are 5 to 1; (6) column (colonne), or 12-number, in which the chips are placed on one of the three blank spaces (some layouts have three squares, marked “1st,” “2nd,” and “3rd”) at the bottom of the layout, thus betting the 12 numbers above the space; payoff odds are 2 to 1; (7) dozens (douzaine), or 12-number, in which the chips are placed on one of the spaces of the layout marked “12,” betting the numbers 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36; payoff odds are 2 to 1; (8) low-number or high-number, in which the chips are placed on the layout space marked “1–18” (manque) or on the space marked “19–36” (passe); payoff is even money; (9) black or red, in which the chips are placed on a space of the layout marked “black” (noir) or on a space marked “red” (rouge; some layouts have a large black or red diamond-shaped design instead of the words); payoff is even money; (10) odd-number or even-number, in which the chips are placed on the space of the layout marked “odd” (impair) or on the space marked “even” (pair); payoff is even money.

On layouts with a single zero (European style), the 0 may be included in a 2-number bet with any adjoining number, in a 3-number bet with 1 and 2 or with 2 and 3, and in a 4-number bet with 1, 2, and 3 at the regular odds for these bets. With the American-style 0 and 00, a 5-number line bet also is possible, the player placing his chips on the corner intersection of the line separating the 1, 2, 3 from the 0 and 00, with payoff odds of 6 to 1.

The play

The game begins when one of the croupiers (dealers) in attendance calls for the players to make their bets, which they do by placing chips on the spaces of the layout on any number, group, or classification they hope will win.

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The croupier usually starts the wheel spinning in a counterclockwise direction and then spins a small ivory or plastic ball onto the bowl’s back track in the opposite direction. Players may continue to place bets while the wheel and ball are in motion until the ball slows down and is about to drop off the back track, at which time one of the croupiers announces that no more bets may be made.

When the ball falls and comes to rest between any two metal partitions of the wheel, it marks the winning number (or a 0 or 00), the winning colour, and any other permitted bet that pertains to a winning number or symbol. The dealer immediately announces the winning number and its colour and places a special marker on the corresponding number on the layout. He first collects all losing bets, not disturbing the chips that are resting on winning spaces, and then pays off any winning bets.

Quick Facts

Roulette is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most popular casino games that most serious gamblers want to master. While the game may conjure images of Monte Carlo’s well-heeled wagering a small fortune on every spin of the roulette wheel, the table game has become most popular in America, especially the online version.

Want to jump straight into the action with Online Roulette for Real Money then read our in-depth guide right here and find out our top US casinos to play for real money.

Otherwise continue to read our guide for roulette basics, strategies, tips, tricks and more

The roulette wheel has stood the test of time because it is not only fun to play but is very easy to play. If you are a novice, this could be the ideal game to start your gambling experience.

At the center of the game is a wheel in which a small white ball spins and drops into one pocket on the wheel. It may not be one of the games to set you on the path to great wealth given the stiff house odds but if you pay heed to some of the time-tested betting strategies that we at CasinoUSA.com share, you could potentially manage to stretch your bankroll and make your time at the wheel worthwhile.

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Contents

  • Online Roulette Basics

Let’s look at some of online roulette’s basics, a few betting tips and useful strategies.

Online Roulette Basics

Roulette, as we’ve all seen in the movies, involves piles of colored chips that are placed on a rectangular table.

The online version has almost a similar feel. When the bets are all in, the dealer or croupier spins a large wheel that has slots marked by colors and numbers.

The wheel is spun counter-clockwise following which the dealer drops a small white ball in a clockwise direction. You need to wait for the ball to drop into one of those numbered pockets, which could be the spots on which you placed the bet.

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So, for the most part, betting is about guessing where the ball will potentially land when the roulette wheel comes to a stop. While the croupier drops the ball in a land-based casino and the rest is left to a gambler’s luck or the random number generator (RNG) which determines the outcome in basic online roulette.

Types of Roulette

  • European roulette: The spinning wheel in the European variant has numbers 1 through 36 marked on it and includes a zero (0), which means you can place bets on 37 numbers.
  • American Roulette: Has two zeros (00) and a single zero (0), which means there are 38 numbers on which you can bet.
  • French Roulette: Which is much like European roulette. However, there are two significant differences. The words on the table are in French while the game uses the ‘La Partage’ rule where if the ball lands on a zero you lose only half your even-odds stake.

The betting factor

In online roulette the game is played in a similar fashion as a traditional casino. Players buy chips and have the liberty to place different types of bets. When the wheel is spun and the ball stops, the dealer or in the case of online roulette, the RNG software, will mark the grid that indicates the winning number. The dealer or software will collect losing bets and payout the winning bets.

There are many combinations you can bet on in online roulette. You can place a

  • Straight bet: You bet on any number. The payout is the highest at 35:1.
  • Split bet: You can bet on any two adjoining numbers both vertically or horizontally on the wheel.
  • Street bet: This is a wager on any three numbers horizontally such 1, 2, 3 or 4, 5, 6.
  • Corner bet: You can bet on four adjoining numbers in a block such as 11, 12, 14, 15.
  • Basket Bet: This is a bet on 0,1,2 or 0,2,3

Apart from these, bets can also be placed on the ball landing on Red/black, odd/even numbers, in the 0 or green slot, number groups, and columns and rows.

Bets placed on numbers are known as ‘Inside bets’ and those placed in the boxes outside the number grid are known as ‘Outside bets’.

Online Roulette Strategy

Our experts at CasinoUSA.com always recommend that you practice for free as much as possible at an online casino before wagering real money. We have an entire list of casinos where you can play online roulette for free.

  • Make sure to play sensibly and allocate a portion of your bankroll to short sessions.
  • Separate your winnings from your original bankroll.
  • European Roulette offers better odds since it has a lower house edge of 2.70% as compared to the American variant that has a 5.26% house edge. French roulette also has a lower house edge of 1.35%.
  • It would be wise to bet small and stick to outside bets when you play for practice.
  • Inside bets offer greater winning opportunities. However, these bets are ideal for the experienced player. If you are a novice then outside bets such as odd/even and red/black
  • Manage your bankroll well and don’t chase your losses. A sensible betting strategy would be place two outside bets of equal amounts – one on even-money play and the other on column or dozen that pays 2:1. For example, you can place a bet on black and another on Column 3, which has eight red numbers. Alternatively, you can place a bet on red and one bet on Column 2, which has eight black numbers.
  • Remember, Roulette is a game of chance and there is no magic formula to win consistently.
  • Don’t let previous numbers wins influence you since every spin is independent and unrelated to any past spins.

Most importantly, to make the most of your foray into online roulette, stick with CasinoUSA.com for the very latest.

Online Roulette FAQ

If you’re new to playing real money Roulette, or even if you’re a more experienced gambler looking for some info, here are the answers to the most popular questions about this massively played casino game.

Is there a Working Winning System?

Online Roulette Money Roulette

While there are many winning systems sold online that claim to be effective, the truth is that there isn’t much you can do to increase your chances of winning. A Roulette game is a game of luck, i.e. it is a game of random outcomes. To determine the next number, casinos use a Random Number Generator which produces limitless combinations that make predicting numbers entirely impossible.

Now, some claim to have a winning system that relies on how much you bet, the most popular example being the Martingale. Basically this system relies on doubling your bet each time you lose, so that when you eventually win you can cover all your losses. However, the system also implies that you should have enough resources to last you until the win, which may not come for a long time.

The bottom line is that systems will never help you predict the numbers or alter your odds, but only alter your results. Thus, you should always think twice before investing in a system.

Why Does Roulette Contribute Less to Clearing my Casino Bonus?
Results

When you grab a bonus at your online casino, you will find that the terms normally state Roulette games have a smaller contribution to meeting your wagering requirements than slots, or other games. This is mainly due to the lower house edge of Roulette, as opposed to slot games which give bigger advantage to the casino. There are also some casinos which entirely exclude Roulette from bonus contributions.

What are my Winning Odds?

The standard odds of winning a bet on a single number are 35 to 1, while splitting your bets will result in 17 to 1 odds. The lowest odds are given to black/red, high/low, and odd/even bets, which have 1 to 1 odds as the chances of winning those bets is 50:50.

Can Roulette be played for Free?

Almost every online casino offers game demos along with real-money versions. These might also be available to you even if you don’t have a casino account, depending on the casino. Demo versions can help you get a hang of the game before you invest real money in it.

Which are the Worst Bets in Roulette?

One of the most famous things about Roulette is that it offers the same 35 to 1 odds across any number bet. However, there are also some bets that lower your chances significantly, like the top line bet in American Roulette. The top line bet is any bet on the numbers between 0 and 3 (0 – 00 – 1 – 2– 3), which increases the house edge to 7.89%.

What Is the Main Difference Between French, European, and American Roulette?

While all versions are fairly similar to one another, the main difference will be in the house edge and the number of zeros on a wheel. European Roulette has a single 0 and an estimated house edge of 2.7%.

The French version also has a single zero, but the zero pays back half your bet, which means it has half the house edge, or 1.35%. And finally, American Roulette has both 0 and 00 and the biggest house edge, or 5.26%.

Are Online Roulette Games Fair?

Yes, as long as you play in licensed casinos. All licensed casinos have their Random Number Generators audited by a regulatory body to ensure the casino doesn’t interfere with the outcomes in any way. There are also third-party auditing agencies like TST and eCOGRA that do independent audits. That’s why you should always check for a watermark of a license and audit certificates.

Which Roulette Versions Have the Best Odds?

In terms of odds, all roulette versions are the same, only some have a bigger advantage to the player. For example, a black/red bet will have the same returns in all Roulette varieties, with the only difference being that you’ll have less chances of winning in American Roulette than French Roulette.

Is Online Roulette Legal?

Yes it is, as long as the casino holds an official license. To find out whether you should play you only need to look for a UK Gambling Commission license.

Is Online Roulette the Same as Traditional Roulette?

Both online Roulette and traditional roulette is the same, with the only difference being in how you control and experience your playing. In both game sectors, the outcomes will be entirely random and the odds the same, only traditional casinos have human dealers, which some players feel more comfortable with.