If you are planning to learn how to play roulette, you have made the right choice! One reason why roulette is so popular across the world is because of its simplicity. But still, before we proceed we must know the basic roulette game rules. Yet the game appears flashy and stylish. Well, that is probably due to the glorification of the game in many popular world movies. Anyway, if you want to be a good roulette player, you must understand the rules properly. If you know the rules, payouts, and the odds well, you can decide how you want to spend your bankroll.

Roulette originated somewhere in the 17th century, in Europe. The first versions of the game are the European and the French wheels that we see today. Such was the popularity of the game that it quickly spread to America and a new variant was created there. That is what we know as American Roulette today. The European and American versions of roulette are the most popular around the world in both brick and mortar casinos, and online casino websites. Thus, Roulette Game Rules for every variant is different. 

Understanding Basic Roulette Game Rules

The Roulette Wheel

The major two components of the game of roulette are the roulette wheel and the roulette table layout. The roulette wheel has slots for numbers from 1 to 36. In the European wheel, there is another slot for ‘0’. In the American wheel, there are two additional slots. One is ‘0’ and the other is ‘00’. So, in total, the European wheel has 37 slots and the American wheel has 38 slots. Once the betting is done by the players, a dealer spins the roulette wheel and lands the ball on it. To whichever slot the ball lands on, the number on the slot wins. As per the roulette game rules, The players who have bet on the winning number, win the spin and the payout is executed accordingly.

The Roulette Table Layout

This is where the betting happens. The roulette wheel tables have the numbers 1 – 36 arranged in a specific order. In the European table layout, you will just see one ‘0’. In the American table layout, you will see ‘0’ and ‘00’.

The numbers on the outer edges of the table layout are called ‘outside bets’. These carry the highest chances of winning, however, they are also the least paying outcomes. On the other hand, the numbers on the inner edges of the table layout are called ‘inside bets’. They have lower probabilities of winning, but they have the highest-paying outcomes. You can bet on either inside bets or outside bets.

Roulette in Action

The player chooses the number or the set of numbers on which the ball must land. This is called placing their bets. They place these bets on the roulette table with the chips.

Once this is done, the live dealer will spin the wheel and release the ball in it. If it is online roulette, you simply need to click on ‘spin’ for the wheel to start spinning. In the case of live roulette, you will not be able to place bets once the croupier calls out ‘no more bets.

Depending on where the ball has landed, the winning players get their payout or if it is online roulette, the money is added to the account balance of the player.

Roulette Variants – American Roulette or European Roulette

As mentioned earlier, the major difference between the two variations is the additional slot in the American roulette. But this is enough to make all the difference. These additional slots reduce the probabilities of winning slightly in American roulette. Also, it gives a greater house edge to the casino. Therefore, it is always recommended to play the European wheel if you want to have a slightly higher chance of making more money. This is because of the different roulette game rules for these variants.

Specifically, the house edge of the European wheel is 2.7% and the American wheel is 5.26%. But players can make the same type of bets in both the roulette wheel variations.

Roulette Betting Payouts, Odds, and Probabilities

It is not hard to understand roulette payouts and probabilities of winning, once you start playing the game regularly. Regardless, it helps if you can remember these correctly as they will help you create and re-frame strategies readily through the course of the game.

Let us consider the European roulette wheel.

Inside Bets

• If you bet on a specific number, it is called a straight-up bet. The payout is 35:1 and the probability of that occurring is 2.7%
• If you bet on two adjacent numbers, it is called a split bet. The payout is 17:1 and the probability of that occurring is 5.4%
• If you bet on three adjacent numbers, it is called a street bet. The payout is 11:1 and the probability of that occurring is 8.1%
• If you bet on four adjacent/corner numbers, it is called a corner bet. The payout is 8:1 and the probability of that occurring is 10.8%
• If you bet on six numbers, it is called a six-line bet. The payout is 5:1 and the probability of that occurring is 16.2%

Outside Bets

• If you bet on a dozen numbers, it is called a dozen bet. The payout is 2:1 and the probability of that occurring is 32.4%
• If you bet on odd/even numbers or red/black numbers or high/low numbers, it is called an even bet. The payout is 1:1 and the probability of that occurring is 48.6%.

Now, let us consider the American roulette wheel. Notice how the probability of winning changes.

Inside Bets

• If you bet on a specific number, it is called a straight-up bet. The payout is 35:1 and the probability of that occurring is 2.6%
• If you bet on two adjacent numbers, it is called a split bet. The payout is 17:1 and the probability of that occurring is 5.3%
• If you bet on three adjacent numbers, it is called a street bet. The payout is 11:1 and the probability of that occurring is 7.9%
• If you bet on four adjacent/corner numbers, it is called a corner bet. The payout is 8:1 and the probability of that occurring is 10.5%
• If you bet on six numbers, it is called a six-line bet. The payout is 5:1 and the probability of that occurring is 15.8%

Outside Bets

• If you bet on a dozen numbers, it is called a dozen bet. The payout is 2:1 and the probability of that occurring is 31.6%
• If you bet on odd/even numbers or red/black numbers or high/low numbers, it is called an even bet. The payout is 1:1 and the probability of that occurring is 47.4%.

Conclusion

So, this is all you need to know about Roulette Game Rules. The game is fun and addictive, so, therefore, exercise caution. Only invest the amount of money you would not mind losing entirely if you have a bad day at the table. Keep emotions out of the game, and play it solely for the leisure it provides. Play responsibly and enjoy roulette!

Also Read: How To Play Roulette Like A Pro