Quick facts about roulette
- Roulette is a popular table game present in many online casinos
- The main variants are European, American, and French Roulette
- You can place bets on numbers, colors, or ranges for different payouts
- European Roulette gives you better winning odds since it has a single zero-pocket
- Online live dealer roulette lets you experience real-time gameplay with a human dealer
What is online casino roulette?
Simply put, online roulette is the digital version of the classic casino game where you bet on where a spinning ball will land on a numbered wheel. It’s popular, so most casino sites have it in their table category. While software developers have different customized titles, the major variants are European, American, and French roulette.
With online roulette, the gameplay is the same as the traditional version. In other words, you can place bets on numbers, colors, or specific sections of the wheel. If the ball lands on a spot you pick, you get payouts based on the odds. However, if it stops at a zero pocket, you win nothing.
Furthermore, I’ve reviewed many online casinos that offer live dealer roulette. You can still play these at your comfort, but you won’t be interacting with the software. Instead, you play with a human dealer in an actual casino or studio. This helps you get a more realistic roulette experience without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Online roulette
basics
Online casino reviews
will tell you that playing roulette online is simpler than engaging in many other casino games purely because it’s straightforward. This section will give you the basics of roulette, ensuring that you understand how the game works before trying it out:
Placing bets
When engaging in online roulette, players are expected to place their bets on where they think the ball will land when the wheel stops spinning. Bets can be placed on the ball landing on specific numbers, colors, or whether it will land on an even or odd number. Roulette involves different types of bets, and therefore, the payouts are dependent on how likely the outcome is.
Understanding the roulette wheel
The roulette wheel has a series of numbered pockets and a large rim. The numbers on the roulette wheel range from 1 to 36, while half the pockets are red and the other half are black. There’s one pocket that is green and represents the number zero. In some games, there’s also a double zero pocket, which is also green.
How roulette works
Before the wheel spins, you’ll have time to place your bets. Colored chips are used to differentiate between wagers. The croupier then spins the wheel and drops the ball onto it. As soon as the ball starts slowing down, no more bets are allowed.
How roulette winners are determined
As soon as the ball lands in a pocket, the croupier marks the winning number on the table and announces the winner. Bets on the winning number, color, or position are paid out according to the odds, while losing bets are collected. Once the winners have been paid out, the table is reopened for new bets, signifying a new round.
Roulette betting options
When playing roulette online games, you can choose from several options on the virtual table while making your bets. These are grouped into two categories:
- Inside Bets: These bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups. They come with higher payouts but lower chances of winning, and examples include straight-up, split, and street.
- Outside Bets: These cover broader groups of numbers. With them, you receive lower payouts but better odds of winning. Red/black, odd/even, and dozens are perfect examples.
To give you the full picture, I’ve highlighted the top 10 betting options in roulette below:
| Bet type | Meaning |
| Straight (Single Number) | Bet on one specific number |
| Split | Bet on two adjacent numbers |
| Street | Bet on a row of three numbers |
| Corner (square) | Bet on a block of four numbers |
| Line | Bet on six numbers in two adjacent rows |
| Column | Bet on one of the three vertical columns (12 numbers) |
| Dozen | Bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, etc.) |
| Even/Odd | Bet on all even or all odd numbers |
| Red/Black | Bet on all red or all-black numbers |
| High/Low | Bet on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high) |
Online roulette betting systems and strategies to use
When playing online roulette, you’ll hear about different strategies or betting systems that other players often use. These strategies can help you decide how to place your bets based on how much money you have and how you like to play. That said, there is no system that guarantees a win every time, but there are a few popular ones to consider:
- Martingale System:
The
Martingale system
requires you to double your bet after every loss. The idea here is that when you eventually win, you’ll recover your previous losses and make a profit. However, this system only works if you have a large bankroll and are willing to take the risk of placing potentially high bets.
- Reverse Martingale System:
This system is also referred to as the
Paroli system
and involves increasing your bet after each win. Essentially, the idea is to take advantage of winning streaks, and if you lose, you’ll simply go back to your original wager amount.
- D’Alembert System:
This is one of the more conservative betting systems because you increase your bets by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. In terms of managing your bankroll, it’s one of the most effective online roulette strategies.
- Fibonacci System:
Based on this system, you’ll bet according to a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two previous ones. If you lose, you simply move to the next number in the sequence, and if you win, you go back two steps.
- James Bond Strategy:
The James Bond strategy requires you to place large bets on a mix of high numbers, a small bet on a small range of numbers, and a smaller bet on zero. While it covers more numbers on the wheel, it also requires a larger bankroll.
Types of roulette versions at online casinos
All roulette variants at casino sites have a numbered wheel, but the range depends on the variant. Below, I’ve listed out the top ones you’ll want to play:
European Roulette
My first mention is European Roulette, the original and most common version at online casinos. It features 37 pockets, including numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0). Notably, this variant has a lower house edge of 2.7%, and that’s one reason players love it. Based on my experience, NetEnt’s European Roulette is one of the best titles to consider at the best online roulette casinos. The game’s design is sleek, and the gameplay is smooth.
American Roulette
Regarding popularity, American Roulette comes next after the European version. This variant includes 38 pockets, with double zero pockets (00). As such, it comes with a higher 5.26% house edge. I find this option ideal if you’re a risk taker, and Live American Roulette is an excellent title to check out.
French Roulette
Although not as prevalent, French Roulette offers better odds than the two previous online roulette real money variants I’ve mentioned. It’s similar to European Roulette in structure, so you also get 37 pockets with a single zero (0). The difference is that French Roulette adds extra betting options like La Partage and En Prison, which reduce the house edge to about 1.25%. Evolution’s French Roulette Gold is a standout game if you’re interested in this variant.
Mini Roulette
Perhaps you’re looking for a simpler online roulette version to play. If so, Mini Roulette does the job. This variant has only 13 pockets: numbers 1-12 and a single zero. Therefore, the gameplay is pretty quick. The Playtech title is one of the best Mini Roulette games I’ve tested, with a good 96.15% RTP.
Others
Besides the standard variations, innovative roulette options add unique twists to the classic game. A perfect example is
3D Roulette Online
by Microgaming, which offers enhanced visuals and dynamic angles. The “3D” in the name or less describes what to expect.
Another interesting alternative roulette variant is Deal or No Deal by Evolution. It’s a blend of the table game and popular TV show, as you get interactive bonus rounds. For the record,
Deal or No Deal Roulette
is a live dealer game.
Tips for winning at online roulette
Online roulette is a fun and entertaining casino game; however, there are ways to boost your chances of winning by learning some strategies. Below is a list of tips that will help you get the most out of your roulette game.
The chances of winning at roulette all depend on the number of slots on the wheel. So while European roulette has 37 slots, American roulette has 38. Betting on red has a probability of 18 out of 37 on a European wheel, while it has a probability of 18 out of 38 on an American roulette wheel.
Try free online roulette games
Before wagering real money on roulette, you should first try your hand at online roulette free games. This will help you learn the ropes, test out different roulette strategies, all without risking your own money. Additionally, even though these are free roulette games, you should start out with low bets on simple options like colors and single numbers, since these have a lower house edge, giving you better odds than other bets that are more complex.
Outside bets are usually safer and provide better chances than inside bets. For example, a split pays 2:1 if your number comes up on one of the two sections of the wheel. So ensure that you know the payout types before you place them.
Learn about European roulette
Understand the specific numbers and other sets of numbers. By understanding the layout and keeping an eye on what others are playing, it will help your roulette game online. For instance, if you bet on red, it involves placing your chips on the red space on the wheel.
Explore the Martingale Strategy
As discussed earlier, the Martingale strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss. It’s highly recommended that you play on a European roulette table with only one zero slot when using the strategy. Additionally, you should start with small bets and if you lose, double your bet for the next round. With this system, you need to keep doubling your wager after every loss until you win or run out of money.
While we discussed how to manage your money, it’s equally important to stick to your budget. Once your bankroll is gone, it should mean the end of your online roulette gameplay until the next session, of course. Regardless of whether you’re on a winning or losing streak, it’s always good to take a break. No matter how confident you feel and how good you think you are, there are no guarantees as roulette is ultimately a game of chance. Additionally, avoid chasing losses by gambling using credit cards.
Use bonuses and promotions to your advantage
Since you’re playing online roulette, you have access to the
best casino offers. These can be in the form of welcome, deposit, or reload bonuses, and more. So look for online casinos that offer these rewards and make the most of them.
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Steps to play roulette online
Here are steps listed below on how to play roulette online:
- Choose a reliable online casino
Of course, the first step is to select a site to play. It must be a legit and reliable option, so you should look for licensed casinos with games from trusted developers like Evolution, Playtech, or Microgaming. You can simply check the banners on this page for the best online roulette sites and make your pick.
- Sign up and deposit
Moving on, create an account and fund it if you want to play for real money. I find that many casinos offer demo versions of roulette games so you can practice before betting.
- Select your preferred roulette variant
You’ll typically find multiple roulette games, so pick a title that suits your preferences. Typically, you’ll go with one of the three major types or other unique variants. Also, knowing whether you’re going for RNG or live dealer roulette is important.
- Place your bets
After launching your preferred game, you have to set your bet. Usually, you do this by placing chips on your desired outcomes, whether single numbers, color, odd/even, and others. I must mention that the dealer allows everyone to make their bets within a limited time in the live version — about 30 to 60 seconds. Therefore, you must act fast when playing in real time.
- Spin the wheel and start playing
This is where the gameplay starts. Depending on the online roulette title, you either hit a Spin button or wait for the software or live dealer to spin the wheel. Then, watch out for the outcome when the ball lands on a number. If you win, your payout will be credited automatically. Afterward, you can choose to continue betting or cash out your winnings.
Tips for playing the roulette game online
Whether you’re playing real money or free online roulette, note that all outcomes depend on chance. You can’t predict where the ball will land on the wheel. Nonetheless, the following expert tips will help you make smart betting decisions:
| Tip | Description |
| Know the different versions | Understand the differences between European, American, and French roulette to choose the best one. |
| Focus on outside bets | If you’re new, it’s best to start with outside bets like red/black or odd/even. They have better chances of winning. |
| Manage your bankroll | Set a budget for each session and stick to it to avoid overspending. |
| Don’t bet on “5” | In American Roulette, the “5” Number Bet has a higher house edge and is not worth picking. |
| Be careful with betting | Systems like Martingale can be appealing, but they don’t guarantee wins. In fact, they can lead to quick losses since they incentivize you to bet more. |
Roulette vs other casino table games
Many players are curious whether to play online roulette or other table games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat. If you have the same inquiries, the comparisons below will help:
In blackjack, you play to beat the dealer by getting a hand close to 21 without going over. The card game is strategic, as you decide when to hit, stand, or double down. These can significantly affect whether you win or not. From my experience, the number one difference between
blackjack online
games and roulette is that the former has a much lower 0.5% house edge.
Roulette is all about chance, while poker is unarguably the most strategic card game. You can apply skill, bluffing, and other key decision-making moves with the latter. As such, poker gives you greater control over your outcomes. However, it’s not as fast as roulette.
If you’re familiar with
baccarat online, you’ll know it’s a straightforward card game where you bet on either the Player or Banker’s hand or a tie. I can confirm that baccarat is quite fast and simple. It also has wide betting limits, which makes it ideal for high rollers. That said, I think that roulette is more interesting to play.
Pros and cons of online roulette
Roulette has several benefits compared to other casino games, making it a favorite for online players. First, I applaud that it’s found in many online casinos, meaning you can enjoy the game almost anywhere you choose to play.
Furthermore, roulette has different versions to explore, such as European, American, and French roulette. I must also highlight the several wagering options on the virtual table. You can choose any type of bet, whether outside, inside, or specialized.
However, the downside here is online roulette isn’t as friendly to skill and strategy as other table games such as blackjack or poker. It’s a game of chance, and while you can manage your bets, there are no techniques to influence where the ball will land.
Online Roulette: Pros and Cons
- Available at many casino sites
- Good range of variants
- Offers several betting options
- Doesn’t support skill and strategy
Conclusion – Play roulette at the best online casinos today
My extensive guide has covered everything you need about online roulette. You’re now ready to play if you read up to this point. Check the banners on this page for the top casinos I recommend, sign up, and start enjoying the little wheel game.
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Online roulette FAQs
🎰 Can I play online roulette free?
Yes, you can play online roulette for free in demo mode. With this option, you bet using virtual currencies and not real money. When you get familiar with how the table game works, you can switch to the real thing.
🃏 How to trick online roulette?
You can’t apply tricks while playing roulette at legit online casinos. That’s because the games use a certified random number generator. Therefore, all outcomes are random, and you win based on chance.
🍀 Is roulette 100% luck-based?
Yes, roulette is 100% luck-based since all results in the table game are random. The ball can land on any spot on the wheel. Unlike blackjack and poker, which are card games, you can’t use strategy to get an upper hand in roulette.
📊 What is the most successful roulette strategy?
The most successful roulette strategy has to do with bankroll management. Techniques like Martingale and Fibonacci are among the most popular ones for many players. However, note that these strategies can’t help you win more.
💰 Which roulette pays the most?
European roulette is considered the most favorable for payouts since it has a low house edge. That’s because it features a single zero (0) pocket, unlike American roulette, which has double zeros (00).
