Does a betting system like the Martingale work?

No betting system overcomes the house edge in roulette. The Martingale — doubling your bet after each loss — can lead to very large losses during a losing streak. Table maximum bet limits also prevent unlimited doubling. Each spin is an independent event with the same house edge.

What is the La Partage rule?

Some European Roulette tables return half your even-money bet if the ball lands on zero, instead of losing the full amount. This rule, where available, reduces the house edge on even-money bets and is worth looking for.

Is there a difference between online and physical roulette?

Both produce random outcomes. Physical wheels use real-world mechanics; online roulette uses a Random Number Generator (RNG). Both are subject to regulatory oversight and independent fairness testing in licensed jurisdictions.

How can I play more responsibly at the roulette table?

Set a total budget for your session before you sit down. Outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even) win more often than inside bets but at lower payouts — they extend play time per pound wagered. Leave the table when your session budget is spent.

How to Play Roulette — Bets, Wheel Types & House Edge

Learn how roulette works: the difference between European and American wheels, how inside and outside bets pay, and what the zero means for players.

The Objective

Roulette is a game of chance played on a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets. A small ball is spun in the opposite direction and eventually lands in one of the pockets. Your goal is to predict — or bet on — where the ball will land. There is no skill involved; each spin produces a random outcome.

The Wheel and the Numbers

There are two common versions of roulette:

European Roulette — 37 pockets numbered 0 through 36. One zero.
American Roulette — 38 pockets numbered 0 through 36, plus a 00. Two zeros.

The extra zero in American Roulette increases the house edge compared to European Roulette. Where you have a choice, European Roulette is more favourable for the player.

Numbers 1–36 alternate between red and black. The zero (and double zero in American) pocket is green.

Types of Bets

Bets are placed on a layout that mirrors the wheel numbers. They are divided into "inside bets" (on specific numbers) and "outside bets" (on broader groups):

Inside Bets

Straight Up — A single number. Pays 35:1.
Split — Two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
Street — Three numbers in a row. Pays 11:1.
Corner — Four numbers sharing a corner. Pays 8:1.
Six Line — Two adjacent rows of three numbers. Pays 5:1.

Outside Bets

Red / Black — The ball lands on that colour. Pays 1:1. The zero pocket is green and counts as a loss for these bets.
Odd / Even — The number is odd or even. Pays 1:1.
Low (1–18) / High (19–36) — The number falls in one of those ranges. Pays 1:1.
Dozens — The number falls in the first, second, or third group of 12. Pays 2:1.
Columns — The number falls in one of the three vertical columns on the layout. Pays 2:1.

How a Round Works

Place chips on any bet or combination of bets on the layout.
The dealer (croupier) spins the wheel and launches the ball in the opposite direction.
When the ball settles, the dealer announces the number and colour.
Winning bets are paid; losing bets are collected.
Roulette tables use special coloured chips so players can distinguish their bets. Exchange these for standard chips at the table before leaving.

The Zero and the House Edge

The green zero pocket — and the double zero in American Roulette — is what gives the casino its mathematical advantage. Although even-money bets pay 1:1, the presence of the zero means these bets do not cover the entire wheel. No betting system changes this underlying fact. Every spin is an independent event with the same house edge as the last.

Responsible Play

Roulette can feel hypnotic due to its pace and visual appeal. Progressive betting systems do not improve your odds and can lead to rapid, large losses. Set a budget before you play and stick to it regardless of results. Gambling outcomes are never guaranteed.

How to Play Roulette