How to Play Roulette: Step by Step
Roulette is one of the easiest casino games to learn. Here's how to play in four simple steps:
Step 1: Understand the Roulette Wheel
The roulette wheel contains numbered pockets. The two main variants are:
- European Roulette: 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 plus a single zero). House edge: 2.70%
- American Roulette: 38 pockets (numbers 1-36 plus 0 and 00). House edge: 5.26% ⚠️
For the best odds, always choose European roulette when available. Compare European vs American roulette →
Step 2: Place Your Bets
Players place chips on the betting table before each spin. You can bet on:
- Inside bets: Specific numbers or small groups (higher payouts, lower win probability)
- Outside bets: Larger categories like colors or odd/even (lower payouts, higher win probability)
Step 3: The Spin
The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and launches a small ball in the opposite direction. Once the ball is in motion, no more bets can be placed.
Step 4: Collect Winnings
When the ball lands in a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number. Winning bets are paid according to the payout table, and losing bets are collected.
Roulette Bet Types Explained
Understanding different bet types is essential for making informed decisions. Here's a complete breakdown:
Inside Bets
| Bet Name | Description | Payout | Win Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Single number | 35:1 | 2.70% |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11:1 | 8.11% |
| Corner/Square | Four numbers forming a square | 8:1 | 10.81% |
| Line | Six numbers (two adjacent rows) | 5:1 | 16.22% |
Outside Bets
| Bet Name | Description | Payout | Win Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red or Black | Ball lands on specified color | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Odd or Even | Ball lands on odd or even number | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| High or Low | 1-18 or 19-36 | 1:1 | 48.65% |
| Dozen | 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 | 2:1 | 32.43% |
| Column | One of three vertical columns | 2:1 | 32.43% |
Roulette Payouts & Odds
Each bet type has a specific payout. Understanding these helps you choose bets that match your risk tolerance:
| Bet Type | Example Bet | Payout (Bet $10) | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Bet on number 17 | $350 + $10 back | 2.70% |
| Even-Money Bets | Bet on Red | $10 + $10 back | 2.70% |
| Dozen/Column | Bet on 1st 12 | $20 + $10 back | 2.70% |
For a complete payout breakdown, visit our Roulette Odds & Payouts guide.
European vs American Roulette: Key Differences
The main difference between these two popular variants is the number of zero pockets:
- European Roulette: Single zero (0) – 2.70% house edge
- American Roulette: Double zero (00) – 5.26% house edge
The presence of the double zero nearly doubles the house advantage, making European roulette the preferred choice for savvy players. Learn more in our European vs American Roulette comparison.
Roulette Table Layout
The roulette table consists of two main sections:
- Inside Betting Area: Contains numbers 1-36 arranged in three columns of 12 rows. This is where you place straight-up, split, street, corner, and line bets.
- Outside Betting Area: Located around the number grid, featuring boxes for red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, and columns.
Understanding the table layout helps you place bets quickly and avoid mistakes during live play.
