
Since the 18th century, roulette has remained one of the most popular casino table games. If you’re interested in playing it, this online roulette guide will cover all of the basics you need to get started.
First, roulette is a simple game where you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. It’s available in multiple variants: European, American, and French. The game is a favorite for many casino players since it offers various betting options. I’ll discuss these in more detail as you continue reading.
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.
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:
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) |
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are steps listed below on how to play roulette 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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.