The Mysteries of the Roulette Wheel Uncovered

Most people recognise the red and black roulette wheel as it’s one of the most iconic sights of the casino. But how exactly is roulette played? And is it possible to put together a winning strategy? We take a look at these questions and more in our beginner’s guide to roulette.

What is the aim of roulette?

The aim of the game is to correctly guess where the ball will land after the wheel stops spinning. The numbers are split between red and black and run from 1-36. There are also green “0” or “00” pockets, but these are losing bets and aren’t available for players to bet on. There are different betting options, but the goal is always to simply guess where the ball is going to land. If a player gets this right by either betting on a single number or a group of numbers, they will receive the corresponding payout.

Can I bet on more than one number?

In films, players are usually depicted betting on a single number to win, but there are many other types of bets that can be placed too. It’s possible to bet on either a single number or a group of numbers. Standard bets are grouped into two categories: inside and outside bets. Outside bets are easier to win, but the payout is lower. Inside bets are harder to win, but the prizes are higher.

Examples of outside bets include:

• Red or black
• Low or high (numbers 1-18 or 19-36)
• Odds or evens
• Dozen (a single bet on a group of 12 numbers)
• Column (a single bet on a group of 12 numbers that are in a column on the betting board)
• Examples of inside bets include:
• Straight up (a single number bet)
• Split (a bet on two consecutive numbers)
• Street (a three-number bet)
• Corner (a four-number bet)
• Line (a six-number bet – sometimes also called “double street”)

Players can place a bet on as few or as many numbers as they want, in any combination of bets. For example, players may choose to place a high-risk straight-up bet alongside a dozen bet to try and manage their bankroll effectively.

What type of bet should I place on the roulette wheel?

There is no right or wrong answer; players are free to place any type of bet on each spin. It’s advisable to match the type of bet with the player’s attitude to risk. For example, a cautious player may prefer an outside bet with its lower risk/lower payout profile. Conversely, players who enjoy taking more risks may opt for an inside bet with its corresponding higher risk/higher payout potential. New players often find it easier to start with an outside bet, as they are easier to win, and simpler to bet on.

What are the three main types of roulette?

There are three different types of roulette: American, French, and European. French and European roulette are played on the European roulette wheel, while American roulette is played on the American wheel. The American roulette wheel is generally viewed as less favourable for players because it has both “0” and “00” pockets. This means the house edge is lower for European and French roulette. All three types of roulette have the same aim: to predict which number the ball will land on. Other than using a different wheel, the main differences between the different types of roulette are the rules in play. French roulette has extra rules that reduce the house’s advantage.

Are all games of roulette the same?

Although roulette can be broadly split between American, European, and French rules, there are many different roulette games available. This includes live dealer roulette games that offer big money bonuses, such as XXTreme Lightning Roulette. It’s possible to find traditional games of roulette that don’t deviate from the basic rules, but there are many different varieties also available online.

What is the house edge playing roulette?

Roulette is renowned for having a low house edge compared to some other casino games. The house edge varies depending on the type of roulette being played. American has the highest house edge of 5.26%, which is why it’s less popular with players. European roulette is one of the more common types and has a standard house edge of 2.70%. French roulette has the lowest house edge of just 1.38%.

Variations of the standard roulette may have a different house edge, so it’s important to check before playing.

Is there any way to guarantee a win on roulette?

There is no way to guarantee a win. Even if a player placed a bet on every number, the amount received would be less than the sum wagered. Of course, there’s still the issue of the green “0” pocket which means that the player could also end up winning nothing, even if they did bet on every number!

Part of the attraction is the random nature of the gameplay, with no advantage to any player, no matter how much experience they may have.

How much is it possible to win?

The amount that a player can win depends on the type of bet placed and the stake. In a standard game of roulette, the highest win is typically 35:1. This may increase for players participating in special versions of the game where the prizes are higher and there are additional bonuses. However, every roulette table will have a maximum payout cap, so players who are high rollers may prefer to check this first.

What are the different betting systems?

Roulette is a game of luck, but many players use betting systems to try and ensure they have the maximum chance of turning a profit. No system is foolproof; there is an element of risk involved in every system. However, some players find it helps them to manage their bankroll more effectively and, in some circumstances, can help to reduce losses. Some of the popular betting systems include:

• D’Alembert – stake increases with every losing bet
• Martingale – stake doubles with every losing bet
• Fibonacci – each new bet is calculated by adding together the previous two stakes
• Labouchere – set a goal and break the total down into “units” which determine the stake
• Reverse Martingale – stake increases after a win

The mathematics of most betting systems are calculated on evens bets, which means they can only be used with these types of outside bets in roulette.

How can a player tell whether a game of online roulette is fair?

It’s important to only play at a trusted casino that is properly regulated by a body such as the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures that the game will be operated to high standards, and the gameplay will be transparent and fair. Licensed casinos use software called Random Number Generators that ensure every spin is genuinely random, and not fixed to provide a certain result. Many reputable casinos display checkmarks such as Certified by Gaming Labs which shows their games have been verified as fair.