A Roulette Guide For Beginners

Roulette is a widely recognised casino game often featured in films or social settings. If you are unfamiliar with online casinos and want to learn about the basics of roulette, this guide offers a straightforward introduction. While the wheel, table, and betting options might appear complicated initially, the core concepts are easy to understand.

Online casinos provide different versions of roulette, each with unique layouts and rules. Understanding the fundamentals could potentially help you navigate the game with greater clarity. 

What Is Roulette?

Roulette is played using a wheel that features numbered pockets from 0 to 36. Some versions of the game also include a double zero (00). The numbers alternate in colour between red and black, while the zero or zeros are green.

A dealer, called a croupier, spins the wheel in one direction and releases a small ball in the opposite direction. Players place bets on where they think the ball will come to rest.

Bets are placed on a designated table and can be made on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or colours. Each type of bet has different payout rates. Betting on a single number generally has a lower chance of winning but offers a higher payout, while bets on colours such as red or black cover more outcomes and have lower payouts.

Who Invented Roulette?

Roulette has its origins in 18th-century France. It is often associated with Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician who, while attempting to develop a perpetual motion machine, created a mechanism that later influenced the design of the roulette wheel.

The word “roulette” means “little wheel” in French. The game evolved over time by combining features from various spinning and gambling games, reaching its more recognisable form in Paris during the late 1700s. This period saw the introduction of the single-zero wheel, which is now standard in European roulette. In the United States, a version with a double zero was developed later.

How Does Roulette Work?

To begin, chips are placed on the betting layout, which includes a variety of options such as individual numbers, groups of numbers, colours, or whether the outcome will be odd or even.

Once all bets have been placed, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The result is determined when the ball comes to rest in one of the numbered pockets.

Payouts depend on the type of bet. A successful single-number bet typically pays 35 to 1, while even-money bets such as red or black usually pay 1 to 1.

There are two main categories of bets:

• Inside bets focus on a smaller selection of numbers. These tend to offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning.
• Outside bets cover a broader range of numbers. These generally have higher chances of winning, but the payouts are lower.

Online versions of roulette may feature different table layouts and may run at a faster pace than those found in physical venues. Despite differences in design or presentation, the basic structure of the game remains consistent. Outcomes are determined randomly in each round.

What Are The Different Roulette Types?

European Roulette

European roulette is commonly found at UK online casinos. It features 37 pockets, with numbers from 0 to 36. The single zero increases the payout rate for most bets compared to other versions. The house edge in European roulette is approximately 2.7%.

American Roulette

American roulette has 38 pockets, including an extra double zero. This version increases the house edge to about 5.26%. The betting structure remains similar, but the additional zero affects the probabilities.

French Roulette

French roulette uses a 37-pocket wheel like European roulette. It introduces rules such as “la partage” and “en prison.” These rules apply to even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. They allow a portion of your stake to be returned or held for the next spin. This can lower the house edge on those bets to around 1.35%. Some table sections use French terminology.

Many UK casinos list which versions are available on their sites. Reviewing each game’s layout might help you decide which one suits your preferences best.

European, American and French Roulette Rules Explained

Wheel and Table Layout

European and French roulette wheels include 37 slots—numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. American roulette has 38 slots due to the addition of the double zero. Each version has a table layout that matches the wheel. French tables use some French-language labels, while American tables show the extra betting space for 00.

Betting Types

All three roulette types allow you to choose from a set of bet types. Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small sets:

• Straight (one number)
• Split (two adjacent numbers)
• Corner and line (four or six numbers)

Outside bets include red/black, odd/even, dozens, and columns. In French roulette, the labels may be in French but function in the same way.

How To Place Bets

Online betting begins by choosing the type of bet you want to place and the amount you wish to stake. Once this is confirmed, the game continues with the spin. Most games include visual layouts designed to make the process easier to follow. While different versions may have their own styles or designs, the main steps for placing bets are generally consistent.

Some versions may also offer additional features or viewing options, depending on how the game is designed. Taking a moment to review the layout before you begin could potentially make it easier to understand how everything works.

What Are The Odds and Payouts of Roulette?

European Roulette

European roulette includes 37 pockets. A single-number bet typically pays 35 to 1. Even-money bets pay 1 to 1. With one zero, the win probability for even-money bets is slightly below 49%. The house edge is around 2.7%.

American Roulette

This version includes 38 pockets, adding a double zero. Payouts are the same as European roulette. However, the extra slot lowers the probability of winning. A single-number bet has a 1 in 38 chance. Even-money bets are slightly above 47%. The house edge is approximately 5.26%.

French Roulette

French roulette follows the same odds as European roulette for most bets. The difference comes from special rules applied to even-money bets when zero is the result. Depending on the rule in use, you may recover half your stake or carry it over. This can reduce the house edge to around 1.35% on qualifying bets.

House Edge Summary

• European roulette: ~2.7%
• American roulette: ~5.26%
• French roulette (on some bets): ~1.35%

Each version has a different expected return. The paytable for each game explains the available bets and payouts.

What Is The Best Roulette Betting Strategy?

Roulette outcomes are based on random results. However, some players use betting patterns to organise how they place bets. Here are a few common methods:

Martingale

The Martingale approach involves doubling your stake after a loss on even-money bets. The aim is to recover previous losses. It can result in large stakes quickly, particularly if losses continue for several rounds.

Paroli

This method increases your bet after a win instead of a loss. After a loss, you return to your starting bet. It is designed to take advantage of short winning sequences.

Fibonacci

Based on a numerical sequence, this method increases the stake following a loss. After a win, you move back two steps in the sequence. This approach grows more slowly than doubling methods.

D’Alembert

With this method, you increase your stake by one unit after a loss and reduce it by one unit after a win. It is a more gradual adjustment strategy.

Labouchere

This strategy involves a written sequence. Your bet equals the sum of the first and last numbers in the list. Wins remove numbers from the list; losses add new ones. This system can become complex if multiple losses occur in a row.

These methods are used for bet structuring, and do not influence the results of any spin. 

Is There a Winning Roulette Strategy?

Each spin in roulette is an independent event, with outcomes based entirely on chance. There is no system or strategy that can influence the odds or alter the final result.

Some people choose to follow betting systems as a way to structure how they place bets, but it’s important to understand that each spin is unaffected by previous outcomes. The likelihood of any result remains the same regardless of past spins.

Games offered by UK-licensed casino sites are required to meet high standards of fairness. In digital roulette, Random Number Generators (RNGs) are used to produce outcomes, and these are regularly tested by independent bodies to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Any claim suggesting a guaranteed win does not reflect how roulette operates. The nature of the game is that outcomes are random.

What Is The Best Roulette Type?

Each version—European, American, and French—has its own features, and the one you choose may come down to the rules, visual layout, and expected return.

European roulette is commonly found at UK-licensed casinos. It uses a single-zero wheel and typically has a house edge of around 2.7%.

American roulette includes both a single zero and a double zero. This increases the house edge, making it less common in UK-based platforms.

French roulette is similar to the European version but includes additional rules, such as La Partage or En Prison, which can apply to even-money bets. These rules can reduce the house edge on those specific bets to around 1.35%.

Taking a few moments to explore the different versions available on a site might help you understand which setup you might suit your preferences best.

Play Roulette Online

If you’re keen to try out roulette, Dream Jackpot welcomes players with a clear, easy-to-use casino experience. You’ll find a variety of roulette games, each with detailed instructions and a simple layout. The table rules and bet limits are shown before you play, so you can quickly see what suits you best.

Signing up is designed to be quick and secure, following UKGC regulations. Dream Jackpot also gives you access to helpful features, such as deposit limits and other tools, so you can manage your play.

Every game uses licensed software with outcomes that are independently tested. You can view previous game details and read the rules at any time. This makes it easy to try different versions, whether you’re brand new to roulette or looking to learn a bit more.

Explore the roulette choices and see which table you prefer. With a focus on transparency, fair play, and safety, Dream Jackpot provides a welcoming place to discover roulette online.

Roulette FAQs

Can I Play Roulette Online?

Yes, you can play roulette online at UK-licensed casinos. Games may be software-based or streamed live. All options must comply with UKGC fairness standards.

How Many Numbers on a Roulette Wheel?

• European and French roulette: 37 numbers (0 to 36)
  
• American roulette: 38 numbers (0, 00, 1 to 36)

Is Roulette Rigged?

No, not at UK-licensed casinos. Games are tested by certified agencies to ensure fair and random outcomes. Results are reviewed regularly under UKGC rules.

How To Win at Roulette

There is no guaranteed method for winning at roulette. Each spin is random. You can place different types of bets, each with its own payout and probability. It can be useful to read the rules, set limits, and choose games that suit how you prefer to play.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}

 _{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}