Online Roulette: The Ultimate Guide to the Iconic Wheel
Welcome to our ultimate guide to Online Roulette, the undisputed queen of casino table games. With its iconic spinning wheel, elegant layout, and a thrilling blend of simple bets and complex strategies, roulette has captivated players for centuries. Its transition to the online world has only increased its popularity, offering numerous variations at your fingertips.
This guide will explain the fundamentals of how to play, detail the crucial differences between roulette variations, and touch on common betting strategies. Below, you'll find a complete list of all the best online roulette games we have reviewed.
Understanding the Basics: The Wheel and The Table
The goal of roulette is simple: predict which numbered pocket the ball will land in on the spinning wheel. You place your bets on a numbered grid on the table that corresponds to the pockets on the wheel.
- The Wheel: The wheel contains numbered pockets, from 1 to 36, which are alternately colored red and black. It also has one or two green pockets for the number 0.
- The Bets: You can place a wide variety of bets, from simple wagers on Red or Black to specific bets on a single number for a much higher payout.
The Most Important Rule: European vs. American Roulette
This is the most critical difference a new player must understand. The version you choose directly impacts your odds of winning.
- European Roulette: This wheel has 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single green 0). The house edge is approximately 2.7%.
- American Roulette: This wheel has **38 pockets** (numbers 1-36, a single 0, and a double 00). The extra green pocket significantly increases the house edge to 5.26%.
Pro Tip: For the best odds of winning, you should always choose to play European Roulette whenever it is available.
A Guide to Common Bets
Roulette bets are broken into two main categories:
- Inside Bets: These are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers inside the main grid (e.g., betting on the number 17). They have high payouts but a low probability of winning.
- Outside Bets: These are bets placed on the sections outside the number grid. They cover large groups of numbers (e.g., Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36). They have low payouts (typically 1:1) but a much higher probability of winning.
A Note on Betting Strategies
Many players use famous betting strategies like the Martingale system (doubling your bet after every loss). While these systems can be fun to try, it's crucial to understand that no betting strategy can overcome the casino's built-in house edge. The outcome of the wheel is always random. The best strategy is to manage your bankroll, understand the odds of your chosen bets, and play responsibly.