
Playing live dealer roulette is a fun pastime. However, if you’re just starting out, it might look complex. That’s why I’ve created this article. I’ll explain the game mechanics and strategies to help your gameplay.
Live dealer roulette shares many similarities with regular roulette. However, there’s a catch: you gamble in real time and can interact with the dealer and other players. Therefore, you have to know how to play like a pro. Ready to begin playing this exciting table game? Here’s all you need to know.
Playing live roulette online is fun. This live version offers such an immersive experience you’ll never get from regular online roulette.
One significant advantage of playing live roulette is the higher minimum betting limit. While I consider it a pro as a high roller, some players on a budget might frown slightly at this point. However, the experience more than makes up for it.
Speaking of experience, live roulette is where it’s at if you want to enjoy the feeling of playing at a land-based casino. If you’re like me and live a little distance from a gambling destination, but craving the real life thing, I recommend jumping on the next live roulette game.
You can chat with other players and ask the dealer questions using the chat feature. This improves the experience, compared to regular roulette where you’re playing against a software.
However, since live roulette games are controlled by the dealer and played by humans, it might be slower-paced than RNG versions.
To play roulette like a pro, you need to understand the roulette table. This is divided into two sections: the outside and inside. The outside area contains boxes that cover most of the numbers (which are grouped into odd and even).
On the other hand, the inside area comprises 36 numbers coded red or black. Depending on the roulette version you’re playing, the top of the table contains one or double zero.
You can bet on a selection of the squares or on a single one. I’ll share more light on the types of roulette bets to place later in this article.
The roulette wheel contains numbers 0 to 36. If you’re playing American roulette, you’ll find 18 black pockets, 18 red pockets, and a double zero. The European version also has the same numbers. However, the difference is that it contains only one zero.
Note that the numbers aren’t arranged in order on the wheel. That’s because the sequence is designed in a way that balances even, odd, low, and high numbers.
Also, the wheels are different for American and European roulette. At this point, you might be confused about the types of roulette. I’m dedicating the next section to extensively discuss them.
Roulette comes in three types. Each has its features, pros, and cons. Here’s all you need to know about them:
This is the classic roulette game with 37 pockets (0-36) and one zero. Due to the single zero, European Roulette has a lower 2.7% house edge.
In my opinion, European Roulette is unbiased. That’s because the colors and numbers are distributed across its wheel in an even and symmetric way, removing any doubt regarding possible outcomes.
Unlike the European variant, the American Roulette or Double Zero roulette has 38 pockets (0-00). This extra zero leads to a higher house edge (5.26%).
From experience, American Roulette’s house edge is the highest amongst the three variants. Also, the numbers are arranged in such a way that high numbers are close to each other. You won’t find this arrangement in the European version.
French Roulette shares many similarities with the European variant, as both contain 36 numbers with one zero. However, you’ll find some special rules such as En Prison and La Partage for better odds. If you’ve played the three versions, you’ll know French Roulette has the best house edge.
The house edge for this variant is supposed to be the same as European Roulette. However, La Partage and En Prison ensure each time you land a zero, you can keep your bet or withdraw half of your money. This reduces the house edge to 1.34%.
Before signing up at online live casinos to play roulette in real time, you need to look out for the following features:
The reason many players prefer live dealer roulette compared to the RNG version is the real-time experience. As such, ensure your chosen title adopts advanced streaming technology to show gameplay in real time.
Also, your preferred online casino must be optimized to work perfectly on PC and mobile. You don’t want to play at a site that freezes during gameplay.
This feature ensures you can control your bets and tweak your betting strategies to suit your preference and style. You’ll find additional features, various betting options, and chip values to help you personalize your gameplay while playing live dealer roulette online.
Live dealer roulette games feature multiple camera angles to enable you to enjoy different views of the roulette table. However, you can switch between camera angles or use a split-screen view to better see the betting layout, dealer’s action, and the spinning wheel.
Live dealer roulette games have interactive interfaces, enabling players to place bets, chat with other players and the dealer through the live chat feature, and view statistics.
You’ll also find some live roulette interfaces offering relevant information on the game history and hot and cold numbers to help you play better.
Live dealer roulette has many betting options. Without further ado, here are the three types of bets you can place while playing:
These types of bets are placed on larger number categories, providing higher odds and lower payouts. As the name indicates, outside bets are made on the outer part of the betting layout.
From experience, this bet type is suitable for new or conservative players interested in extending their gameplay.
The following are types of outside bets:
Unlike outside bets, an inside bet in live dealer roulette means a wager placed on a specific number or groups of numbers inside the table’s betting layout. From experience, these wagers have lower winning odds but higher payouts compared to outside bets.
Here are some types of inside bets:
While the outside and inside bets are the most popular wager types for online casino live roulette, you can add more excitement and variety by placing neighbor and special bets.
That said, here are what to know about both bet types:
To enjoy an unforgettable and rewarding live roulette gambling experience, you need to understand how roulette odds work.
Here’s how they’re calculated for common bets:
Even-money bets mean placing wagers on the black or red numbers. However, due to the green zero pocket, you have less than a 50% chance of correctly getting the winning color.
Even-money bets come with a 1:1 payout. The odds or house edges for the American version is 47.37%, while for European Roulette it’s 48.65%. In case you’re wondering, a house edge is the probability of winning a bet compared to the available payout odds.
Simply put, it’s the amount you lose on average for each bet made. For every payout, there’s always a fraction lower than the actual probability of every betting type winning. This allows for the house edge.
Placing a straight-up bet while playing live roulette at an online casino means wagering on one single number. This bet type offers higher rewards but more risks, as your chances of hitting the number is pretty low.
However, the prospect of getting a huge payout makes it popular amongst experienced players. Some gamblers also combine straight-up wagers with other betting types.
This type of bet pays 35:1. However, the odds are 2.6% for American Roulette and 2.7% for the European version.
If all these sounds confusing, here’s a table containing all the bet types and odds for the three roulette variants.
Roulette bet type | Potential payout | European Roulette odds | American Roulette odds |
---|---|---|---|
Column | 2:1 | 32.40 | 31.6% |
Dozen | 2:1 | 32.40 | 31.6% |
Even/odd bets | 1:1 | 48.60% | 47.4% |
Single number | 35:1 | 2.70% | 2.60% |
Two numbers | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.3% |
Three numbers | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.9% |
Four numbers | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
Five numbers | 6:1 | 13.5% | 13.2% |
Six numbers | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15. 8% |
Red or black | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
High or low | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
Straight bet | 35:1 | 2.7% | 2.6% |
Split bet | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.3% |
Street bet | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.9% |
Corner bet | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
Basket bet | 6:1 | N/A | 13.2% |
Double street bet | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15.8% |
Like live baccarat, you’ll need to employ some tested and trusted strategies to enjoy a memorable gambling experience playing live roulette. Here are my top five techniques:
The best roulette strategy suitable for placing even bets like black or red is D’Alembert. Simply set an amount before you kick-start gameplay. This amount serves as a unit.
If you win your bet, decrease the next wager by one unit. However, if you lose, increase your next bet by a unit. While the D’Alembert winning odds is 48%, it depends on your preferred roulette version. However, based on experience, this strategy even out your bets.
If you’re using the Martingale strategy, you need to double your wager when you lose to get the initial amount when you win. Martingale aims to compensate for prior losses. Hence, many players also love using it while playing live blackjack online.
However, the downside is that if you’re on a losing streak, Martingale can easily deplete your bankroll. That’s because you need to double each bet amount after losing in a round.
Many roulette players use Paroli to target small bets. I love this technique as the risk of losing is significantly low. Simply put, you need to double your bet when you win. However, after winning three consecutive times, you must revert to the base wager.
The lower the game’s odd, the bigger you need to wager to break even. If the decimal odds are higher, it’s best to reduce your bet to balance the outcome.
Fibonacci follows a number sequence to determine your next bet. For context, each wager is the sum of two bets before it. The strategy often comes in sequences like 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55 and more. With each loss, you progress to the next level. However, when you win, you go back two places.
If you haven’t gone far in the sequence, the strategy allows you to start from the beginning after a win. The major disadvantage is that it easily burns through your bankroll if not used carefully.
Made popular by the James Bond movie character, this strategy entails placing bets on select numbers and sections. The idea is to cover the most possible outcomes. You’ll cover all numbers except 1-12 with the James Bond strategy.
I enjoy using this technique for European Roulette. It’s best to place the bigger stakes on the outside bet. While it pays less, it’s likely to win.
Playing live roulette from the comfort of your home offers many exciting benefits. My favorite part is the convenience. I get to enjoy real-time gambling anywhere and anytime.
One feature I love most is the chat option. I can ask the dealer questions and interact with other players in real time. The best part is, this game comes in exciting variants with unique features, odds, and bet types.
Yes. You can play live dealer roulette from the comfort of your home. Simply choose from the banners on this page for top casinos featuring this game category.
You can play live roulette at online casinos featuring live dealer games. To get started, check the banners on this page and choose from one of my recommended gambling sites.
You can place inside, outside, and neighbor bets while playing live roulette. Some games also allow you to place special wagers.
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.