Legalcasino experts cover everything you need to know, from the equipment and table setup to various betting strategies. Learn the roulette rules, betting options, and tips to enhance your gameplay. Plus, find out how roulette works in online casinos and where to play at 150+ tables in the Philippines.
Equipment and Table Personnel
The roulette table has the wheel and the betting area, with the dealer overseeing the game.
The wheel is made up of numbered pockets, usually from 0 to 36, with red and black pockets, and a green pocket for 0 (and 00 in the American version).
The betting area is a felt surface where players place their chips on different numbers or categories like red or black, odd or even.
The dealer, also called the croupier, is in charge of running the game. They spin the wheel, release the ball, and announce the winning number. The dealer also makes sure all bets are placed properly, collects losing bets, and pays out the winners. They maintain the pace of the game, keep track of all bets, and enforce the rules of the casino.
Roulette Chips
The value of roulette chips is not determined until they are exchanged for cash or regular casino chips at the dealer’s table. Each player is given a set in one color for its exclusive use during the session. It’s needed to easily tell who placed each bet.
Let’s have a look at how roulette works with chips using the comparison table.
| Feature | Roulette Chips | Standard Casino Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Different colors for each player | Same color for all players |
| Usage | Used only at the roulette table | Used for various casino games |
| Value | No fixed value until exchanged | Fixed value based on denomination |
| Exchange | Exchanged for money at the dealer’s table | Can be used throughout the casino |
| Purpose | To identify individual players’ bets | To place bets in any casino game |
Roulette Rules
A table features a grid of numbers and various betting options. These options include betting on specific numbers, groups of numbers, colors (red or black), or categories like odd/even.
Once everyone has placed their bets, the dealer spins the roulette wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually slows down and lands in one of the numbered pockets on the wheel, which are color-coded as red, black, or green (for 0 or 00).
The dealer announces the winning number, and any player who has placed a bet on that number, or a related category, wins. The amount of the payout depends on the type of bet made. For example, a bet on a single number pays 35 to 1, while a bet on a color pays even money (1 to 1).
After the result is announced, the dealer collects losing bets and pays out the winners, and the next round begins.
Roulette Betting Tips
Here are six betting tips on how to play the roulette wheel:
- Stick to Outside Bets – Betting on outside options like red/black, odd/even, or high/low offers nearly a 50% chance of winning and is generally safer.
- Be Careful of Single Numbers – While betting on a single number has a high payout, it’s much riskier with only a 2.7% chance of winning (in European roulette). Consider mixing them with safer bets for balance.
- Avoid Inside Bets Covering Multiple Numbers – A straight-up bet pays 35:1, while a split pays 17:1 (34:2) and a corner pays 8:1 (32:4). The more numbers you cover, the lower the payout compared to the straight-up bet.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Never bet more than you’re willing to lose.
- Use a Betting System – Systems like the Martingale or Paroli can help manage your bets, but remember, they can’t overcome the house edge. Still, they can be entertaining, and following a strategy helps you stay organized and keep things under control.
- Know When to Walk Away – If you’re ahead, consider cashing out to lock in your winnings. If you’re losing, don’t chase your losses with larger bets.
Outside Bets
These bets are ideal for novices because they offer a more predictable and less risky way to play roulette at a casino. Here’s a detailed look at how to place these bets.
Red/Black
This bet covers all the red numbers or all the black numbers on the wheel. The payout is 1:1. If you bet on red, you win the same amount you wagered if the ball lands on a red number. It gives you nearly a 50% chance of winning, though the presence of the 0 or 00 on the wheel slightly lowers your odds.
Odd/Even
You place your chips on either the odd or even section of the layout. Again, the payout is 1:1, and it covers half of the numbers on the wheel (excluding 0 or 00). Betting on odd or even gives you the same odds as red/black.
High/Low
This bet is split into two categories—low numbers (1-18) and high numbers (19-36). The payout is 1:1, and it covers nearly half of the wheel’s numbers. Like odd/even, the 0 or 00 is excluded.
Dozens
This bet covers a group of 12 numbers, and you can bet on one of three sets: the first dozen (1-12), second dozen (13-24), or third dozen (25-36). The payout is 2:1. It’s a good option if you want to wager on a range of numbers, but with slightly better odds than betting on a single number.
Columns
The table layout is divided into three vertical columns, and each column contains 12 numbers. You can place your bet on one of these columns, and if the ball lands on any number in that column, you win. The payout is 2:1, similar to the dozens bet.
Inside Bets
They cover fewer numbers, which means the chances of winning are smaller, but the potential payouts can be much larger. Check out how to bet in roulette this way.
Straight-up
This bet is placed on a single number, and it offers the highest payout — 35:1. You put your chips directly on the number of your choice. The odds of winning are low. In the European version, it’s 1 in 37, with a 2.7% chance of winning. In the American version, it’s about 1 in 38, with a 2.63% chance.
Split
It covers two adjacent numbers on the roulette table. You place your chips on the line between the two numbers, and if either number hits, you win. The payout is 17:1.
Corner (Square)
This wager involves four numbers that form a square on the table. The stake is positioned at the intersection of the four numbers, and if any of them lands, you win. The payout is 8:1, and it’s a good way to cover a small area of the table with more than one number.
Street
This is about three numbers in a horizontal row. The bet is set down on the outer line of the row, and if any of the three numbers hit, you win. The payout is 11:1.
Line
A line bet covers six numbers, two rows of three numbers each. Chips are put down on the line between the two rows, and if any of the six numbers win, you receive a payout of 5:1. This bet offers more coverage than a street bet, but is still a higher-risk wager.
Trio
You can bet on three numbers, usually involving 0, 1, and 2, or 0, 2, and 3. Place your chips on the corner where these three numbers meet, and the payout is 11:1.
Roulette Betting Strategy
Strategies for playing roulette are methods players use to try to improve their odds of winning. While no strategy can beat the house edge, some can help with managing your bankroll and enhancing gameplay. Here are some common approaches:
- Martingale: It involves doubling your bet after each loss. The idea is that your first win will recover all previous losses, plus a small profit. It’s simple but risky, especially during long losing streaks. Furthermore, it doesn’t work properly because casinos set a maximum bet limit, so you can’t raise your bet endlessly. Plus, it can be boring to only have a chance to win small amounts while managing a huge bankroll.
- Fibonacci: This strategy follows a number sequence where each number is the sum of the two previous ones (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.). After a loss, you move to the next number in the sequence for your bet. After a win, you move back two numbers. It is more gradual than the Martingale system.
- Reverse Martingale (Paroli): With the Reverse Martingale, you double your bet after a win and go back to your original bet after a loss. It aims to capitalize on winning streaks while limiting losses when the streak ends.
- James Bond: This strategy covers 25 numbers on the wheel with specific bets. It includes high numbers, the line bet 13-18, and the single number 0. However, it leaves numbers 1-12 uncovered, which can lead to losses if those numbers hit.
Roulette in Online Casinos
Just like regular houses, online sites need a license to operate legally. If it’s a legit company, you can trust that the outcomes are fair and your personal info is safe.
Online, the basic roulette rules are the same as the traditional version. You can play on the internet in two formats: RNG (Random Number Generator) and live dealer. In RNG roulette, the game is controlled by software, and the results are generated through algorithms. In live format, a real dealer runs the game, and players interact with them via live video stream.
Below is a comparison table to catch the difference.
| Criterion | Land-based Casino | Live Casino Online | RNG Table Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Control | Physical wheel and dealer | Real dealer, live stream | Software-generated results |
| Interaction | Direct with dealer and players | Interact via chat or video | No interaction, automated play |
| Availability | Limited to operating hours | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Variety of Games | Limited selection | Hundreds of game variants | Dozens of variations |
FAQ
What is the most player-friendly roulette?
It’s French Roulette. It has a lower house edge of around 1.35% due to the La Partage and En Prison rules. They give players a chance to recover part of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero.
The wheel has numbered pockets, and bets can be placed on specific numbers, colors, or categories. After the spin, the ball lands in one of the pockets, and winners are paid based on their bets.
How many numbers are on a roulette table?
A standard European table has 37 numbers: 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). An American version has 38 numbers, including 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00).