A Beginners Guide on How to Play Roulette 2025
Learning how to play roulette is straightforward, and we offer a detailed guide to get you started. Get all the insider info from our experts on how the game works, the rules for roulette, the most common terminology and hot tips on how to play roulette and win.
What is Roulette?
Before diving into how to play roulette, let’s look at the game and what it involves.
Roulette has existed since 18th-century France, and its name roughly translates to “little wheel.” The game comprises three components: the wheel, the ball, and the table.
The roulette wheel is divided into alternating red and black pockets numbered 1-36. There is an additional green pocket for the 0. In American roulette, there are two green pockets for 0 and 00.
The roulette table is a large felted table that sits next to the wheel. On the table are markings that directly correlate to the numbers on the wheel. There are also additional markings for odds, evens, red, and black. As the player, you place your bets on this table.
To begin, the dealer spins the roulette wheel and introduces the ball. Your objective is to guess which number the ball will land on when the wheel comes to a stop. You can lay out many bets on the roulette table that offer you more ways to win.
Roulette Rules – The Basics
Let’s begin our journey on how to play roulette by looking at the online roulette rules. Before we start, it is important to note that while you can find many variations of the game at the best online roulette casinos, the game’s basic premise remains the same for all of these options. So, let’s look at how these games work:
Players Choose and Place Their Wagers
Players start off the game by selecting their chips (each colour has a different value) and placing them on the roulette table to signify their bets. Players have several types of bets to wager, called inside and outside bets.
- Inside Bets – These wagers allow you to bet on the single number or numbers you think the ball will land on.
- Outside Bets – These are the side bets of roulette and they allow you to wager on aspects other than the winning number, such as whether the winning digit will be odds or even, red or black.
You can wager as many bets as you like when playing a roulette game, but using a roulette strategy will help manage your bankroll and the bets you place. Also, remember, that roulette rules stipulate that a table must have a maximum and minimum bet value, so make sure this works for you.
The Dealer Sets the Wheel in Motion
After all players have placed their bets on the table, the dealer announces no more bets and spins the roulette wheel in one direction. They then introduce the ball into the wheel in the opposite direction to ensure an entirely random result.
The Ball Comes to a Stop
When the ball and the wheel begin to slow, the ball usually settles in one of the pockets and stays there. Every pocket is numbered between 0 and 37. The number of the pocket the ball lands on is the winning number for that round.
You will find that some roulette variations like Multi-Ball or Double Ball use more than one ball. These additional balls offer more winning numbers, a selection of unique bets, and more ways to win.
Successful Bets are Paid Out
Roulette table rules stipulate that the dealer must pay out all successful bets once the winning number is determined. The dealer pays out earnings according to the roulette paytable. If you are playing roulette online, the casino automatically adds your winnings to your casino account.
A New Round of Roulette Begins
Once all payouts are squared, a new round of roulette betting begins. You can choose to participate in this new round or exit the game.
Top Terms for Understanding the Rules of Roulette
Now that we have a basic understanding of roulette and how to play, let’s look at the top roulette terms worth knowing that will help you understand the game even further.
| Roulette Term | Description |
| Action | The total amount wagered over a roulette session |
| All-in | When players wager their entire bankroll on one bet |
| Bankroll | A player’s funds that they have for betting |
| Bet on the layout | A roulette bet placed anywhere on the numbered area of the table |
| Block bet | This wager covers a group of numbers on the wheel |
| Column bet | The numbers on the roulette table can be grouped into three columns of 12 numbers each. A bet on one of these columns is a column bet. Called “Colonne” in French roulette, the bet is paid out at 2:1. |
| Corner bet | Also known as a quarter bet, square bet, or “Carre” in French, this wager involves a bet on four numbers in an area of the table. These wagers pay out 8:1 |
| Combination bet | When you bet on a combination of two or more numbers on the roulette table |
| Croupier | The roulette dealer |
| Dozen bet | This wager is called a “Douzaine” in French roulette and is similar to a column bet. Here, you must wager on a series of 12 numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. These bets pay 2:1 |
| Even bet | A bet that the number the ball lands on will be an even number |
| Odd bet | A wager that the number the ball lands on will be an odd number |
| Even money bet | These are outside bets, which pay even money or 1:1 |
| High bet | A “Passe” bet in French, this bet wagers that one of the high numbers on the wheel (19-36) will win |
| Low bet | A “Manque” bet in French, this wager suggests that one of the low numbers on the wheel (1-18) will win |
| Line bet | These bets are called “Sixainne” in French, and they allow you to bet that one of six numbers will win. These wagers pay out 5:1 |
| Red bet | A wager that the number the ball lands on will be a red number |
| Black bet | A bet that the number the ball lands on will be black. These wagers pay 1:1 |
| Split bet | This wager is called “Cheval” in French roulette. It allows you to place a single bet, saying one of two numbers will win. Players highlight this wager by placing their chip on the line separating these two figures. These bets pay 17:1 |
| Street bet | This wager allows you to bet on a row of three numbers. It is sometimes called a Triple Bet or a “Traversale” in French. These wagers pay 11:1 |
| Straight up bet | A bet on one number on the roulette table. These wagers pay the most, at 35:1. In French roulette, this wager is called “En Plein.” |
| Five number bet | Also called a top-line bet, this wager applies specifically to American roulette. Here, you wager a bet on five numbers: 00, 0, 1, 2, and 3 |
| Cold numbers | Numbers that haven’t landed for the past 37 spins |
| Biased numbers | A roulette wheel in a live dealer game where there is an imperfection in the wheel that causes certain numbers to come up more regularly. |
| Ball track | The outer rim of the roulette wheel where the white ball spins before it drops into the main body of the wheel. |
| Dolly | The marker or device used on the roulette table to highlight the winning number. You can only place new wagers once the dolly is removed from the table. |
How to Play Roulette for Beginners
Let’s put the roulette game rules we have learnt into action as we practice how to play roulette online by following these easy steps:
Choose Your Roulette Game
The first step in learning how to play roulette online for real money is choosing your game at the online casino you have joined. European roulette rules are the easiest so we are going to be using this variant to walk you through the steps. Once you have chosen your roulette game, you can double-click the game thumbnail to launch it. Then, wait for the game to load.
Select Your Chip Value and Place Your Bets
The next step in learning how to play roulette for beginners is choosing your chip value. You will see that these come in a range of colours. Each colour denotes a different value. Once you have chosen your bet value, click the area on the roulette table where you want to place your bet. For example, if you want to bet on red 14, you would click this area on the table to place your chip and your bet. When you have placed all of your bets, click the “Spin” button to get the wheel spinning.
Wait for the Dealer to Spin and Watch What Happens
Now it is all up to chance. You can watch the wheel as it spins. The ball and wheel spin in opposite directions. When both start slowing down, the ball will come to rest in one of the numbered pockets. The number of the pocket that the ball lands in is the winning number.
Check the Outcome
Check to see if any of your chosen numbers were the winning number. If you have wagered other bets, like high/low, odd/even, or red/black, check the results here, too. If you have won any of your bets, the casino will pay your funds into your online casino account.
Make Your Next Move
The online roulette game will then reload and you can decide what you would like to do next. You can either play another round by placing new bets on the table, or you can exit the game.
How to Play Roulette – Understanding the House Edge
Now that we’ve been through the steps of how to play European roulette, let’s look at another aspect of the game that ties in closely with casino roulette rules: the house edge.
The house edge is the commission the casino keeps in exchange for offering the roulette game. This commission comes from your original stake in the game and automatically gives the casino the advantage.
The roulette wheel rules, in particular, the zero or two zeros if you’re playing American roulette, help the casino determine the house edge of the game.
The house edge reduces the odds of winning specific roulette bets, making it easier for the casino to win regularly and recoup a profit. Keeping this idea in mind, the higher the house edge, the lower the odds and the less chance you have of winning. For this reason, it makes sense to check out the house edge that applies to roulette games and find the ones with the lowest value:
| Roulette Variation | House Edge |
| European Roulette | 2.70% |
| French Roulette | 1.35%-2.70% |
| American Roulette | 5.26% |
| Live Dealer Roulette | 1.35%-5.26% |
| Bonus Roulette | 1.70% |
| Multi-ball Roulette | 2.70% |
| Mini Roulette | 3.85% |
Roulette Rules: Payouts, Odds, and Bets
Another essential part of learning how to play roulette is learning about the various bets you can place. The bets in roulette have fixed odds and payouts, so you can easily work out what your bet will earn you should you win.
Understanding these various bets, and how they work will make it easier to follow the roulette game rules and place bets that offer higher payouts and greater risk, if that’s what you’re after.
Let’s examine the table below to find more about the roulette bets and their odds and payouts:
| Roulette Bet | Bet Description | Payout Value | Odds – American Roulette | Odds – European Roulette |
| Straight Up Bet | A bet on one number on the roulette table | 35:1 | 1 in 38 / 2.63% | 1 in 37 / 2.70% |
| Split Bet | A single bet on two numbers that sit next to each other | 17:1 | 2 in 38 / 5.4% | 2 in 37 / 5.26% |
| Street Bet | Betting on a row of three numbers | 11:1 | 3 in 38 / 7.89% | 3 in 37 / 8.1% |
| Corner/Quarter/Square Bet | Wagering on a selection of numbers that form a square in the table | 8:1 | 4 in 38 / 10.53% | 4 in 37 / 10.80% |
| Line Bet | Wagering on six numbers spread across two rows (a double street bet) | 5:1 | 6 in 38 / 15.79% | 6 in 37 / 16.2% |
| Columns Bet | Betting on one of the three columns on the layout, each of which has 12 numbers | 2:1 | 12 in 38 / 31.58% | 12 in 37 / 32.40% |
| Dozens Bet | Wagering on one of three number groups (1-12, 13-24, o4 25-36) | 2:1 | 12 in 38 / 31.58% | 12 in 37 / 32.40% |
| High/Low | A wager on whether the winning number will be a low (1-18) or high (19-36) number | 1:1 | 18 in 38 / 47.37% | 18 in 37 / 48.60% |
| Odd/Even | A wager on whether the winning number will have an odd or even value | 1:1 | 18 in 38 / 47.37% | 18 in 37 / 48.60% |
| Black/Red | A wager on whether the ball will land on a red or black pocket | 1:1 | 18 in 38 / 47.37% | 18 in 37 / 48.60% |
How to Play Roulette Strategy for New Players
Whether you’re learning how to play roulette in a casino or how to play roulette online, you will quickly discover that the game is one of chance. In other words, there is little to nothing you can do to sway the outcome. However, there are several roulette strategies you can apply that will help you maintain or even boost your bankroll.
Once you understand the rules of roulette, you’ll discover that several strategies work well with the game, mainly because of its fixed odds. Top strategies include:
- Martingale System – This strategy encourages you to double your bet value after a loss and continue in this vein until you win and recoup all of your losses. Once you win, you reset your bet back to its original value.
- Reverse Martingale – Instead of doubling your bet value after a loss, this strategy requires you to double it after a win.
- Fibonacci Sequence – This system requires you to increase your bet value after each loss according to the Fibonacci Sequence to win back losses and a small profit.
While learning how to play roulette with a strategy can be beneficial, it is important to remember that many of these systems require a significant bankroll and don’t guarantee a win. Avoiding getting too caught up in chasing losses is essential, as this can quickly reduce your bankroll and limit your playing time.
Top Tips on How to Play Roulette and Win
If you want to know how to play roulette and win, you can follow several top tips for getting ahead. These handy hints won’t turn you pro overnight, but they will set you on the right path and make it easier to wager more informed bets.
Get to Know the Roulette Rules for Beginners
The first tip is to get to know how to play roulette by understanding the rules. Knowing the roulette rules is a UK player’s best way to get ahead in the game. Once you know what all the bets mean, how they’re represented on the roulette table, and which bets offer the best odds and returns, you can place more careful bets. Similarly, understanding rules like La Partage and En Prison will help you play more efficiently.
Carefully Choose Your Game Variant
The varying rules for roulette and wheel layouts mean different variants have different odds. American roulette rules dictate that the wheel must have an additional pocket for the double zero, which lowers the odds. As such, playing variations like French and European roulette is a better and more lucrative option.
Keep Tabs on Your Bankroll
Manage your bankroll wisely by wagering carefully thought-out bets. Placing bets on a whim can be a quick way to deplete your playing funds, which means you’ll have less time to play unless you top up your funds, which may not always be the best choice.
Use Casino Promos and Bonuses
One of the key features of top online casinos is the selection of bonuses and promotions they provide. Claiming these promos will help boost your bankroll, allowing you to play for longer and to try top roulette strategies and variations at a much lower risk.
Gamble Responsibly
Lastly, the best way to have a top online gambling experience once you have learnt how to play roulette is by practicing responsible gambling. You can do this in several ways, including careful management of your bankroll, setting limits on your time spent at the roulette casino, or applying for self-exclusion.
If you are struggling with a gambling problem, you may want to try contacting a specialist resource like Gamble Aware.
Common Errors to Avoid when Learning How to Play Roulette
As with anything new, it is easy to make mistakes when learning how to play a roulette game. We take you through some of the most common errors players make when starting out so you know what to avoid going forward.
- Forgetting the house edge – The house edge gives the roulette casino an immediate advantage over players. While you can still earn a profit early on in the game, the longer you play, the more likely you will lose your edge because of the house edge. So, rather play for shorter periods.
- Not properly understanding the roulette game rules and bets – As with all casino games, the roulette rules are essential to learn and understand. Knowing the rules, bets, and payouts will make it easier to extend your bankroll and wager more winning bets.
- Playing without a strategy in place – A roulette strategy or plan helps keep you on track. Since roulette is a game of chance, placing random or unstructured bets can be easy. Unfortunately, this can quickly deplete your bankroll, while a strategy will keep you on track and playing for longer.
- Starting with high bet values – Wagering high-value bets when you’re still learning how to play roulette is an error many new players make. It is better to start small and learn the ropes before jumping in with big bets.
- Chasing your losses – It is normal to lose when gaming, particularly if you are just learning how to play roulette. Since roulette is a game of chance, there is nothing you can do to sway the outcome of each spin. As such, chasing losses is a fool’s errand, and you’ll only deplete your bankroll further.
A Wrap-up of How to Play Roulette
Learning how to play roulette at a casino online or in person means first getting to know the roulette rules, bets, and odds. Once you have a firm grasp of these concepts, it becomes easy to play and place informed and often more lucrative wagers. We hope you have discovered everything you need to know about how to play roulette for beginners from our guide and that you are ready to begin playing at your favourite online casino.
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