How to Play Roulette
Roulette is one of the simplest casino games to learn. Players place bets on where they think the ball will land on a spinning wheel — choosing individual numbers, red or black, or odd or even. After all bets are placed, the wheel is spun and the winning result is revealed.
If you’re new to the game, a roulette simulator is a great way to practise risk-free and get used to the betting layout. You can even combine this with a no deposit bonus casino to try real roulette without spending your own money. Read on to learn how roulette works, the different wheel types, smart betting strategies, and how to play online effectively.
What is a Roulette Wheel?
A roulette wheel is a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets. Players place bets on where the ball will land — whether it’s a specific number, a colour (red or black), or an outcome such as odd or even.
Depending on the version, the wheel contains 37 numbers (0–36) in European roulette or 38 numbers (0, 00–36) in American roulette. The green zero (or double zero) is what gives the casino its house edge.
A roulette simulator is a digital version of the game that lets you practise for free. It’s one of the easiest ways to learn the table layout, understand betting options, and test different strategies without losing money. Many players also combine simulators with a no deposit bonus casino to try real roulette online using free credits before depositing.
The Roulette Wheel Basics: Core Fundamentals
To play confidently and make smarter bets, it helps to understand how the roulette wheel works, how the table is structured, and how payouts are calculated.
✨ Wheel & Table Layout
Roulette wheels contain numbered pockets arranged in alternating colours. A European wheel features 37 pockets (0–36), while an American wheel has 38 pockets (0, 00–36). Red and black numbers alternate around the wheel, and the zero pockets are marked in green — this is where the casino gains its house edge.
✨ Placing Bets
Using a roulette simulator is a great way to practise before risking money. It helps you compare low-risk and high-risk bets, understand chip placement, and test strategies. When you're ready, choose your stake and place chips on the outcomes you want:
- Inside bets: These target specific numbers or small clusters of numbers. They offer the biggest payouts (up to 35:1) but come with the lowest probability of winning.
- Outside bets: These cover wider categories like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. They provide smaller payouts (1:1 or 2:1) but have a higher chance of success.
✨ Spin & Outcome
Once all bets are placed, the wheel is spun and the ball is released. Whether you're playing online or live, the winning number is the pocket where the ball lands. All bets are settled instantly based on the final result.
✨ Payouts and Odds
Each betting option comes with its own payout ratio. A straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1 — the highest reward in roulette — but with the lowest probability. Simple bets such as red/black or odd/even pay 1:1, giving you even money with a much higher chance of winning.
Types of Roulette Wheel Games
Roulette comes in several variations, each offering different odds, layouts, and playing experiences. Understanding these versions helps you pick the one with the best house edge or the most enjoyable gameplay.
| Type | Description | House Edge |
| European Roulette | Features a single zero with 37 pockets. Widely considered the most player-friendly version. | ~2.7% |
| American Roulette | Contains both 0 and 00, giving the wheel 38 pockets. Higher risk due to the extra double zero. | ~5.26% |
| French Roulette | Similar to European, but includes rules like La Partage that reduce losses on even-money bets. | Lower when rules apply |
| Live Dealer Roulette | Online roulette streamed with a real dealer for a more authentic casino feel. | Same as chosen wheel type |
| Roulette Simulator | Digital practice mode that helps beginners learn layouts, test strategies, and play risk-free. | No real money involved |
| No Deposit Bonus Casino | Allows you to try roulette using free credits from sign-up bonuses before depositing real money. | Risk-free for new players |
A roulette simulator is great for learning and building confidence. But if you want to experience real stakes without using your own money, many no deposit bonus casino offers include free credits or spins that can be used on roulette. If you enjoy a mix of strategy and chance, try How to Play Blackjack — it pairs perfectly with roulette for building solid casino skills.
How to Play Roulette Wheel Online
Playing roulette online is very similar to the real casino experience — fast, exciting, and easy to follow — with the added convenience of playing anytime and anywhere. Here’s how to get started:
- Select a Trusted Casino & Version: Choose a reputable online casino, ideally one offering a no deposit bonus casino for risk-free practice. Most players prefer European Roulette because its single zero gives better odds. If you’re new to casino games, you can also explore beginner-friendly options like How to Play Slot Machine to learn basic betting flow before moving to roulette.
- Set Your Bet Amount: Decide how much you want to wager on each spin. Start small if you’re learning, and always stay within your budget.
- Choose Your Bet Type: Pick between inside bets (specific numbers or small number groups) or outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low). Inside bets offer bigger payouts but lower odds, while outside bets are safer.
- Spin the Wheel: In online roulette, simply click Spin. In live roulette, the dealer spins the wheel. The ball lands in a numbered pocket, and the winning outcome is revealed instantly.
- Payout & Continue: If you win, your winnings are added automatically. You can place a new bet, adjust your stake, or cash out anytime.
Inside vs Outside Bets: Betting Options Explained
Understanding the different types of bets in roulette helps you balance risk and reward. Here’s how inside, outside, and combination bets work:
- Inside Bet: High-risk wagers placed on a single number or a very small group of numbers. These bets offer the biggest payouts — up to 35:1 — but they also carry the lowest chance of winning.
- Outside Bet: A safer option that covers larger outcome groups like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. These bets usually pay 1:1 and win more frequently, making them ideal for beginners.
- Combination Bet: Middle-ground bets such as dozens or columns, covering 12 numbers at once. These pay 2:1 and offer a balance between safer outside bets and high-risk inside bets.
- Choosing the Right Bet: Bigger payouts come with lower winning odds. If you prefer steady wins, stick with outside bets. If you're chasing higher rewards, use inside bets carefully and strategically.
Conclusion
Roulette is simple to learn, exciting to play, and filled with different betting options for every style of player. By understanding the game rules, wheel types, and betting categories, you’ll make smarter decisions at the table. Improve your chances by choosing European wheels, managing your bankroll wisely, and using free practice games to sharpen your strategy. Always remember: every spin is independent, and no system guarantees a win — play smart, stay responsible, and enjoy the thrill of the wheel.
FAQs
1. What is the fairest version of roulette to play?
European Roulette is considered the fairest for players because it uses a single zero (37 pockets), giving it a lower house edge compared to American Roulette, which includes both 0 and 00.
2. Can roulette strategies increase my chances of winning?
Strategies like sticking to outside bets or managing your bankroll can help you play smarter, but they do not change the underlying house edge. Each spin is random, so no system can guarantee long-term wins.
3. Is playing roulette online safe?
Yes — as long as you play at licensed and reputable online casinos. These platforms use RNG (Random Number Generator) technology and are regularly audited to ensure fairness and transparent outcomes.