Educational guide В· Roulette rules В· Responsible play
Roulette Rules: How the Wheel, Table and Bets Work
Roulette is a random casino game with a built-in house edge. This guide explains the wheel, table layout, inside bets, outside bets and basic payouts so you can understand the rules before deciding whether to play.
Legal, tax and responsible gambling notice
Educational scope: This page explains roulette rules. It does not predict outcomes or recommend gambling as a way to make money.
Market scope: Real-money roulette availability depends on your state, operator and market type. Do not play where online gambling is not permitted.
Tax note: Gambling winnings may be taxable in the United States. Keep records and verify current IRS guidance or consult a qualified tax professional.
Responsible gambling: Stop if losses, near-wins or betting systems make you feel pressure to continue. For confidential help, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
Affiliate disclosure
The Playbook USA may earn a commission from some casino or bonus links. This rules page is educational and does not rank roulette casinos, bonuses or operators.
Quick answer
To play roulette, you choose a bet, place chips on the table layout before the spin closes, and the winning number is determined when the ball lands in a wheel pocket. European roulette has one zero; American roulette has 0 and 00. The extra zero increases the house edge.
How a roulette round works
- Choose a table: Check the variant, minimum bet and maximum bet before placing chips.
- Place bets: Put chips on inside or outside betting areas before the spin closes.
- Spin result: The ball lands in one numbered pocket.
- Settle bets: Losing bets are collected and winning bets are paid by the posted payout table.
Previous spins do not make a number due. Each spin is independent.
Roulette wheel layout
European roulette uses 37 pockets: 0 and 1-36. American roulette uses 38 pockets: 0, 00 and 1-36. The double zero is why American roulette has a higher house edge on most standard bets.
| Variant | Pockets | Zero pockets | Standard house edge | Rule caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European roulette | 37 | 0 | 2.70% | Single-zero layouts are generally preferable to double-zero layouts. |
| American roulette | 38 | 0 and 00 | 5.26% | The extra zero increases the long-run cost of standard bets. |
| French roulette | Usually 37 | 0 | 2.70%; lower on even-money bets when La Partage applies | Rules vary by table, so check whether La Partage or En Prison is active. |
Roulette table layout
The table has inside betting areas for specific numbers and small groups, and outside betting areas for larger groups such as red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens and columns. The layout helps place bets; it does not change the randomness of the wheel.
The wheel decides the result. The table only shows where each bet is placed.
Table zones in plain English
Inside bets
Inside bets cover one number or small groups of adjacent numbers. They pay more because they hit less often.
| Bet | Numbers covered | Payout | European probability | American probability | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 35:1 | 1/37 = 2.70% | 1/38 = 2.63% | Highest standard payout, lowest hit probability. |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 | 2/37 = 5.41% | 2/38 = 5.26% | Payout is still below true odds because of zero pockets. |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 | 3/37 = 8.11% | 3/38 = 7.89% | Covers more numbers, pays less than split or straight up. |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 | 4/37 = 10.81% | 4/38 = 10.53% | Availability depends on table layout. |
| Six line | 6 | 5:1 | 6/37 = 16.22% | 6/38 = 15.79% | Higher hit probability than smaller inside bets, still negative EV. |
Outside bets
Outside bets cover more numbers and hit more often, but they are not safe bets. They still have a house edge and can still lose money.
| Bet | Numbers covered | Payout | European probability | American probability | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red / black | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 = 48.65% | 18/38 = 47.37% | The zero pocket is why this remains negative expected value. |
| Odd / even | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 = 48.65% | 18/38 = 47.37% | Higher hit probability does not remove the house edge. |
| High / low | 18 | 1:1 | 18/37 = 48.65% | 18/38 = 47.37% | Zero and double zero are not part of these bets. |
| Dozen / column | 12 | 2:1 | 12/37 = 32.43% | 12/38 = 31.58% | Lower payout than inside bets because more numbers are covered. |
Payout basics
Roulette payout ratios are posted as profit-to-stake. A 35:1 straight-up payout means a $1 winning bet returns $35 profit plus the original stake. The payout is lower than the true odds because zero pockets create the house edge.
What roulette rules do not change
- Rules do not make previous numbers influence the next spin.
- Rules do not make betting systems beat the house edge.
- Rules do not make a simulator predict real-money outcomes.
- Rules do not override operator terms, table limits or local law.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Thinking a number is due after it has not appeared recently.
- Choosing American roulette when a single-zero table is available.
- Treating outside bets as safe instead of simply higher-hit-probability bets.
- Using progressive systems to chase losses.
- Accepting bonuses without checking roulette contribution, max bet and withdrawal terms.
Common roulette rules questions
Is roulette easy to learn?
The table layout is relatively simple to learn, but that does not make roulette easy to beat. The game still has a house edge.
Are outside bets safer than inside bets?
No roulette bet is safe. Outside bets hit more often and pay less, but they still have negative expected value.
Can rules or systems predict the next spin?
No. Roulette spins are independent, and betting systems do not change the probability of the next result.