Red or Black? Odd or even? Avoid getting in a spin at the casino with our comprehensive guide on how to play online roulette. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time. You’re sure to have hours of fun playing one of the world’s favourite casino games!
When you think of casinos, the iconic roulette wheel is sure to come to mind. A favourite amongst casino players all over the world – roulette’s simple yet fast paced nature makes it the perfect game for beginners. For this reason, it might be tempting to wing it and see how lady luck treats you, but it’s obviously a good idea to make sure you fully understand how to play the game first. That’s where our comprehensive roulette guide comes in. Want to play like a roulette pro? Let us show you the ropes!
The Basics
Roulette first appeared in France but has since grown to become a global phenomenon. Today, there are three prominent versions of the game – European, American and French roulette.
Regardless of which game you go for, the aim of the game remains the same. A small roulette ball is rolled onto the spinning roulette wheel. All you need to do is predict which numbered pocket the ball will come to rest in once the wheels stops. Sounds easy, right?
Follow this 5 step guide to play online roulette:
- Make your pick(s).
Predict which numbered pocket the ball will land in. - Place your bets.
Use the roulette chips to place your bets. Each chip is marked with their respective value, and can be placed on any numbered spots, lines or junctions of the roulette tables. Keep an eye out for the minimum and maximum stake values before you put any chips on the table – you’ll have to stay within these to play. Any cash wagered will automatically be deducted from your balance. - Spin the wheel.
This is where the magic happens. Once you’re happy with your bets, click the ‘spin’ button and keep your fingers crossed! You won’t be able to make any changes once that wheel starts spinning. If you’re playing a live dealer version of the game, the spin is out of your hands – the croupier will keep playing whether you’re ready or not. - Result.
After a nail biting few seconds, the ball will eventually come to a halt. There’ll be markers on the table to indicate the winning number. If you’re lucky enough to land a winner, your balance will be credited instantly. - Spin again.
You can repeat steps 1 through 4 if you want to keep the ball rolling. Most tables let you place the same bet and spin again with the ‘re-bet and spin’ button.
Roulette Odds
Playing Roulette is about more than just betting on red or black. In fact, there are at least a dozen bets that you can place, each with their own payouts and probability. Here’s a full breakdown:
European Roulette
| Bets | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Odd | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Even | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Black | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Red | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Low (1-18) | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| High (19-36) | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Dozen (1-12, 13-24 or 25-36) | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Column | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Line (combination of six numbers) | 5:1 | 16.2% |
| Corner (combination of four numbers) | 8:1 | 10.8% |
| Street (combination of three numbers) | 11:1 | 8.1% |
| Split (combination of two numbers) | 17:1 | 5.4% |
| Straight Up (single number) | 35:1 | 2.7% |
American Roulette
| Bets | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Odd | 1:1 | 46.37% |
| Even | 1:1 | 46.37% |
| Black | 1:1 | 46.37% |
| Red | 1:1 | 46.37% |
| Low (1-18) | 1:1 | 46.37% |
| High (19-36) | 1:1 | 46.37% |
| Dozen (1-12, 13-24 or 25-36) | 2:1 | 31.58% |
| Column | 2:1 | 46.37% |
| Line (combination of six numbers) | 5:1 | 15.79% |
| Five (combination of 0, 00, 1, 2 & 3) | 6:1 | 13.16% |
| Corner (combination of four numbers) | 8:1 | 10.53% |
| Street (combination of three numbers) | 11:1 | 7.89% |
| Split (combination of two numbers) | 17:1 | 5.26% |
| Straight Up (single number) | 35:1 | 2.63% |
Roulette Wheel
To fully grasp how to play roulette it’s important to understand how the wheel works. It is the most iconic element of the classic casino game, and arguably the most important, and is the one feature that sets the European version apart from it’s American cousin. In the French and European version of the game, the wheel has 37 numbered pockets: zero and 1 to 36. Under American roulette rules, the table must have 38 numbered pockets: zero, double zero and 1 to 36. With a smaller amount of possible outcomes, the European roulette table has the lowest house edge and is almost always your best bet.
The House Edge
It’s no secret that the odds for winning roulette are tilted slightly in favour on the casino. This is because the odds you are offered are based on the 36 numbers on the wheel not including the zero. The extra pocket(s) means that the chances of landing on red or black are no longer 50/50, giving the casino what is known as the house edge. Under American roulette rules, the wheel also has a double zero, further pushing the odds in favour of the house. These rules apply whether you play in the casino or online.
Now you know how to play roulette, it’s time to check out a demo game to get some practice in. Be sure to play at one of our recommended online casinos to get the best online casino experience available online and most importantly, remember to play within your limits and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play roulette online for free?
Yes, many top online casinos in New Zealand offer free versions of the game if you’re looking to practice or play for fun. Of course, with no real money stakes, there’s no real money wins either.
Can I play roulette on my mobile?
Yes. Playing roulette on the go has never been easier. All of our top casinos offer mobile web or native apps so you can play wherever you are.
Are there any special roulette rules during the game?
Yes, in the French version of the game, there are two rules that work to the player’s advantage. The first is called ‘En Prison’ and gives the player the option to leave their chips on the table on an even money bet when a ball lands on zero. If the player wins the next bet, they get their stake back. The second rule is called ‘La Partage’ and gives the players half their stake back on an even money bet, if the ball lands on zero.
What is the best bet in online roulette?
Even money bets such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low have the best chance of winning in roulette, with a probability of 48.6% on a European table and 46.37% on an American table.
