How to bet better knowing the rules of roulette
Roulette has been one of the classic games in physical casinos and today it is becoming a classic of online casinos. Although the rules of roulette are quite elementary you will never become an expert if you do not have a thorough knowledge of them. On our page we show you them step by step.
Here you can see the different sections of the page and by clicking on each of the titles you will be able to access the sections that catch your attention the most. We start with an examination of the basic rules and then we explain the differences between European and American roulettes. Once you know all the rules you can finding the game that best suits your style .
How does roulette work?
The game of roulette is quite simple. You place a bet on a number or a combination of numbers. The dealer throws the spinning ball over the wooden projection of the cylinder that has numbered squares. If the ball lands on one of the squares that matches your bet you win , if you don't lose. It's that simple.
Before the game starts the players have to place their bets with the chips arranged for this purpose. In land-based casinos, the dealers usually put the chips for you.
Once the bets have been placed, the dealer prepares to throw the ball that rotates on the projection of the cylinder. Some versions in online casinos accept bets while the ball is spinning.
The ball loses strength until it lands on one of the numbered squares. If it matches the number of your bet on the tapate, you will have won.
You have the option to bet again on the same number or change your strategy. With the rule In Prison you can continue playing without changing the bet that is "in prison".
This would be the basic premise of roulette, which works in both physical and online casinos. However, through our exam we also want to show you how small differences in the rules can affect your experience in the game . The variants and other aspects are relevant when it comes to your options when placing bets, as we will show you later. We also want to teach you some rules that are important for more expert players. These include the table limits, the rules in Prison and La Partage, as well as a guide to find the game that best suits your expectations.
Before you start playing roulette for real money you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules. In the following sections we will show you everything you need to know about it. With all this information you should have no problem mastering the game.
The cylinder or roulette
Its name comes from the French roulette which means small wheel. It is assumed that the oldest reference dates back to the ferris wheel. But if you are interested in knowing about its history, it is best that you access the following review in which we explain the origin and development of roulette . Regardless of its shape or size, the cylinder has 37 numbered boxes alternating between red and black boxes . These range from the number 1 to 36, with box 37 being the 0, usually green.
When it comes to guaranteeing the randomness of the result, the cylinder rotates opposite to the direction of the ball. If in live casinos it is the dealer who performs the operation, online the rotation of the roller is controlled by an algorithm that guarantees the randomness of the result , producing the same effect as in physical casinos.
The square with the 0 and the house edge
All roulette wheels have a square with the number 0, which was introduced in France in the mid-nineteenth century. In the Anglo-Saxon variants we find the characteristic of two boxes with the number zero: 0 and 00. This box is important because it represents the house edge. Without it, with outside bets the odds would be at 50:50 and for casinos it would be a ruin. The house edge with a single 0 is 2.70% or 1:37 . In the case of double zero the advantage reaches 5.30%.
The arrangement of the mat
The cylinder is placed at the end of a table covered by a cloth originally green. There are rugs with other color ranges, but the most traditional is dark green. This is where the bets are placed for which some chips are used that represent the amount in money of the bet. The surface is for the most part arranged with a series of numbered boxes representing your betting options . This area is considered for inside bets. In its margins we find the bets on black and red, the odd and even as well as the bets on the columns, which are the outside bets.
You can place your chips in any of the options that you have at your disposal. In addition, you have to keep in mind that the position of the numbers on the cylinder and on the mat is different . It is not irrelevant that you will learn well the order of the numbers on the cylinder before betting real money.
Summary: players place their bets on the mat. These consist of numbers or the characteristics of numbers, even or odd, for example. They are known as inside and outside bets, respectively. The numbers on the mat and on the cylinder are not in the same order.
The basic rules for betting and winnings
When it comes to roulette the only thing the player has under his control is the bet, and the game has quite a few options to choose from. But, although the number of betting possibilities is quite wide, the logic behind it is manifest. There are 2 basic types of bet. Outside bets, in which players place their bets on any of the options outside the central layout with the numbered boxes, and inside bets which, as you might have guessed, are placed on the inside positions of the mat. Payouts range from a modest 1:1 to 35:1 .
Knowing the basic rules is essential when playing. You should know what you have to do on each occasion, for example, how to split or what a multiple bet is. Download our complete guide and always have it with you.
The simplest rule that you will have to remember is that the payouts correspond to the portion of the mat that you have covered with your bet. Nail an inside bet on any of the 37 numbers pays out 35 to 1 . It pays very well because the chances of winning are few, you will only get it thanks to a stroke of luck. The split bet, also known as a horse, consists of placing the bet between 2 numbers, with a payout of 17 to 1. The card consists of 3 numbers with a payout of 11 to 1, etc.
Outside bets reward you very little, since here the chances of making a profit are really high. The payout is 1:1. A complete list of the payments can be found in the following graph. The names are also in French because we have taken them from the French variant of roulette , but the payments are the same.
The token is placed on a single number. The bet has a low probability but the best payout.
The bet is placed on the line between 2 numbers. The bet is divided and the payout is half of the previous one.
This is a bet that covers 3 numbers at a time. The token is placed at the end of a row of 3 numbers.
The tile covers 4 adjacent numbers forming a square and is located at the intersection point of them.
In this case the bet covers a row with the numbers 1, 2, 3 in addition to the 0.
The American variant of the previous one, when the chip in addition to covering the 0 also covers the 00.
Similar to the Horse bet here the bet is divided between two rows of numbers covering 6 in total.
It consists of betting on one of the 3 dozen in which the roulette numbers can be grouped, which are arranged on the cloth as 1st, 2nd and 3rd 12.
The tile is moved to the end of one of the 3 columns of the mat, so you bet that the winning number will be in one of them.
All numbers have an associated color, red or black. It consists of betting on the color of the winning number.
You can bet on even or odd numbers. Together with the previous one you have the highest odds of winning.
It is a question of betting on whether the winning number is located between the group of low numbers, from 1 to 18.
The opposite of the previous bet. The winning number is bet on to fall among the group of high numbers, from 19 to 36.
The graph shows the most basic betting options that you have at your disposal. Anyway, there are many variants that you can follow when it comes to how and where to place your chips, with very creative strategies, as you can see by scrolling to the advanced strategies .
Summary: there are two basic types of bets. The internal bets (on the numbers) and the external ones (on their characteristics). The latter are easy to understand and offer good odds. The best choice for beginners. Inside bets offer better winnings, but they carry more risks.
The rules of European roulette
When one sets out to play roulette in the casino it is normal to be somewhat perplexed with the distinction between European and French roulette. The truth is that the differences are not many. The rules of the game are the same for both variants , with the presence of a single 0 in the green square of the cylinder. To tell the truth, what distinguishes them are purely superficial differences and are basically reduced to the design of the mat and the distribution of external bets. The dozens, for example, are placed at the ends of the columns and the Foul and Pass bets are called Manque and Passe, respectively.
European roulette betting mat:
The names in the boxes are usually in Spanish or English. The red and black colors are shown with diamonds. The fields of the dozens are next to the simple lots.
French roulette betting mat:
In French roulette the names are usually found in French. Often diamonds for color are replaced by the words Rouge and Noir. The tens are located at the end of the panel of the columns.
The location of the dozens constitutes one of the main differences of the mats. While in European roulette the dozens stand next to the simple lots : Foul/Pass, Odd/Even, Red/Black, in French roulette these are shifted to the end of the cloth and are listed as P12, M12 and D12, as corresponds to the French première, moyenne and dernière douzaine. In the graph that we have prepared above you have all the terms in Spanish with their French variant so that you don't have any doubts. For the rest, the terms are all equivalent.
Summary: the differences between the French and European roulette variants are basically reduced to the configuration of the mat. Although the terms of how to bet on French roulette are in French, the bets are fundamentally the same.
American Roulette: the double 0
Characteristic of some roulettes in Anglo-Saxon countries and the one known as American roulette is the extra 0, both on the cylinder and on the mat. The 00 increase the house edge by twice , from 2.70% to 5.30%. This also means that the theoretical return to the player or RTP goes from the standard 97.3%, which you find in the French and European variants, to 94.7%. Honestly, you will not be interested in playing this roulette if you are not a risk lover and what you really care about is profits. European roulette is the one that offers you the best returns.
European roulette
American roulette
The double zero works just like any other square and allows more betting options , such as 0, 00, which is equivalent to the Horse bet or the American Top Line that covers the row of 1, 2 and 3 in addition to 0 and 00. For example, you can combine a cross bet by matching 0, 00, 2 or 00, 2, 3, with the same payout of 11 to 1. An exception is betting on 5 numbers, which does not exist in French and European roulette, with a win of 6 to 1.
Although the options are increased thanks to the double zero feature, you have to keep in mind that in American roulette the house edge is higher . As a general rule, you should avoid it for this reason. Another difference is that, although the numbers keep alternating, the red and black colors are located in different positions, as you can see in the image above.
Summary: American roulette has an extra square with a 00. In this it differs from French and European roulette. The extra 0 increases the house edge up to 5.30% affecting dividends. But the rules are the same. If you can, avoid this type of roulette , in which the disadvantage for the player is greater.
Rules for advanced players
Now let's try some roulette rules for players with a little more experience. Although, in general, they do not pose any difficulties and are easy to understand players who are still getting acquainted with the most basic ones can skip them. We talk about the betting limits, the rules in Prison and La Partage, and how to choose a suitable table. Perfect for those players who are looking forward to developing their own system.
The limits of the tables
In all roulette games you will see that they have been set bet minimums and maximums . But these limits are not the whole story. You will see that it is also very common for casinos to set limits according to the individual bet. In this way, traders protect themselves in the event of a very high bet that could be a winner.
Although in most online casinos the minimum bet is usually very affordable, starting with $ 0.10, reaching very appetizing maximum bets, as you can see in the examination we have carried out of the roulette wheels with the highest betting limits , the truth is that these minimum limits are indifferent to the most expert players. They use advanced betting systems . Most strategy systems use outside bets. Therefore, it is important to find a table that has high limits for this type of betting . Only in this way can the strategy work correctly. Check out the page that our team has prepared about all roulette systems and strategies . So you can decide which system is best for you.
Summary: each roulette game has its own betting limits. In each game there are also internal limits. The maximum limits are only interesting for those players who employ strategies and are willing to bet hard.
An Analysis of the Partage and In Prison
These rules are neither found in all variants of the game nor are they exclusive to French roulette, as you might think due to the French names. Some American roulettes include the surrender rule, which is similar to the Partage. If you want to know if the rule is available check the description of the game or ask in the help section . In land-based casinos you can ask the dealer.
These rules revolve around the number 0 for simple outside bets. When the ball lands on the 0 the outside bets lose. Now, if the game has the La Partage rule, this constitutes a kind of insurance that you should not hesitate to accept. If the ball lands on the zero square with the Partage half of your bet is returned to you . Partage means to distribute in French.
The rule in Prison means that your bet has been blocked for the next round when the ball lands on 0. If you keep losing then your original bet loses, but if you win the bet will remain active on the same square or for the same original value, i.e. "in prison". If you win once again, the value you have obtained is paid in full and the game is released. This rule increases your chances of winning in games with a good RTP. The house edge is reduced by up to 1.35% .
Summary:
The Partage: simple lots are paid back with a value of 50% if the ball lands on 0.
In Prison: when the ball lands on square 0, outside bets are blocked during the next spin of the roulette wheel. If the bet turns out to be a winner, the bet is unlocked and if the player wins the subsequent round he cashes the bet, although there are no additional winnings.
Find your game with the best rules
When looking for the best roulette game the strategy is given: find the game that offers you the best dividends . The following steps will help you find the best roulette for betting for real money .
Step one: Stick with the European variant
The first thing you should look at is the roulette wheel. If you come across a single 0 then you are in the right place . This is the European or French variant. On the other hand, if the game has a 0 and a 00 our recommendation is that you avoid it; American roulette is not worth it.
The extra 0 in the American version of roulette means that the house edge is higher , so it does not reward the player properly. Find a cylinder with a single 0 to take the next step.
Step two: appropriate limits according to the strategy
Knowing the limits of the tables is essential for the most advanced player. Those who wish to employ systems with progressions they will be interested in small bets, although this requires high limits on outside bets. Enthusiasts of the Martingale strategy they know perfectly well how frustrating it is to play with low limits for outside bets. If you lose several times in a row you will find yourself reaching the limit very soon and, consequently, your chances of continuing to bet using the strategy. Therefore, it is best to find a game that allows small bets that let you progress proportionally recovering losses .
In the graph you can see that the maximum limits on outside bets are really high, and they can even be higher at tables with limits for risk-loving players. But here the minimum limits can also be higher. Check it out that the rules are appropriate for progressive systems due to the low bet limit, but a good maximum for outside bets.
Step three: Find a game that delivers dividends
As we have explained before, we recommend a game that offers the rules in Prison and La Partage, especially if you are an outside betting enthusiast. The reason is that these rules benefit the player by decreasing the house edge . Although the terms are in French, it does not mean that they are available in all variants of the French version, because this is not the case. The European variants also have these standards. A tip: if you are a player who likes to use strategies it is better that the game has good limits and avoids The Partage: they do not turn out to be the most appropriate when you are using strategies .
Step four: varied rules
Although these are not the most important rules, it is not bad to find games that offer you other options such as the fastball or the vertical roulette with an innovative layout of the mat that imitates the circuit of a racetrack. In this case, for example, it is easier to place neighbor bets because the order of the numbers on the mat coincides with that of the cylinder. Although in the vertical version the rules of the game do not change . However, this is a very practical variant for the less expert. Another welcome option is to save your betting strategy, especially for advanced players who have developed their own systems.
Step Five: Behave yourself
As with other casino games, here we have also has a number of unspoken rules when it comes to player behavior. Although most of these will not affect you when you play online. However, you will want to know what is expected of you if you have decided to play at a physical casino. You will have to behave politely with the other players and also with the dealers. If, for example, you are playing in the live casino never use the chat to discuss or say inappropriate things to the other players or complain about the dealer. It is quite possible that the casino will expel you from the table if so. Another unspoken rule in brick-and-mortar casinos is that you should never touch other players' chips. If you want to place the same bet just ask the dealer to place the chips for you . The same happens when the game ends. Wait for the dealer to remove and shift the chips with the rake, do not do it yourself. It also doesn't hurt to tip your favorite dealer.
Important variants
Online casinos have expanded and enriched the possibilities of gambling. Independent providers strive to offer new titles with innovations that are often more apparent than real. However, some variants have introduced changes in the rules of the game that entail an interesting twist in it .
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1/4
Multi-wheel roulette
Fun variant that increases the chances of winning by adding up to 8 reels with independent results. You can win a bet on one roulette wheel, lose it on another or, if you're lucky, win on all of them at once! The distribution of payments somewhat strange. Check our
multi-wheel roulette review
to find out more.
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2/4
3D Roulette
Its biggest attraction is the stunning 3D graphics. It gives the feeling that you are playing in a real casino. In addition, it offers high rates of return to the player, since you can play with the La Partage rule. You can find out more features at
our review on how to play roulette 3D
.
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3/4
Vertical Roulette
This variant does not change anything essential in terms of the rules, but it is still interesting due to the innovative arrangement of the mat. Very convenient for those who use bets that include orphans and thirds, among others. There is also the VIP variant, as you can see in our review of the
VIP vertical roulette
.
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4/4
roulette golden streets
You can play traditional European roulette and place a side bet called golden streets at the same time. The goal is to light up as many streets as possible to win, you will need to light up at least 7 streets. In this roulette you have a maximum table limit of $1,000 and it allows you to bet using the La Partage rule.
Other roulette games
Online you will find countless variants, such as the mini roulette , which offers a miniature version of the traditional game perfect for beginners. We explain some of these variants and other curiosities of the game to you on our about page casinos with roulette .
Tips about the variants: There are many creative and fun variants of this game. Some of them are rewarding and profitable, others decrease your chances of getting any profit. The best thing is that you play the European version, the variant with the greatest presence in the spanish online casinos .
Frequently asked questions
Although it may seem complicated at first glance, when for example you see the players place the chips on the mat in an apparently arbitrary way, once you have familiarized yourself with the most basic roulette rules everything looks a little clearer. However, players always have doubts regarding the rules of the game, limits and strategies. Here are some of the questions that readers have asked us.
How do you play roulette?
This is one of the easiest casino games to play. Bets on a number or a series of numbers. The ball rotates inside the cylinder. If it lands on one of the numbers of your bet you win.
How are the profits distributed?
Normally the payments are in relation to the bets you have made on the tapate, its coverage or risk. Logically, the payments will be higher the less you have covered. If you have put a lot of chips on the table you will have risked less.
What's the best bet?
The best bets are outside bets, on the margins of the table. These include odd/even, red/black and miss/pass.
How to win at roulette?
You win when you hit the right number. It happens when the ball lands on the square that matches the number you have bet on. Otherwise you lose.
What is the bet with the best odds?
Outside bets are the ones with the best odds of winning. They are located on the sides of the board in the margins of the numbered boxes.
What is the best way to play roulette?
If you are a beginner, the best way to play is to concentrate on outside bets, as they are the ones with the least risk. And remember to bet only the amount you know you can lose.
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