Roulette rules in short

This article presents the basic rules of the roulette game. Roulette is one of the most popular games of chance in online casinos, and Carousel is no exception. With its typical green game board and spinning roulette wheel, this game looks complicated, but it's really not. With these few explanations of roulette, even novice players can easily try their hand at roulette betting and tactics, and reap some interesting winnings.

We'll explain the rules of roulette in detail. Getting started: how do I play roulette? In this game of chance, the player bets on one or more numbers. If the ball lands on the right number in the roulette wheel, the player wins.

A roulette game proceeds as follows:

Players place their bets. By placing their chips on the various squares of the table, players choose their bets. Possible bets include a straight bet (a bet on a single number), a bet on all the red numbers and a bet on a dozen (a series of 12 numbers). The number of roulette numbers varies according to the variant. There are usually 37 or 38.

The croupier spins the roulette wheel. They throw a ball into the spinning wheel, where it bounces several times. Eventually, the ball stops in the square of a given number. In online roulette, a random number generator (RNG) chooses a winning number at random.

The casino pays out. Any player who places a bet on the winning number, or on a combined bet featuring that number, receives an immediate payout. Payouts vary: bets with a high probability of winning have a low payout rate, and vice versa.

There is only one situation in which all players lose their bets to the casino: when the ball stops on the zero square (0). The zero square indicates the house advantage, the casino's income.

Roulette rules and variations

Several versions of roulette are often available in (online) casinos, each developed in a different country. They share the basic rules of roulette, but have some unique features.

American roulette: this game has 38 numbers instead of 37. The extra square is a double zero (00), which increases the house advantage. Here you'll find a full explanation of American roulette.

European roulette: this is the most popular game variant in the world. It has 37 squares and a single zero square. Discover our European roulette rules here.

French roulette: the game table features a special box with additional betting options (the neighbors' game). Due to two unique rules around the zero square (sharing and prison), this version gives the player the biggest advantage of all the variants. Read the full rules of French roulette and an explanation of this variant's roulette table.

What are the best roulette bets?

The best roulette bet is different for each player. Each bet has different odds and payouts. Some players like to take risks, while others prefer to reap modest profits on a regular basis. Looking for your best gambling method? Try these popular bets:

Full number: this is a bet on a single number, the best way to play roulette for the truly bold. The chances of the ball stopping exactly on that number are slim. But if it does, the winner will receive no less than 36 times their stake.

Red or black: a bet on all 18 red numbers or all 18 black numbers. This bet has a high probability of winning, but only pays once the player's bet plus an additional bet. It's the best way to play roulette for players who like to win often, and a staple of certain strategies.

Column or dozen: the player chooses a series of twelve numbers. They are grouped together on the table (as a dozen from 1 to 12) or in a row on the board (column). The probability of winning is high, and these bets pay three times the player's stake.

Inside bets: this is a collective term for a series of bets on different numbers at the same time. For example, on two numbers (split bet), three numbers (street bet), four numbers (corner bet) or six numbers (line bet). The probability of winning and the payout for each inside bet vary.

Strategies for winning at roulette

It's said that applying a strategy is the best way to play roulette. A roulette tactic or strategy is a logical system, often devised by experienced players or mathematicians. It allows the player to choose their bets and determine the amount of each new bet. There are many such systems, and each of the ones listed below can be considered the best roulette tactic.

Martingale: this is a popular roulette tactic that involves doubling the bet. The player bets on red or black, or places a bet with a similar probability of winning. Each time they lose, they double the next bet. When the player succeeds again, they immediately recover all lost bets. Martingale is the best roulette tactic for players who don't like to lose and have a lot of patience.

Fibonacci: this technique is considered the best roulette technique, as it is based on a sequence of natural numbers. Here again, the player chooses a bet with a high probability of winning. Each time they lose, they increase the bet according to the Fibonacci sequence. The stakes therefore increase less rapidly than with the Martingale strategy.

Labouchère: the player chooses a win target in advance and divides it into smaller bets. With each win or loss, the player removes one of the bet amounts, which determines the amount of their next bet. This is the best roulette system for mathematically inclined players.

Neighbor roulette: this roulette tactic is specific to the neighbor game. In the neighbor roulette tactic, the player bets on number series that are close to each other on the roulette wheel, increasing the probability of winning.

Zero play: this strategy is also suitable for neighbor play, and works by betting on the number series around the zero (0) square.

The best online roulette variants

Carousel offers versions of roulette not found in physical casinos. Here are the rules for three exciting and innovative online game variants.

Semi-live roulette is played with a casino via a video link. A real croupier runs the game, and players can chat with each other.

Lightning roulette is a semi-live roulette game with special effects and a very high probability of winning. Click here for a detailed explanation of lightning roulette.

Double ball roulette is special in that two balls are thrown into the cylinder at the same time, for unique winning probabilities and payouts.

Want to know more about roulette rules?

Roulette is a classic casino game with numerous odds, betting options and strategies. We've only outlined the basics of roulette rules here. Read more about this exciting game on our website. Before you know it, the game of roulette will hold no secrets for you.