How Does Roulette Work? Rules, Odds & Gameplay Explained

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, known for its simple yet thrilling gameplay. Originating in 18th-century France, this table game has captivated players with its iconic spinning wheel and anticipation of where the ball will land. This article will help you understand how roulette works, including the rules, odds, different types of bets, and the role of the house edge.

Key Takeaways

• Roulette is a casino game where players wager on a roulette table, attempting to predict the winning number that the ball will land on after being spun around the wheel.

• There are several different variants of roulette, the most common of which are European, American and French. Roulette odds and house edges differ from version to version.

• Roulette bets are categorized into inside bets, which offer higher payouts and greater risk, and outside bets, which offer better odds but lower payouts.

• Most Canadian online casinos offer a wide range of roulette options, including a variety of live roulette games.

Roulette is a relatively simple game, but let's define a couple of terms to ensure we're all on the same page.

• Roulette Chips: Chips used at the roulette table by players to place bets. They typically differ in colour to help players distinguish their bets from those of other players.

• Roulette Board: The layout of the table where players place their bets, featuring each number included on the roulette wheel, as well as various other betting options.

• Roulette Wheel: The iconic roulette wheel consists of pockets coloured red or black, numbered 1-36, along with one or two green zero pockets, depending on the game version.

• Roulette Ball: A small, smooth ball used in roulette games that spins around the wheel and comes to rest in one of the numbered pockets.

• Croupier: A croupier, often referred to as a dealer, is a casino employee who manages the roulette game. This includes spinning the wheel, handling bets, and announcing the winning number.

A typical round of roulette will go something like this:

1. Players place their desired bets on the roulette board using roulette chips.

2. The croupier signals "no more bets," indicating the conclusion of the betting window, and spins the ball within the roulette wheel.

3. Anticipation builds as the ball spins and eventually lands in one pocket of the roulette wheel.

4. The croupier determines the winner(s) based on the roulette chips on the roulette table.

5. The croupier removes losing bets from the roulette table and, finally, pays out the winners!

Variations of Roulette

Roulette comes in various forms, each offering a unique twist on the classic game. European, American, and French Roulette are the most well-known variants you'll come across.

European Roulette

Many players favour European Roulette due to its single-zero green pocket, which provides better chances of winning compared to the American version.

• The European Roulette wheel comprises 37 pockets, numbered 1-36, along with a single 0.

• The house edge for European Roulette is 2.70%.

American Roulette

Although American Roulette, which features both a single and a double zero, offers lower odds of winning, it remains a popular choice in most casinos in Canada and the United States.

• The American Roulette wheel has 38 pockets, numbered 1 through 36, and both 0 and 00.

• The house edge for American Roulette is 5.26%.

French Roulette

While European and French Roulette both use the same wheel with the same numbers, the French version includes special rules that are favourable for player odds. These rules are known as "En Prison" and "La Partage," and they apply to even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low when the ball lands on zero.

• En Prison Rule: Instead of losing your entire bet, it is "imprisoned" for the next spin. If your bet wins on the subsequent spin, you recover your original bet without any additional winnings.

• La Partage Rule: You lose half of your even-money bet immediately, while the other half is returned to you.

French Roulette typically includes one of these rules, making the odds more favourable for players compared to European or American Roulette.

• The French Roulette wheel consists of 37 pockets, numbered 1-36, along with a single 0.

• With the La Partage or En Prison rule, the house edge in French Roulette is reduced to 1.35%.

Feature	American Roulette	European Roulette	French Roulette
Pockets	38	37	37
Zeros	0 & 00	0	0
House edge	5.26%	2.7%	1.35%

Other Roulette Variants

There are numerous other roulette games available at Canadian online casinos. Some popular versions include:

• Lightning Roulette: This version introduces random multipliers to select numbers each round, increasing potential payouts on winning bets.

• Double Ball Roulette: Involves playing with two balls simultaneously, doubling the excitement.

• Mini Roulette: A simplified game featuring only 13 pockets, but comes with a higher house advantage.

• Age of the Gods Roulette: Provides a thematic experience with additional betting options and higher return-to-player rates.

Each variation has its own rules and unique gameplay, allowing players to choose the version that best suits their preferences and playing style.

Types of Bets in Roulette

Roulette bets are generally divided into two groups: inside bets and outside bets.

• Inside Bets: Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or combinations within the roulette layout and offer higher payouts but greater risk.

• Outside Bets: Outside bets encompass broader categories like red or black, odd or even, and high or low numbers. These bets offer better odds of winning but lower payouts.

Roulette Odds and Payouts

Understanding roulette odds and payouts is important so that players know what they stand to gain from winning bets. In the following table, you'll find each type of roulette bet, along with its typical odds and payouts.

Bet Type	Description	Typical Payout	European Odds	American Odds
Inside Bets
Straight-Up Bet / Number Bet	Bet on a single number from 1 to 36 (or 0, 00).	35:1	2.70%	2.63%
Split Bet	Bet on 2 adjoining numbers, either vertically or horizontally.	17:1	5.40%	5.26%
Line Bet / Street Bet / Three Number Bet	Bet on a row of three numbers.	11:1	8.10%	7.89%
Corner Bet	Bet on a square of four numbers.	8:1	10.81%	10.52%
Basket Bet / Five Number Bet	Bet on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (only available in American Roulette).	6:1	N/A	13.15%
Six Line Bet	Bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers (six numbers).	5:1	16.21%	15.79%
Outside Bets
Column	Bet on a column of 12 numbers.	2:1	32.43%	31.58%
Dozen	Bet on a set of 12 numbers in the first, second, or third section of the board.	2:1	32.43%	31.58%
Low or High	Bet whether the ball will land on a low number (1-18) or a high number (19-36).	1:1	48.65%	47.37%
Even or Odd	Bet whether the ball will land on an even or odd number.	1:1	48.65%	47.37%
Red or Black	Bet whether the ball will land on a red or black number.	1:1	48.65%	47.37%

The Role of the House Edge

The house edge is the casino's advantage over players, and it remains unchanged regardless of the betting strategy employed. Basically, the house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino anticipates retaining over time.

This edge is established by offering payouts that are slightly lower than the actual odds of a particular outcome occurring. In roulette, the edge comes from the zero and double zero pockets. The presence of these green zero pockets ensures that the odds of winning are slightly less favourable for players than the payouts suggest.

For instance, European Roulette has 37 pockets, but the payout for a straight-up bet is only 35:1. This discrepancy between the true odds and the payout odds is where the casino gains its advantage.

Different versions of roulette come with different house advantages:

• American Roulette: 5.26%.

• European Roulette: 2.70%

• French Roulette: 1.35%.

Those serious about maximizing their chances should opt for French Roulette when possible and prioritize European over American Roulette.

Roulette Strategy & Betting Systems

While roulette is fundamentally a game of chance, and no strategy can ensure consistent profits over time, many players opt to structure their approach using betting systems.

• Martingale System: This traditional roulette strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss to recoup previous losses with one win. Though it can be effective in the short term, it requires a significant bankroll and can quickly hit the table's betting limits.
• Paroli System: A positive progression roulette strategy where you double your bet following each win. The objective is to take advantage of winning streaks while keeping losses in check. After three consecutive wins, you revert to the initial bet.
• D'Alembert System: This approach seeks to balance wins and losses over time. After a loss, you increase your bet by one unit, and after a win, you decrease it by one unit. It is considered less risky than the Martingale System.
• Fibonacci System: This method is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence, where bets are increased following a specific numerical pattern. After a loss, you advance to the next number in the sequence. Upon winning, you step back two numbers.
• James Bond Strategy: This flat betting approach involves placing a combination of bets to cover a large portion of the roulette table. Typically, it includes bets on high numbers (19-36), a split bet on 13-18, and a bet on zero, aiming for frequent small wins. Players will require more money to implement this strategy than many others.

No system can guarantee consistent wins regardless of the chosen strategy. The key is to find a strategy that suits your playing style and bankroll, enabling you to enjoy the game while minimizing potential losses.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to playing roulette, these tips might be helpful for you!

1. Familiarize Yourself with Roulette Odds: Before approaching the roulette table, ensure you understand the odds linked to each type of bet to make well-informed decisions.
2. Play Roulette Free First: Try playing roulette without risk by practicing with free versions before wagering real money. Check out Casumo Casino to play roulette in free demo mode!
3. French, European, American: Opt for French Roulette whenever possible, followed by European, as these versions offer lower house advantages compared to American Roulette.
4. Emphasize Outside Bets: Although aiming for your lucky number can be thrilling, concentrating on outside bets like red/black is a safer strategy that can help extend your bankroll.
5. Avoid Chasing Losses: Determine a budget you're comfortable losing beforehand and adhere to it. Resist the urge to chase after losses.

Physical Casinos vs Online Roulette

While some people prefer to play roulette at physical casinos due to the authentic atmosphere and social aspect, many players prefer playing roulette online instead.

Playing roulette online offers several advantages over visiting a physical casino:

• You can play at any time, from the comfort of your home or on the go.

• A wider variety of roulette games are available.

• Lower minimum bets are available, making it accessible for players with different bankrolls.

• Free demo modes enable newcomers to practice and learn the game without financial risk.

Best Online Roulette Casinos in Canada

If you're ready to play roulette online in Canada, check out any of these highly reputed casinos. Each of these Canadian casinos is a great option for playing roulette online.

Casino Days

Casino Days is a great place to play roulette online in Canada. It offers a thrilling experience with a variety of game options and immersive gameplay. You'll also find thousands of online slots and other games!

Read our Casino Days review!

NorthStar Bets

 

NorthStar Bets Casino is another great option, with a large variety of roulette games, including many live dealer options.

Read our NorthStar Bets Casino review!

bet365 Casino

 

bet365 Casino offers an exciting range of roulette games, providing players with diverse options to play roulette online. You can play roulette with a minimum bet of just $0.40 here!

Casumo Casino

 

Casumo Casino provides players with an engaging and diverse selection of roulette games, some of which are available in free demo mode.

Read our Casumo Casino review!

BET99

BET99 Casino offers a thrilling selection of roulette games, providing an engaging environment for Canadians to play roulette.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand how roulette works. We've covered the rules, odds, gameplay, types of bets, roulette variants, the role of the house edge, and betting systems.

We've also recommended the best online roulette casinos in Canada!