How To Play Roulette

A photo of a roulette wheel with the ball in the zero segment after a spin

How To Play Roulette

Roulette is one of the most iconic and easy-to-understand games in any casino. At its core, roulette is a game of chance. A wheel spins, a ball drops, and players bet on where they think that ball will land. It’s fast-paced and offers plenty of ways to win, and all it takes is a few chips and a lucky guess. It has become one of the most popular titles at our online casino, and players based in Ireland have plenty of tables to choose from. 

How Does Roulette Work?

The roulette wheel is divided into numbered pockets from 1 to 36, alternating between red and black. Depending on the version, it may also include one or two green pockets marked 0 or 00. That is an important detail that directly affects the odds. One of roulette’s biggest appeals is its accessibility. There’s no need for complex strategies to get started. You can bet on a single number, a colour, or groups of numbers, with options to suit every level of risk. This flexibility is a key reason for its lasting popularity. There are three main versions of the game: European, American, and French. While each has slightly different rules and odds, the core concept remains the same. Keep reading to learn how to play and explore some useful betting tips.

Roulette Table Layout

Whether you’re in a casino or playing live online casino, roulette is run by a dealer (or croupier) who manages bets and spins the wheel. Before each spin, players place chips on a betting layout that represents all possible wagers. While it can look complex at first, each section simply corresponds to a different type of bet.

The main grid features numbers 1 to 36, arranged in three rows and 12 columns. Each number is coloured red or black, matching the wheel. The zero (and double zero in American roulette) sits separately to the side and is marked in green. Around the grid are the outside betting areas, which cover broader outcomes:

  • Red or Black (1:1)
  • Odd or Even (1:1)
  • High (19–36) or Low (1–18) (1:1)
  • Dozens (2:1)
  • Columns (2:1)

To place a bet, simply put your chips on the relevant section. You can also cover multiple numbers by placing chips on the lines between them. Once betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. When it lands, all losing bets are cleared and winning bets are paid. Once you understand the layout, placing bets becomes quick and intuitive, whether you’re playing in person or online.

What is the House Edge?

Every casino table game has a built-in advantage for the casino. This number typically indicates the benefit that the casino has over the player. In European Roulette, the house edge is 2.7%, while for American Roulette, it is higher at 5.26%. The casino has a better advantage in American Roulette. This is due to the presence of 0 and 00, which decreases your chances of making a correct prediction in each round.

Different Types of Roulette

Before you dive into a game of online roulette, it helps to know which version you’re playing, because, believe it or not, that little difference can make a big impact on your odds. There are three main types of roulette you’ll run into, and while the core idea is the same (spin the wheel, guess where the ball lands), each one has quirks.

European Roulette

European roulette is the most popular version of the game and the one you will find in essentially every casino in the world. There are 37 numbers on a European roulette wheel, numbered 0 to 36. The green pocketed zero is the house edge because there is only one of them, but it is still a lower edge than most casino games. European roulette is the easiest table game to play and gives you the best chance of winning!

American Roulette

American roulette is almost identical to European roulette, but with one difference. An American roulette wheel introduces a green ‘00’ as well as a ‘0’ to tip the house edge further in their favour. While your chances of winning drop slightly compared to European, your payouts remain the same. If you’re playing in Vegas or at an American-style online casino, you’ll probably come across this one.

French Roulette

French roulette is less common than European and American, but it is worth trying. Like European roulette, there are 37 numbers, and all the side bets are the same. What makes this game so fun are the extra rules, which can help you. ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ kick in when you place even-money bets (like red/black or odd/even) and the ball lands on zero. Instead of losing your whole bet, you either get half your money back (La Partage) or your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin (En Prison). It gives you a bit of a safety net, which is always a nice bonus!

Online Roulette Betting Tips

Betting on roulette is fun once you know what you’re doing. However, that does not mean there is a guaranteed strategy to winning; it just helps to enjoy the experience if you understand what is going on. To help new players get up to speed, we have created some online roulette betting tips to help you not just learn how to play roulette but also to aid you in making winning bets. These tips apply whether you play online, live, or in person.

  • Set a Budget: Results can vary, so knowing when to walk away is crucial. Setting a budget gives you a clear limit and helps prevent chasing losses. It may sound simple, but if you decide to play with €50, you shouldn’t lose more than that.
  • Know When To Stop: The idea of never leaving on a hot streak sounds appealing, but winning runs rarely last. If you hit a series of wins, consider playing until your next loss, then step away and lock in your profit.
  • Take A Break: It’s tempting to keep playing, especially after a bad start, but there’s no harm in walking away. Whether in a casino or playing online, taking a break can help you reset and return with a clearer mindset.
  • Risk Versus Reward: Roulette is all about balance. Straight bets offer higher payouts but come with greater risk, while options like corner or street bets provide smaller returns with better chances of winning over time.