How to play roulette is straightforward once you understand the basics. This complete beginner’s guide covers how a round works, every bet type and its payout, the key differences between variants, and practical tips to help you get more from the game.
Roulette is a classic wheel-and-ball game where you bet on which numbered pocket the ball will land in after the wheel stops spinning.
European roulette has 37 pockets (0–36), while American roulette has 38 pockets, adding a double zero (00). Most players should choose European roulette, where the house edge is just 2.7% compared to 5.26% on the American version.
Learn to Play Roulette in Australia Here
How a Round of Online Roulette Works
Each round follows the same sequence.
- Place your bets. Chips go on the numbered grid or the outside betting areas before the dealer closes betting.
- The wheel spins. The croupier or software sends the ball in the opposite direction to the wheel’s spin.
- The ball lands. Winning bets are paid. All other bets are cleared.
- A new betting window opens immediately for the next round.
Online rounds are faster than land-based play. Set a session limit before you start, it’s easy to lose track of how quickly rounds pass.
Roulette Bet Types and Payouts
All online roulette bets fall into two groups: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets sit on the numbered grid. They pay more but win less often.
| Bet | What it Covers | Payout |
| Straight Up | One number | 35:1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 |
| Corner | Four numbers sharing a corner | 8:1 |
| Six Line | Two adjacent rows (six numbers) | 5:1 |
| Top Line* | 0, 00, 1, 2, 3 | 6:1 |
Top Line only exists in American roulette. It is the worst single bet on the table, avoid it.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover large sections of the roulette wheel. They win more often but pay less.
| Bet | What it Covers | Payout |
| Red / Black | 18 numbers by colour | 1:1 |
| Odd / Even | 18 numbers by parity | 1:1 |
| Low (1–18) / High (19–36) | Half the numbers | 1:1 |
| Dozen | 12 consecutive numbers (1–12, 13–24, or 25–36) | 2:1 |
| Column | 12 numbers in one column | 2:1 |
Outside bets are the right starting point for beginners. A Red/Black or Odd/Even bet gives you close to an even-money chance on every spin.
European vs American Roulette — Which to Play
The only mechanical difference is the extra double zero (00) on American wheels. That one pocket nearly doubles the house edge. On a $10 outside bet, the house takes an average of $0.27 per spin on a European wheel and $0.53 on an American one. Over a session, that gap is meaningful.
French roulette is a third variant worth knowing. It uses a European wheel and adds two rules that apply when the ball lands on zero:
- La Partage: you get half your even-money bet back.
- En Prison: your even-money bet stays on the table for the next spin rather than being lost immediately.
Both rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% to 1.35%. French roulette is the best version of the game for players who stick to Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low bets.
At JokaRoom, European and live dealer tables are available. Check the game lobby for current French roulette availability.
Five Practical Tips for New Players
- Start with outside bets. Red/Black and Odd/Even keep you in the game longer while you learn how rounds feel.
- Always choose European over American. The single zero cuts the house edge almost in half.
- Look for La Partage tables. The half-back rule on zero is a meaningful edge reduction on even-money bets.
- Set a session budget before you open a table. Decide your limit before the first spin, not during it.
- No betting system beats the house. Martingale, Fibonacci, and similar systems change how you stake; they do not change the house edge. Play them only if you enjoy the structure, not because you expect a mathematical advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the house edge in roulette?
European roulette has a house edge of 2.7%. American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%. French roulette with the La Partage or En Prison rule has a house edge of 1.35% on even-money bets. - What is the highest-paying roulette bet?
A Straight Up bet on a single number pays 35:1. The odds of winning on a European wheel are 1 in 37. - Is there a difference between RNG roulette and live dealer roulette?
The rules and payouts are identical. Live dealer roulette uses a physical wheel operated by a real croupier, streamed in real time. RNG roulette uses a random number generator. The game outcome is equally random in both cases. Live tables move at a slower pace and carry minimum bets that are sometimes higher. - What is the best bet for a beginner?
Outside bets, such as Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low, give you close to a 1 in 2 chance of winning on each spin. They are the lowest-risk entry point for players learning the game. - Can I play roulette on mobile?
Yes. All roulette games at JokaRoom are available on mobile through the browser. No app download is required.
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