Your Comprehensive Guide To Roulette: Learn How To Play!
Roulette is one of the original casino games and today we will cover the basic rules of the game, the complexity of bets and some of the most popular strategies. The rules of the game are very simple. The player picks a single number or a combination of numbers and bets a certain value of chips on that number. Since this is a table game, each table has its own limit. To begin playing, you must follow several simple steps:
- Choose the amount you want to bet
- Decide on the sectors you want to bet on, and place your bets
- A dealer spins the wheel and throws the ball into it
- At the end of the spin, the winners are announced
- The winnings are distributed according to the results
- Proceed to bet again if you wish to continue playing
Roulette Chips
In all versions of the game, the bets are made using chips. There are several different denominations of chips. In a game of Roulette77, however, the available types of chips are reduced to four, comprising 1, 5, 25, 100. The numbers, also referred to as nominals, express the value of each token. You bet by placing them in specific sectors across the betting layout.
When you want to increase your overall bet, you can use additional chips and stack them on top of one another to indicate your intentions. Once you have committed your chips, you may no longer withdraw them or call the bet off. Therefore, the placement of chips creates a binding contract between you and the casino.
Depending on the version and developer of the roulette game, and whether you play online or offline, the nominals may change and you could encounter chips worth 1, 2, 500 or even 1,000 of any given currency.
Each version of the game makes it very easy for the players to understand what is going on and to track progress. These days, there are no rigged games, thanks to rigorous security standards at licensed casinos and gaming operators.
Explanation of Roulette Bets
There are two main groups of roulette bets – inside and outside. There is also a third group, known as ‘announced’ bets, derived from the French version of the game. French roulette is one of the most interesting and rewarding variants of the game. Let's study the bets and explain what they mean.
Inside Bets
Inside bets represent the most numerous of the available bets in the game. They are expressed as single numbers or combinations of numbers and they have the highest rate of return. This is why many players consider them as part of their general strategy when they start playing. Here are the main ones you should know about:
- Straight – A straight bet is a single-number bet. In this case, you place your chips on an individual sector and you will need the ball to drop in that specific pocket for a win to occur. The payouts here are high and you can bet on numbers between 1-36. Additionally, you can bet on 0 or 00, depending on the version of the game.
- Split – A split bet is an interesting option, as it covers two adjacent fields, giving you a better chance to win. In a traditional layout, the 5 and 6 are adjacent, which means that if you choose to place a chip right in the middle, you will now win if the ball drops on either of the two fields.
- Street – A street in roulette will give you an even better chance to win. Basically, you place a bet on the whole street, i.e. a horizontal line of consecutive numbers. An example of a straight bet is 25,26,27. Street bets have an even better overall probability of success.
- Corner – The corner bet covers four numbers by placing the chip right in the middle of those numbers, thus covering their common corner. The bet will cover fewer numbers than a straight line, but also allows players to choose slightly different numbers and get a better payout, should they win.
- Five Number – A five-number bet is only applicable to the American version of the game, where a 00 is available. You place the bet at the top-left corner, covering the 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. Some analysts consider this bet to be one of the riskiest.
- Six Line – A six-line bet allows you to cover two streets. This again boosts your chances of success, but naturally reduces the potential payout. Still, inside bets remain the highest-paying ones and the occasional six-line bet is not uncommon.
The inside bets are great if you are ahead on your betting. Taking the occasional riskier bet could bring you better profits. For the most part, though, these bets rely on chance more than skill or the ability to calculate numbers.
Outside Bets
Outside bets in roulette serve as the basis of all the strategies that aim to increase your winnings by playing smartly. Understandably, most experienced players prefer the outside bets, while placing only an occasional inside bet. All outside bets are a choice between red or black, odd or even, or a specific string of numbers, such as 1 to 18 or 19 to 36.
- Dozens - A dozens bet requires players to place their chips on one of the three available groups of 12 numbers - the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
- Columns – In columns betting, you choose one of the three main columns on the main betting layout and place your wager in the column, usually at the bottom of the betting field.
- Red or black – A type of bet where you just choose the color of the winning number, instead of trying to guess the exact number. This is one of the most-used outside bets, which, given the nearly 50% chance of winning, is understandable.
- Odd or even – In this type of bet, you make a wager on either even or odd numbers. Once again, you stand a fairly good chance of securing a win or recuperating a loss.
- 1 to 18 or 19 to 36 – With 1/18 or 19/36, you are basically choosing to bet on half the numbers on the roulette wheel. It's important to note that the 0 is once again excluded from the roll. Generally speaking, these number bets are also a popular choice.
The inside bets are great if you are ahead on your betting. Taking the occasional riskier bet could bring you better profits. For the most part, though, these bets rely on chance more than skill or the ability to calculate numbers.
Payouts
By now, you understand that payouts in roulette depend on the type of bet you make. Inside bets have better payouts, but they have a slimmer chance of success. In the same way, outside bets have an almost 50% chance of paying out. Why almost 50%? It's very simple in fact – the 0 or 00 gives the house its edge, usually between 2% and 5%. Instead of speculating, however, we have put together a detailed list of payouts in the game, based on the specific bet you place.
| Bet | Type | Payout | Example ($1 bet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-up | inside | 35 to 1 | $35 + $1 bet |
| Split | inside | 17 to 1 | $17 + $1 bet |
| Street | inside | 11 to 1 | $11 + $1 bet |
| Corner | inside | 8 to 1 | $8 + $1 bet |
| Five-number | inside | 6 to 1 | $6 + $1 bet |
| Six Line | inside | 5 to 1 | $5 + $1 bet |
| Dozen | outside | 2 to 1 | $2 + $1 bet |
| Column | outside | 2 to 1 | $2 + $1 bet |
| Red/Black | outside | 1 to 1 | $1 + $1 bet |
| Even/Odd | outside | 1 to 1 | $1 + $1 bet |
| High/Low | outside | 1 to 1 | $1 + $1 bet |
The table displays several important metrics. First, you can see the type of bet you are placing. Second, you will see how many numbers are included in the bet you are making and what the payout ratio is.
As you can imagine, straight bets offer the biggest return, as those are single-number bets. In the example bet, you can see that a simple $10 stake on a straight bet could fetch you $350 in total bet return, which is a truly outstanding payout.
Are There Any Strategies?
Roulette is a complex game that offers many ways to play strategically. While new players approach the game with a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty, the majority of people quickly realize that there are a few ways to have some control over the outcome.
This is where you are allowed to employ certain strategies to guarantee yourself a profit, or at least to break even if things go against you. Most strategies, such as Martingale, rely on doubling up every time you lose and then following a certain algorithm.
Fibonacci’s strategy is a sequence of numbers that simply repeats itself and helps the player break even or win a little over the current state of their bankroll.
Labouchere and Reverse Martingale are two other strategies that are commonly cited as effective ways to play roulette. Which one you choose depends entirely on you. What’s important to remember here is that, in certain strategies, if you lose two times in a row, you won’t be able to recuperate your original investment.
In light of this, Martingale is perhaps the safest bet among all strategies, as it allows you to play according to a table limit rather than your lost bets.
A Few Tips for Playing
Advice is always welcome when you engage in a game not only of chance, but of skill. To strike a balance between uncertainty and your chances of winning, you will need to apply mathematical probability, as well as common sense.
With the most common strategies being very easy to commit to memory, you will just need to focus on avoiding the pitfalls that many players end up falling into. Here is a list of some of the tips we personally hold to be valuable to players of all backgrounds.
Find a casino you like
Just pick a variant that you feel comfortable with. Whether it is a brick-and-mortar or an online casino, a good ambiance will make you feel more comfortable playing, and therefore less likely to make an irrational decision.
Losses happen – don’t chase your money
Even the best players take beatings. Take them in your stride and don’t dwell on them. So long as you have a budget and don’t exceed it, you will always be all right. Yes, sometimes the money runs out quicker, but sometimes you end up earning more.
The house always wins
This is an inescapable fact. The house edge due to the 0, or 00 if you play American roulette, will always be a thorn in your side. You may be winning a lot right now, but the longer you play, the more likely it is that the 2%-5% house edge will bite into your winning potential. So, it’s always important to exercise some caution when you are deciding how long to stick and play.
Enjoy the game and don’t break your wallet
The game cannot be a source of income. Some people risk a lot and then post a video online showing them winning, but they had blind luck. If they were to stake that same money again, they would lose. Remember to play with a clear head. Once your playing funds have run out or you have amassed respectable winnings, it might be time to take a short break.
The End of the Game
A game of roulette doesn’t have a natural end point. The truth is that you can spend as much time as you like playing at any available table so long as you have the money to support it. Most people agree that a few hours is a sufficient time to help you make the best calls and decisions.
Others love to take short breaks and return to play at a later point. All casinos offer games 24/7, so long as you are willing to play. Understandably, there are some hours of the day when fewer people play at one time, but this in no way detracts from your experience.
Yet, at the best online casinos in the world, you can always find great gaming options to enjoy. On occasion, it’s always worth considering how long you have been playing, and consider withdrawing if you feel that you have reached a natural stopping point. For the most part, however, it’s entirely up to you to manage your own time and your game time as you see fit.
Roulette is an exciting game that offers you a chance to play with a variety of strategies and boost your winning potential accordingly. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most-played games online today and it is very likely to stay that way, so long as there are casinos.
