What Is Roulette?

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, featuring a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a betting table. Players wager on where a small ball will land after the wheel stops spinning. The game offers numerous betting options from simple red/black bets to specific number predictions.

The name comes from the French word meaning "little wheel". While the outcome is based on chance, understanding the different bets and odds helps you make informed decisions.

Roulette Wheel - Classic casino roulette wheel with ball

Types of Roulette

European Roulette (Recommended)

37 pockets (0-36). Single zero gives a house edge of just 2.7%. This is the best version for players.

American Roulette

38 pockets (0, 00, 1-36). The double zero increases house edge to 5.26%. Avoid this variant when possible.

French Roulette

Same as European but with La Partage rule - you get half your bet back on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. House edge drops to 1.35%!

Betting Options

Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)

  • Straight (35:1): Bet on a single number
  • Split (17:1): Two adjacent numbers
  • Street (11:1): Row of three numbers
  • Corner (8:1): Four numbers in a square
  • Six Line (5:1): Two adjacent rows (6 numbers)

Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Reward)

  • Red/Black (1:1): Colour of winning number
  • Odd/Even (1:1): Whether number is odd or even
  • High/Low (1:1): 1-18 or 19-36
  • Dozens (2:1): 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36
  • Columns (2:1): Any of three columns

Roulette Tips

  • Always choose European or French roulette over American
  • Look for French roulette with La Partage for best odds
  • Outside bets offer better odds but smaller payouts
  • Set win and loss limits before playing
  • No betting system can overcome the house edge
  • Each spin is independent - past results don't affect future outcomes