Since its invention in the mid-17th century, roulette has faced numerous prohibitions, with even religious figures considering it a diabolical pursuit due to the sum of numbers on the wheel equating to 666. In modern times, roulette has evolved into one of the most popular gambling pastimes. The fundamental rules of playing roulette in online casinos are familiar to even those who have never set foot in a gambling establishment. Before placing bets, it's wise to delve into these rules more thoroughly.
Varieties of Online Casino Roulette
The world of online casinos offers dozens of roulette variations (3D, mini, zero-free, classic with additional rules, and more), but they all boil down to three basic types:
- European: This version is the most popular and traditional. The field consists of 36 numbered sectors (1 to 36) and a zero. Players place bets on a specific sector, and if the ball stops on the chosen number, they receive a payout. The house edge is 2.7%, with a theoretical player return of 97.3%, surpassing many slot games.
- French: The layout in French roulette mirrors the European version, but French terminology is used. It includes the La Partage rule, reducing the house edge by half (down to 1.35%), making it more advantageous for players.
- American: The main feature is the double zero, increasing the casino's advantage to 5.26%. This additional sector allows for various bets, such as on the double zero. The theoretical return is 94.74%. In American roulette played in land-based casinos, chips of different colors simplify the payout process, with the player determining the denomination. Before leaving the casino, these chips, devoid of real value outside the establishment, must be exchanged for standard currency. European casinos typically use regular chips, with denominations specified at the casino cashier.
The roulette structure includes a table with a field for chip placement and a rotating wheel. The table may have a special layout for oral bets, or a "track." The wheel contains red and black numbered cells from 1 to 36, and one or two green zeros (0, 00).
General Rules of Roulette Gameplay:
Players compete against the casino, attempting to predict where the ball will land. A round begins after clearing the previous chips from the table and paying out winners.
In land-based casinos, bets are accepted during the spin. The process of playing roulette in a casino can be explained by the dealer. In online game versions (Casino Roulette by Wazdan, Roulette by NetEnt, American Roulette by Playtech, etc.), a brief guide with basic rules is provided in the game, and bets are placed before pressing the "Start" button.
Once the ball stops moving on the wheel, the dealer marks the sector on the table corresponding to the fallen number. Chips from unsuccessful bets go to the casino's revenue, and winnings are paid out for all winning combinations. In online versions, number designation and payouts occur automatically.
Types of Bets:
The roulette game field is a 3x12 table where sectors are marked with cell numbers. Bets on one or several numbers are placed inside the table and are called inside bets, while sectors around it are reserved for outside bets.
Inside Bets:
Inside bets include straight bets (on one number) and series bets, covering various options:
| Name | Amount of numbers | Payout ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Direct (to number, Single Number) | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Angle (4 Number, Corner) | 4 | 8:1 |
| Sixline | 6 | 5:1 |
Bets on Zero:
Due to wheel configuration differences, bets on zero vary in different game versions. In American roulette, chips can be placed on the border of two zero sectors (0, 00) with a 17 to 1 payout. An inside bet on a split from zero and a street from the first three numbers (1-3) is called Top Line. With a correct prediction, the payout is 6 to 1. In the classic version, you can place bets on a split from any number and zero, as well as the first four numbers (First Four or Quatre Premiere).
Outside Bets:
Outside bets entail lower risk and, consequently, smaller payouts, making them preferred by more cautious players. Several variations of outside bets exist.
| Name | Number of rooms | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 18 | 1:1 |
| Even / Odd (Even / Odd) | 18 | 1:1 |
| Small (1-18) / large (19-36) numbers (High / Low) | 18 | 1:1 |
| Column / Dozen (Columns / Dozens) | 12 | 2:1 |
Even-Money Bets:
Bets on red/black, even/odd, high/low are called even-money bets. However, they do not cover half the game field, as there are one or two additional zero sectors.
Combining different types of bets is possible, but it's essential to consider the table's maximum and minimum limits. The maximum limit for inside bets is usually lower than for outside bets due to higher payout coefficients for successful outcomes. Some versions of roulette have special rules.
Additional Rules:
Special conditions apply in certain roulette versions:
La Partage in French Roulette: When making even-money bets, players get back half their chips if the ball stops on zero. A similar rule in the American version is called the Surrender Rule, reducing the casino's mathematical advantage to 2.63%.
Oral Series in European and French Roulette: In these versions, players can place bets on oral series using 4-9 chips. The wheel highlights the following sectors (series):
- Voisins de Zero (Major Series): Covers 17 numbers, requiring 9 chips.
- Tier du Cylindre (Small Third of the Wheel): A series of 6 chips covering 12 consecutive numbers on the track.
- Zero Spiel: Covers numbers next to zero, requiring 4 chips.
- Orphelins (Orphans): A set of 8 numbers, requiring 5 chips.
Strategies for Playing Roulette in Online Casinos
In the realm of roulette, success is often attributed to sheer luck. However, seasoned players demonstrate that there are systems and tactics that help intelligently manage one's bankroll and increase the chances of winning. These strategies primarily revolve around prudent financial control:
- Bankroll Limitation:
A specific amount allocated exclusively for gambling should be strictly limited. In online games, where rounds unfold rapidly, it's recommended to have a bankroll of no less than 1000 bets. In brick-and-mortar casinos, where table limits are higher, the bankroll size depends on the player's financial capacity. For instance, in poker played at a single table, allocating a minimum of 30 bets for one session is advisable. - Average Bet:
Utilizing smaller denominations extends the lifespan of the bankroll. A prudent approach involves dividing the bankroll into two parts: 75% for even-chance bets and 25% for more aggressive play, potentially yielding larger winnings. This is a strategy with a moderate level of risk. - Stop Loss:
An effective method for minimizing losses. The precise loss limit depends on the total deposit amount, with a recommendation not to spend more than a tenth of the bankroll in a single session. - Stop Win:
It's essential to pre-determine the maximum monetary or percentage-based win relative to the overall bankroll. Experienced players suggest taking a break when the active deposit increases by 20-30% and withdrawing the winnings. Players who prefer an aggressive strategy can use these winnings for riskier bets with higher payout coefficients.
Most successful roulette strategies are grounded in probability theory and mathematical calculations. When playing in land-based casinos or Live Casinos, factors such as possible wheel defects and the dealer's individual style are considered. In such cases, players attempt to predict the outcome based on an assessment of the rotation speed and initial position of the ball on the wheel.
The effectiveness of tactics is best evaluated through the feedback of experienced players. Some systems do work, but it's crucial to understand that there is no strategy guaranteeing consistent victories, and the casino always retains the advantage. Players can only increase their odds.
How to Play Roulette in a Live Casino:
Playing roulette in a Live Casino is indistinguishable from the experience in brick-and-mortar establishments. Results are subject to the laws of physics. Until recently, games of this format lacked demo versions, but NetEnt has recently provided an opportunity for free play with live dealers.
In contrast, electronic versions of roulette in online casinos employ a different method to determine results. They rely on a random number generator (RNG) continuously generating unique lines of code, where each new outcome is independent of the previous ones. The result of a spin is formed when the player presses the "Start" button, with a graphical visualization of the wheel's rotation presented to the user.
Roulette offers the pleasure of gambling entertainment with minimal bankroll losses, as special rules can reduce the casino's mathematical advantage to 1.35%. Understanding the theory, applying practical advice, and choosing profitable strategies significantly enhance the probability of substantial winnings.
