How to Play Roulette
A clear step-by-step guide for newcomers and experienced players alike.
Getting Started at the Table
Roulette revolves around a spinning wheel with numbered pockets from 0 to 36 (American wheels add a 00). A dealer — or automated mechanism online — spins the wheel in one direction and sends a small ball rolling in the opposite direction. Players place bets on where they think the ball will land.
Before the spin, you have a window to place chips on the betting layout. Once the dealer calls "no more bets," the wheel spins and the outcome is determined purely by chance.
Step-by-Step Flow
- Buy in. Exchange cash or credits for roulette chips at the table.
- Place your bets. Set chips on the felt layout — you can bet on single numbers, groups, colors, or ranges.
- Watch the spin. The dealer releases the ball; it eventually settles into a numbered pocket.
- Payouts. Winning bets are paid according to fixed odds. Losing chips are collected.
- Repeat or walk away. You may continue betting on the next round or cash out.
Common Bets and Payouts
Roulette bets fall into two broad categories: inside bets placed on specific numbers or small groups, and outside bets covering larger sections of the wheel. Each carries its own payout and probability.
| Bet Type | Covers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Single number | 35 to 1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17 to 1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | Four numbers meeting at a corner | 8 to 1 |
| Six Line | Six numbers (two rows) | 5 to 1 |
| Red / Black | All red or all black numbers | 1 to 1 |
| Odd / Even | All odd or all even numbers | 1 to 1 |
| Low (1–18) / High (19–36) | Half the wheel | 1 to 1 |
| Dozen | Groups of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) | 2 to 1 |
| Column | 12 numbers in a vertical column | 2 to 1 |
European roulette (single zero) offers a house edge of about 2.7%, while American roulette (double zero) raises it to roughly 5.26%. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right table.
Practical Tips for the Table
- Set a budget before you sit down and stick to it.
- Familiarize yourself with the betting layout during a few free-play rounds if available.
- Outside bets (red/black, odd/even) offer more frequent, smaller wins — a steadier approach for beginners.
- Inside bets carry higher risk but larger potential payouts.
- Pay attention to table minimums and maximums; they vary between casinos and online platforms.