Roulette is probably the most recognised casino classic played since the 18th century. What makes it a solid choice for beginners and pro players are simple rules, entertaining gameplay, and the variety of betting options. The key to this classic casino game is understanding the roulette odds or how high the chance is that the ball will land in the number you placed your bet on.
So, we are about to take you through our guide where we will break down the roulette payouts, odds, and the game’s RNG.
Odds are basically guessing. You probably saw a wheel and numbered pockets. Each bet has a specific probability of winning based on the amount of numbers covered. If you choose one number, the likelihood of winning is tiny. The more numbers you stake on, the better your chances.
There are two popular versions of roulette:
As American roulette has an extra zero on the wheel, players get lower odds and the house edge is higher. With European roulette, players get better odds as the house edge is lower due to only one zero.
Roulette bets offer different levels of risk. The inside bets will cover less numbers but payout more, while the outside bets cover more numbers but will pay less.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Typical Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
| Straight up | 1 | 35-1 | 2.70% | 2.60% |
| Split | 2 | 17-1 | 5.41% | 5.3% |
| Street | 3 | 11-1 | 8.11% | 7.9% |
| Corner | 4 | 8-1 | 10.81% | 10.5% |
| Six line | 6 | 5-1 | 16.22% | 15.8% |
| Column | 12 | 2-1 | 32.43% | 31.6% |
| Dozen | 12 | 2-1 | 32.43% | 31.6% |
| Red/Black | 18 | 1-1 | 48.65% | 47.4% |
| Odd/Even | 18 | 1-1 | 48.65% | 47.4%% |
| High/Low | 18 | 1-1 | 48.65% | 47.4% |
Even though the inside bets pay 35-1, this bet offers the lowest chance of success. The outside bets, such as red or black, give players a bigger chance of success but with lower payouts.
Unfortunately, there is no roulette strategy that can take away the house edge. In European roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, and American roulette offers worse odds because of the double zero wheel with odds of 5.26%. With the house edge, the casino, over the long run, will retain a small percentage of all bets placed.
Digital roulette games use RNG (Random Number Generator) technology instead of a physical wheel. An RNG has the ability to keep generating random numbers through a computer algorithm. When a spin is started, the system will select from this sequence and it will become the roulette outcome displayed on the screen.
Licensed sites have their RNG tested and audited independently to keep things fair and above board. The tests make sure that every number is random and unique and has an equal chance of appearing over time.
ⓘ Roulette results are based on fixed wheel probabilities. Every spin is independent.
If you are new to online casinos, you probably wonder: “What is easier to win: pokies or roulette?” Both games suit beginners but while slots fully rely on chance, you can put the odds more in your favor when playing roulette.
A red or black bet in European roulette wins almost half the time. Pokies, on the other hand, completely rely on RNG technology and there are thousands of combinations possible. Pokies may sometimes offer higher Return to Player (RTP) percentages, but gaining a win is less predictable.
For bettors who like to win more often with small wins, roulette is the better choice. Pokies offer large jackpot rewards, but that involves greater variance. Players who enjoy pokies must understand that there will be longer periods without any significant wins. Pokies or roulette do not guarantee profit, but because of roulette’s fixed probabilities, it is easier to understand the risk involved with every bet.
Don’t let myths about the classic casino game mislead you and put you off trying your luck. We decided to unveil three common myths to help you separate casino fiction from cold, hard facts.
As a beginner, you only need 4 simple tips to consider. They will reduce stress and will significantly improve your experience.
Out of all available roulette variations, choose European. The odds are better, which means you have a better chance of winning, due to the one zero on the wheel.
Take your time and think well about how much you are willing to lose. Plan every bet and count how long your bankroll will serve you.
The outside bets, like red/black, odds/evens, offer more frequent wins than the inside bets. You shouldn’t expect high returns but the chance you get at least some is certainly higher.
Using one of the strategies like Martingale, Fibonacci, and Labouchere may let you down. While every spin is unique, you must be able to adjust fast and try a different approach.
Before you decide to make a deposit at an online casino, it is important to research the site. You want to read about the platform’s license, payment methods on offer, amount of games, and the providers they use. Pay attention to casino reviews in order to find a platform with a solid choice of online and live roulette games, minimum bet requirements and fair outcomes.
We would certainly recommend reading players’ reviews since you want to know real feedback about games, payout time and how well a casino’s customer support team deals with issues.
It doesn’t take a long to learn how to play roulette and the good thing – every gambling site has one. Roulette gives you a sense of control which pokies can’t. And the last piece of advice: remember to bet smartly. You don’t want to burn your bankroll with a few free spins.
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