Roulette, a captivating casino game with a rich history, has been enjoyed by gamblers around the world for centuries. The game’s rules, setup, and gameplay have remained largely unchanged since the late 18th century when it gained popularity in Paris. Jaques Lablee, a French writer, described the game in his book “La Roulette, ou le Jour,” showcasing its presence at the Palais Royale. 

Today, roulette comes in different variations, including the American, European, and French versions. Let’s explore the fundamental rules of roulette and delve into the intriguing details of this classic casino game.

How Popular are Online Roulette Games?

According to SevenJackpots’ data, online roulette games have established themselves as a beloved category within the realm of classic casino games. They hold a prominent position in the rankings, surpassed only by the newer game show formats that have gained traction, such as “Deal or No Deal” and “Wheel of Fortune.” 

The analyzed data reveals that roulette games accounted for a significant portion of the operator turnover, contributing 22.91% throughout the analyzed period. Game shows, on the other hand, captured 34.48% of user spending. 

In comparison, other classics like blackjack, baccarat, and slots fell below roulette in terms of generated turnovers. Interestingly, roulette games demonstrated an improvement in performance during the last three months of the analysis, reaching a share of 26.79% in August to October. 

It is evident that roulette holds a strong appeal among players, dominating the casino game rankings with the potential to generate up to 70.1% of turnover and attract 35.8% of players on certain platforms.

How to Play Roulette: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Roulette is an ideal casino game for beginners due to its straightforward rules and a wide range of betting options that offer relatively high probabilities of winning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play roulette:

1. Select an online casino from a reputable platform that offers roulette games.
2. Sign up and create an account, following the registration process.
3. Make a deposit into your casino account using a secure payment method.
4. Choose a roulette game from the casino’s game lobby.
5. Familiarize yourself with the betting options and payout ratios.
6. Place your bets by selecting the desired chip value and placing it on the desired numbers or areas on the betting layout.
7. Once all bets are placed, the croupier will spin the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite direction.
8. As the wheel slows down, the ball will eventually come to rest in one of the numbered pockets.
9. If the ball lands in a pocket that corresponds to your bet, you win based on the payout ratio associated with that bet.
10. Collect your winnings, or if you lose, you can place new bets for the next round.

By following these steps, beginners can quickly grasp the rules of roulette and start enjoying the excitement of the game.

Inside and Outside Bets: What You Need to Know

In roulette, bets can be categorized into two main types: inside bets and outside bets. Understanding these bet types is crucial to developing effective betting strategies. Here’s what you need to know:

Inside Bets

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the internal area of the betting layout. These bets offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning. Here are some common inside bets:

• Straight Up: A bet on a single number. Payout ratio: 35:1.
• Split: A bet on two adjoining numbers. Payout ratio: 17:1.
• Street: A bet on a row of three numbers. Payout ratio: 11:1.
• Corner: A bet on a square of four numbers. Payout ratio: 8:1.
• Six Line: A bet on two adjoining rows of numbers. Payout ratio: 5:1.
• Basket (sucker bet): A bet on the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3. Payout ratio: 8:1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets are placed on larger groups of numbers or specific characteristics located on the external sections of the betting layout. These bets offer higher odds of winning but have lower payouts. Here are some common outside bets:

• Red/Black: A bet on the color of the winning number. Payout ratio: 1:1.
• Odd/Even: A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even. Payout ratio: 1:1.
• Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. Payout ratio: 2:1.
• Dozens: A bet on one of the three sets of dozens (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). Payout ratio: 2:1.

By understanding the differences between inside and outside bets, players can choose their betting strategies wisely and enhance their chances of winning.

Roulette Variations: American, European, and French

Throughout its history, roulette has evolved into different variations, each with its own unique characteristics. The three most common variations are American, European, and French roulette. Here’s a brief overview of each:

1. American Roulette: This variation features a wheel with 38 pockets, including a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). The presence of the double zero increases the house edge, making it slightly less favorable for players compared to other variations.
2. European Roulette: European roulette uses a wheel with 37 pockets, including a single zero (0). The absence of the double zero lowers the house edge, making this variation more favorable for players compared to the American version.
3. French Roulette: French roulette is similar to European roulette, featuring a wheel with 37 pockets and a single zero (0). However, it also includes two additional rules: “La Partage” and “En Prison.” La Partage allows players to retrieve half of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, while En Prison allows players to leave their even-money bets on the table for the next spin if the ball lands on zero. These rules further decrease the house edge, making French roulette the most player-friendly variation.

Each variation offers a unique playing experience, and players can choose the one that suits their preferences and desired level of challenge.

Summary

Roulette has stood the test of time as one of the most popular and exciting casino games. Its rules are straightforward, making it accessible to beginners, while the diverse betting options and variations provide endless possibilities for seasoned players. 

Whether you prefer the classic American, European, or French roulette, the thrill of watching the wheel spin and anticipating the ball’s final destination is truly unmatched. So, why not give roulette a try and experience the timeless allure of this captivating casino game?