Tips for Online Roulette
A Complete Guide
Roulette is one of the world’s oldest gambling games, and it remains one of the most popular at casinos across the globe. Unlike many games where there is an element of skill involved, with roulette the game relies purely on luck.
However, there are a few ways to maximize your chances of success when you play this great game, whether that be at an online casino or a land-based one. Fancy your chances?
Top 10 Tips to Win at Online Roulette
- 1For the best odds, play European or French roulette
- 2Go for outside over inside bets
- 3Experiment with combination bets for bigger payouts
- 4Play for free first to understand the game
- 5Study the table and get to grips with the rules
- 6Ignore any ‘What’s Due’ number prompts
- 7Place smaller bets so you can play for longer
- 8Take regular breaks to stay focused
- 9Only play at reputable and trustworthy online casinos
- 10Set a betting limit and never wager what you can’t afford
Online Roulette Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to online roulette, there are a few things to consider before placing your first bet. Take a look at our best roulette tips for beginners below:
Know your roulette variants
There are three main roulette variants: American, European, and French. You’ll find that each variant has a slightly different table layout as well as different house edges to learn. Typically, the variant that gives players the best statistical return is European roulette which has a house edge of just 2.63%.
Always opt for outside bets
Outside bets offer the best odds of winning at roulette. These types of wagers are placed on groups as opposed to just numbers, for example odd or even, red or black, 1-18 or 19-46, dozen bets, or column bets. Though the payouts are lower, the odds of winning are much higher. So, if you’re just playing for fun and not wanting to take too much of a risk, we recommend you stick with outside bets.
Try combination bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on the inner section of the table and are much less likely to payout. If they still tempt you, we’d suggest trying a combination bet. This type of wager is a stake on either two, three, four, five, or six individual numbers. Combination bets are placed on the lines in-between numbers on a roulette table, for example on a corner which touches four different numbers. Though combination bets cost more than single number wagers, in the long-term they can help score larger payouts.
Don’t focus on ‘What’s Due’
Some online casinos will have a ‘What’s Due’ feature which gives guidance on what numbers might be coming next. Though these features are based on numerical patterns, it’s always best to ignore them. The odds of winnings stay the same for every single spin regardless of the numbers that have come up before. There’s no guarantee of success with any online roulette bet!
Consider how much roulette pays out
It’s essential to understand roulette odds before you start playing. Each bet will come with its own potential payout and odds of winning. Typically, outside bets will pay 1:1, while inside bets will pay anything from 6:1 all the way up to 35:1. Knowing the odds before putting money on a bet is key to success.
Manage your money
This advice applies to all gambling games – money management is key! It’s crucial that you keep a hold on your bankroll and bet sensibly. Be sure to set yourself betting limits and when you reach them, stop.
How Does Roulette Work?
Roulette is a hugely popular game, attracting vast numbers of players at both land-based casinos and online. If you’re thinking of learning to play roulette, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s a relatively simple game to pick up. It’s just a case of learning how it all works. So, let us talk you through the basics. Whether you’re playing online roulette or at a real roulette table in a casino, the rules are much the same. Let’s go through it step by step:
STEP 1
Place Your Bet(s)
First, you will place your bets by moving your roulette chips onto the bets of your choice. If playing a live version, the dealer will move these for you.
STEP 2
Dealer Spins the Wheel
The wheel will then spin and where the ball lands will determine the success of your bet.
STEP 3
The Outcome
If the ball lands on one of your numbers, you will receive a payout.
STEP 4
Spin Again or Change Bet
You then have the option to spin again or change your bet. There is no individual who is the final winner, so you can continue to play the game for as long as you wish.
The Roulette Wheel Layout
The layout of a roulette wheel differs slightly according to the variation of the game you are playing. In American roulette, you’ll find 38 pockets numbered 1-36, then 0, then 00. The numbers are not in consecutive order. The house edge is 5.26%
The Roulette Table Layout
The layout of numbers and colors on the roulette table may seem complicated at first. However, it’s easy to understand once you’ve got used to the rules.
You’ll find that the roulette table differs very little across different variations of the game. The only discrepancy is the fact that American roulette tables feature an additional number ‘00’. Despite this, payouts are paid on the basis of 36 numbers. That’s why American roulette offers a higher house edge than other variants. European and French roulette tables do not have an additional 00, so the house edge is comparatively lower.
Types of bets and chip placement
Type of bet | Numbers | Chip placement |
---|---|---|
Straight | One number | One number |
Split | Two number | On line between two numbers |
Street | Three number | On line at foot of column of three numbers |
Square | Four number | In center of square of four numbers |
Six Line | Six numbers | In corner of two columns at the foot of the columns |
Colors | 18 numbers | On the red or black icons at front of board |
Dozens | 12 numbers | On sectors labelled ‘1st 12’ ‘2nd 12’ or ‘3rd 12’ |
Highs/Lows | 1-18/19-36 | On sectors labelled 1-18 or 19-36 |
Odd/Even | 18 numbers | On sectors labelled odd/even |
Columns | 12 numbers | On column squares to far right of the board |
In addition to standard bets, there are several types of combination bets which can be placed on groups of numbers. These are dictated by the table layout. For example, a split bet covers two adjacent numbers on the table. Likewise, a double street is a bet on six numbers which can be found in two rows on the table.
The Most Popular Roulette Betting Systems
The game of roulette has inspired many betting systems. Some players believe that the use of these betting systems can ensure that over time, you’ll beat the house.
Realistically, you can never truly influence the outcome of the game, as where the ball lands relies entirely on luck. However, you can use certain strategies to protect your bankroll. For more details, check out our roulette strategy page, but to get you started, here are a few options:
The Best Known Roulette Betting Systems
Martingale
In this system, players only make even money bets. Every time a player loses, they double their bet. Using the Martingale system makes it very unlikely that you will lose your entire bankroll.
Labouchere
In the Labouchere system, players decide on an amount they want to win, then change the amount they are betting depending on whether they are winning or losing at the time. Whilst this system doesn’t enable you to predict the future, it eliminates losses by allowing you to visualize how much more you will need to win to reach your target.
D'Alembert
The D'Alembert roulette betting system is similar to the Martingale system, in that it encourages players to increase their wager if they lose. It’s a low risk strategy and players will find it quite unlikely that they’ll lose their bankroll when using this strategy.
Fibonacci
Based on the famous sequence of the same name, this strategy sees players place bets according to the Fibonacci mathematical sequence. If players win, they go on to the next number, but if they lose they take two steps back in the sequence.
How to Deal with Roulette Losses
Roulette’s complete reliance on luck, rather than skill or talent, makes it both brilliant and frustrating to play! Whilst it’s great that anyone can find themselves a winner when playing roulette, the fact that your chances of a winning streak will never really improve no matter how much time you dedicate to the game can be exasperating for experienced players.
The key to enjoying the game of roulette is accepting what you cannot change. When playing roulette, you’ll often find players making predictions and spotting trends. But even if you do so, you’re still at the mercy of Lady Luck! Roulette strategies such as the ones we’ve mentioned above can help you to prolong your playing experience by protecting your bankroll, but they won’t make you a winner when it comes to the big jackpots.
Expanding your roulette knowledge can enable you to make better decisions when playing the game, however. For example, knowing which variation of roulette to play can ensure that you face the game with a lower house edge. Likewise, knowing the different types of bets which you can place can improve your potential too.
But when it all comes down to it, roulette is a game which is entirely random. To win, the only thing you can do is go into the game with courage, bet bravely and cross all your fingers and toes! Don’t let that put you off though. You never know, it could be your lucky day!
Learn How to Win at Casino Roulette
Now that you know all there is to know about the best online roulette tips, it must be time to give the game a go! You can find exclusive online roulette games, mobile roulette options and free roulette games right here on Casino.org, or explore some of our top real money casinos for plenty more variations.