Have you ever wondered why roulette attracts so many players around the world? It is one of the oldest and most elegant games of chance. Today, you will discover all the secrets of this magnetic entertainment!
Roulette is a game that combines luck with excitement. But before you dive into the fun, it’s worth learning the basics.
What exactly is roulette?
Probably all of us have seen a roulette wheel several times in our lives – in films, TV series, or perhaps even live in a casino. This distinctive wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball dancing around the rim is truly an iconic sight. It seems familiar and simple, right? But when you sit down at the table for the first time, whether in a physical casino or online using Staycasino no deposit bonus, you suddenly realise that the devil is in the details. All those numbers, colours, fields on the table… It can be overwhelming at first!
The game is about betting on where the ball will land. You can bet on a specific number, colour, or group of numbers. The more likely the outcome, the smaller the payout. Logical, right?
Roulette – how to play to win
Everyone dreams of winning, but are there any proven methods? First of all, remember – roulette is a game of chance. No strategy guarantees success.
However, you can increase your chances:
Develop a game strategy. It doesn’t have to be complicated – even a simple plan to help you control your emotions and stakes will be better than chaotic betting at random.
Set your budget in advance. This is the most important rule! Only play with money that you can afford to lose without consequences.
Learn from other players’ mistakes. Observe how experienced players behave at the table, what bets they place and how they react to losses. It can be very informative!
Roulette – basic rules for beginners
Time for some specific information! Roulette and its casino rules may seem complicated, but appearances can be deceiving.
How does the game work?
- Placing bets – Players place their chips on the table
- Spinning the wheel – The croupier sets the wheel in motion
- Throwing the ball – The ball flies in the opposite direction
- Announcing the result – The ball stops in one of the pockets
- Settlement – Winnings are paid out
Simple as pie, don’t you think?
Now it’s time for specific numbers and possibilities! In roulette, you have a wide range of bets at your disposal – from the most risky to the relatively safe. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s see what you can choose from.
Types of bets in roulette
Inside bets (on numbers):
- Straight up – one number (payout 35:1)
- Split – two adjacent numbers (17:1)
- Street – three numbers in a row (11:1)
- Corner – four numbers in a square (8:1)
Outside bets (on larger groups):
- Red/Black (1:1)
- Even/Odd (1:1)
- High/Low (1:1)
- Dozens (2:1)
- Columns (2:1)
European roulette – rules and advantages
The European version is a classic in its purest form. 37 fields – numbers 1-36 plus one zero. Sounds better than the American version, doesn’t it?
Why choose European?
The house edge is only 2.7%. That’s almost half that of the American version! The maths is relentless.
Simpler game
European roulette is a pure classic without any additional complications. One zero, standard bets, clear rules. Ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics without unnecessary complications.
French roulette – the most advantageous rules for players
French roulette is a topic worth exploring! It is actually a European variant, but with additional rules that are very favourable to players.
What makes the French variant stand out?
It has 37 fields like the European version (numbers 1-36 plus zero), but there are special rules that significantly reduce the casino’s advantage.
The ‘La Partage’ rule
When zero comes up and you have placed an outside bet (red/black, even/odd, etc.), you only lose half of your stake! The other half is returned to you. This reduces the house edge to just 1.35% on outside bets.
The ‘En Prison’ rule
An alternative to ‘La Partage’. Your stake is ‘imprisoned’ for the next spin. If you win, you get your entire stake back. If you lose, you lose everything. If zero comes up again, your stake is imprisoned again.
French terms on the table
In the casino, you may encounter original French terms:
- Rouge/Noir (red/black)
- Pair/Impair (even/odd)
- Manque/Passe (1-18/19-36)
- Orphelins (orphans – specific numbers)
- Voisins du Zero (neighbours of zero)
Sounds elegant, doesn’t it? And most importantly, these are the most favourable rules for players!
American roulette – rules and characteristics
The American version is a real beast! It has 38 fields – numbers from 1 to 36, zero and double zero (00). This additional field increases the casino’s advantage.
American table layout
The table differs slightly from the European one. The double zero is placed next to the zero. Casino roulette – the rules remain similar, but the probabilities change.
The house edge here is 5.26%. This is significantly more than in the European version!
Special bets
In the American version, you may encounter the ‘Five Number Bet’ – it covers 0, 00, 1, 2, 3. It pays 6:1, but has the worst house edge (7.89%). Avoid it!
Casino roulette – rules of etiquette and behaviour
Casino roulette and its rules are not just about mechanics – they are also about culture and atmosphere.
What is worth knowing?
- Betting time is limited. The croupier announces ‘Rien ne va plus’ – from that moment on, no more bets can be placed.
- Chips come in different colours. Each player is given a different colour to avoid confusion.
- Respect the croupier. They are professional – treat them with due courtesy.
- Do not touch the ball or the wheel. This is obvious, but worth remembering.
Game strategies – what is worth knowing?
Are there any effective systems? Let’s take a look at the most popular ones:
The Martingale system
You double your stake after each loss. In theory, you will recoup your losses with your first win. But beware of table limits!
This is the most famous system in the history of gambling. Let’s say you start with £10 on red. You lose? The next bet is £20. Another loss? You bet £40. When you finally win, you recover all your losses plus your initial bet.
The problem? A series of losses can quickly lead to astronomical amounts. After 8 losses in a row, your stake is already £2560! Most players end up with empty pockets or reach the table limit.
D’Alembert system
More conservative. You increase your stake by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one after a win.
Named after the French mathematician, this system assumes a certain balance. If your base unit is £10, after a loss you bet £20, after another loss £30, and so on. When you win, you reduce to £20.
The system is much gentler on your budget than Martingale, but it still does not guarantee profits. Long losing streaks can be painful, though not as dramatic as in the previous case.
Fibonacci system
Based on the famous mathematical sequence. Each subsequent bet is the sum of the previous two.
The sequence looks like this: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34… If your unit is £10, the stakes are: 10, 10, 20, 30, 50, 80, 130, 210…
After a win, you move back two positions in the sequence. The system is less aggressive than Martingale, but it can still lead to high stakes. Mathematical elegance does not guarantee a win!
Remember, however, that no system can beat the mathematical advantage of the casino!
FAQ
What is roulette and why is it so popular?
Roulette is a classic game of chance where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. Its combination of luck and excitement makes it popular worldwide. You can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or colours, with payouts reflecting the probability of each outcome.
How do you play roulette effectively?
To play, you first place your bets on the table, choosing numbers, colours, or groups. The croupier spins the wheel while the ball moves in the opposite direction. Once the ball settles in a pocket, the result is announced and winnings are paid out. Understanding the flow of the game and timing your bets is crucial for making informed decisions.
What types of roulette bets should beginners focus on?
Beginners may find it easier to start with outside bets, such as red/black or even/odd, which offer nearly a 50/50 chance and smaller but consistent payouts. Inside bets on single numbers or small groups are riskier but can provide much higher rewards. Learning the differences between these bets helps players manage risk and enjoy the game more strategically.
What are the differences between European, French, and American roulette?
European roulette has 37 pockets, including a single zero, which gives it a lower house edge and makes it ideal for new players. French roulette is similar but adds rules like La Partage and En Prison, which reduce the house edge even further on outside bets, giving players a better chance to retain their stakes. American roulette includes a double zero, which increases the house advantage and introduces special bets like the Five Number Bet that carry higher risk and lower expected returns.
Are there strategies that actually improve your chances?
While no system can overcome the house edge, strategies like Martingale, D’Alembert, or Fibonacci can help you manage your bankroll and pace your betting. Martingale involves doubling your stake after a loss, D’Alembert increases or decreases bets gradually, and Fibonacci follows a mathematical sequence for stake sizes. These systems help maintain discipline and structure in your gameplay rather than guaranteeing wins.
How important is etiquette and table behaviour?
Even in online roulette, etiquette matters. Place your bets before the wheel spins, respect other players, and avoid interrupting the flow of the game. In physical casinos, croupiers expect courtesy, and each player’s chips are usually colour-coded to prevent confusion. Following proper conduct ensures a smoother experience and avoids mistakes during play.
Can I practice roulette safely online?
Yes. Online platforms allow you to experience roulette without risking real money. Using options like bonus play at Lolly Spins Casino, you can try different bets, learn the rules, and experiment with strategies safely. This makes it easier to build confidence before playing for real stakes.
