Roulette Guide

Roulette Rules for All Participants

Below, we introduce the rules for European Roulette, as this version is most commonly used in online casino games.

If you’re unsure which type of roulette you’re playing online, you can view the detailed instructions in the game’s settings. This quick check can prevent surprises later, such as discovering too late that you’re playing American Roulette with a higher house edge. These will tell you which rules apply to you.

The general gameplay of roulette follows these steps:

• Placing Bets: Players place their bets on the roulette table. Be aware of the time limit for placing bets — in live dealer and land-based games, placing chips too late will void your bet. You can bet on inside and outside bets, as well as special bets.
• Dealer’s Announcement: Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer announces, “no more bets.” From this point, your wagers are locked in, and changing or adding bets is no longer possible. The betting round ends and the game begins.
• Spinning the Wheel: The dealer spins the roulette wheel in one direction and throws a small ball in the opposite direction. The wheel and ball continue spinning until the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets.
• Declaring the Winner: Players who have bet on the winning number or another correct outcome are paid out according to their bet and the roulette odds. Losing bets are collected by the house.
• Next Round: Players can now place new bets for the next round, and the game continues in the same manner.

While these rules apply to online and live roulette games, they also work for roulette played at land-based casinos. In auto-roulette, rounds are faster and betting windows can be shorter, so plan your bet layout in advance.

Types of Bets in Roulette

Though the objective of roulette is simple, the various betting options offer multiple strategic possibilities. Knowing which bets to prioritise can help you manage your bankroll — start with outside bets to learn the flow of the game before experimenting with higher-risk inside bets.

• Outside Bets: These have lower risk but also lower payout ratios.
• Inside and Special Bets: These are harder to hit but come with much higher payouts. They’re suited to players willing to accept bigger bankroll swings and the possibility of faster losses.

Additionally, players can place multiple bets in the same round. For example, some players allocate roughly 70–80% of their budget to low-risk outside bets and 20–30% to higher-risk inside bets to balance stability with occasional larger wins. Each bet is independent and can win or lose without affecting the others.

For example, you can bet on the number 17 and also place a bet on the red colour, even though 17 is a black number. Combination bets increase the cost of the round, but they can improve your chances of hitting at least one winning outcome.

Outside Bets

Outside bets are a great way to start playing roulette. They have the highest probability of winning but offer smaller returns per bet, making them a sensible option for players who want to extend their playtime and reduce volatility. The name comes from the location of the betting areas on the roulette table—outside bets are closest to the player.

Using outside bets allows you to keep your bankroll going longer since the wins are more frequent. Below is a table that shows the different outside bets you can place your chips on:

These bets are a safer way to start the game, offering more frequent but smaller wins, which helps extend your playtime. Remember: even-money outside bets still lose when the ball lands on zero — that’s the house edge at work.

Inside Bets

Inside bets in roulette focus on individual numbers or small groups of numbers. While they can produce the largest payouts, their probability of winning is much lower, so consider limiting these to a small portion of your session budget.

Inside bets are ideal for players who are willing to take bigger risks in hopes of winning larger sums in a single round. Beginners should try these in free play mode first to understand the risk before using real money. They also offer flexible ways to combine different bet types and build roulette strategies.

Below is a list of all the inside bets in roulette, along with their payout ratios:

These inside bets are for those who want to go after bigger wins by placing bets on more specific numbers or combinations. Keep stakes modest to manage volatility.

Call Bets (Special Bets)

Call bets cover specific groups of numbers on the roulette wheel and are commonly seen in French roulette but can also be found in some European roulette games. These bets are placed on the racetrack, an oval-shaped betting area that represents the numbers as they appear on the physical wheel. The racetrack allows players to place bets on specific sectors of the roulette wheel. These bets require familiarity with the wheel layout and are typically used by experienced players who want to cover strategic sectors efficiently.

Here’s a table of the call bets you can use in roulette:

These bets are placed on specific sections of the wheel and are often favoured by more advanced players looking to cover broader parts of the wheel with strategic bets.

Combination Bets

Can you combine racetrack special bets with regular roulette bets?

Yes, in roulette, you can combine special bets with regular bets. This lets you spread risk and potentially hit multiple wins in a single spin, though it also increases your total stake for the round. For example, you can place a special bet like Voisins du Zéro and at the same time, place a regular bet like a straight up bet on a specific number.

Many players choose to combine outside, inside, and special bets to create their own strategies. For example, a player might place a red/black bet and simultaneously make a corner bet to balance the risk between higher and lower variance wagers.

All winning bets are paid according to the roulette odds, and the losing bets go to the house.

What is the payout for “green” in roulette?

In roulette, “green” refers to the number 0 in European and French roulette or the numbers 0 and 00 in American roulette. The zeros are marked in green on the roulette wheel, and their payout is the same as for any straight bet on a single number: 35:1.

Since zero does not fall under red/black, even/odd, or low/high bets, all outside bets with a 1:1 payout lose if the ball lands on zero. In American roulette, the addition of the double zero means this situation happens more often, further increasing the house edge.

This rule is why the house has an advantage in roulette. The chance of winning is never exactly 50:50, and the two green pockets in American roulette increase the house edge further.

Common Rules Across Roulette Games

Roulette exists in various forms, both as table games and live casino games. While each version has its unique features, roulette rules are generally based on either European, American, or French roulette.

Next, we’ll cover the rules for European, American, and French roulette in detail so you can choose the version that best fits your skill level, risk tolerance, and budget.

Roulette Odds

Roulette odds indicate how many times your original bet is paid back if your guess is correct. The odds are tied to how many numbers the bet covers and its risk level. Inside and special bets have higher payouts because they are harder to achieve, while outside bets offer lower payouts but hit more often.

The best roulette payout is 35:1 for a straight-up bet on a single number. For example, if you bet $10 on a number and win, you receive $350 in profit plus your original $10 bet, for a total of $360. However, the probability of hitting a single number is only about 2.70% on a European wheel.

The least risky bets are those with 1:1 odds. If you bet $10 and win, you earn $10 in profit, making a total of $20 with your original bet included. Note that these are not truly 50/50 because of the zero(s).

Theoretical Return to Player (RTP)

The theoretical return to player (RTP) is calculated over the long term. It predicts how much of the money wagered is returned to players but doesn’t guarantee specific winnings in the short run.

• European roulette: RTP ~97.3% (house edge ~2.7%).
• American roulette: RTP ~94.74% (house edge ~5.26%).
• French roulette (even-money with La Partage/En Prison): RTP up to ~98.65% (house edge ~1.35%).

Useful Features in Online Roulette

Online roulette offers several advantages that you won’t find at traditional casinos. The rounds are faster, and winnings can be transferred to your account. While the rules of roulette are the main focus, the following features improve the gameplay and can support your betting discipline:

• Repeat: Replay the exact same bet from the previous round — useful for a stable layout.
• Double: Double the bet amount for the same bet. Use with caution; set a stop-loss if you’re applying progression systems.
• Clear: Remove all your bets from the table — helpful if you change your plan at the last second.
• Undo: Removes your last bet only — good for quick corrections.
• Save Bet: Save a betting pattern you regularly use so you can place it quickly before the timer ends.
• Recent Results / Hot & Cold Numbers: Interesting for reference, but avoid treating them as predictors. Each spin is independent.

Additionally, online roulette allows you to play from home or on the go. Mobile tables are fast — plan your layout to avoid missing betting windows.

Roulette Glossary – Common Roulette Terms

Using the correct terms helps avoid misunderstandings, which can prevent incorrect bets or other issues during play. Below, you can learn the key roulette terms that will make your gameplay smoother and quicker.

Roulette Terms and Explanations

Tips for New Players to Win at Roulette

• Choose European or French tables: Lower house edge than American.
• Look for La Partage / En Prison: Keeps half or all of your even-money stake in play when zero hits.
• Use outside bets to learn pace: They hit more often and stabilise your session.
• Practice free demos: Test layouts and timing before staking real money.
• Set limits: Define session budget, stop-loss, and a small profit target.
• Avoid the Basket Bet in American: Highest house edge among common bets.

Example beginner session: With a $100 budget, consider $2–$4 per spin on outside bets across 30–40 spins. Add occasional small inside bets only if your budget allows.

Keep in mind that your betting style may differ when playing with real money. Adjust your plan based on your actual bankroll and table limits.

Stefan NedeljkovicFact Checker

Players’ Insights

Roulette players understand that there can be more than one winner in roulette. This is reflected in their betting strategies, where they balance high-risk and low-risk bets to suit their budget.

Advanced players often place multiple bets in the same round and may explore rarer versions of the game to keep things interesting.

Here are some tips for players: