Roulette is one of the most iconic and exciting games in the casino. With its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and the anticipation of where it will land, it’s no wonder roulette has remained popular for centuries. If you’re new to the game, it might look a little intimidating at first, but don’t worry — roulette is easy to learn and even easier to enjoy trực tiếp bóng đá .
In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of roulette, explain the types of bets, discuss odds and house edge, and give you tips to get started with confidence.
What Is Roulette?
Roulette, which means “little wheel” in French, involves a spinning wheel with numbered pockets, a small ball, and a betting table. Players place bets on where they think the ball will land. Once the bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and the ball, and the result determines who wins and who loses.
There are three main versions of roulette:
- European Roulette – 37 pockets (0–36), with a single green zero.
- American Roulette – 38 pockets (0–36 and 00), with two green zeros.
- French Roulette – Similar to European, but includes special rules like “La Partage” and “En Prison” which favor the player.
Most beginners are better off starting with European Roulette due to the lower house edge.
Types of Roulette Bets
Roulette offers a wide range of bets. These are generally categorized as inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets (Placed on specific numbers or small groups)
- Straight Up – A bet on a single number (35:1 payout)
- Split – A bet on two adjacent numbers (17:1)
- Street – A bet on three numbers in a row (11:1)
- Corner – A bet on a block of four numbers (8:1)
- Six Line – A bet on two adjacent rows (5:1)
These bets have higher payouts but lower chances of winning.
Outside Bets (Placed on larger groups)
- Red or Black – Bet on the color of the number (1:1)
- Odd or Even – Bet on whether the number is odd or even (1:1)
- Low or High – Bet on 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high) (1:1)
- Dozens – Bet on a group of 12 numbers (2:1)
- Columns – Bet on one of the three vertical columns (2:1)
Outside bets have better odds and are ideal for beginners.
Understanding the Odds and House Edge
The house edge is determined by the presence of the zero (or double zero). Here’s a breakdown:
- European Roulette: House edge = 2.70%
- American Roulette: House edge = 5.26%
- French Roulette: House edge = 1.35% (on even-money bets, when “La Partage” is applied)
This is why European and French variants are preferred — they give you a better shot at winning over time.
Basic Roulette Strategies
While roulette is a game of chance and no strategy can guarantee a win, players often use systems to manage bets. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Martingale System
Double your bet after every loss. When you win, you recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet.
- Risk: A losing streak can eat through your bankroll quickly.
2. Reverse Martingale (Paroli)
Double your bet after a win, not after a loss. This system rides winning streaks while minimizing losses.
- Safer than Martingale, but still relies on short winning streaks.
3. D’Alembert System
Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it after a win.
- Less aggressive than Martingale, but still doesn’t eliminate losses.
Note: These systems don’t change the odds — they’re just ways to structure your bets.
Tips for Beginners
- Start with outside bets – They have nearly 50/50 odds and keep your bankroll alive longer.
- Avoid American Roulette – The extra zero increases the house edge.
- Manage your bankroll – Set a budget and don’t chase losses.
- Take advantage of demo play – Many online casinos let you try roulette for free.
- Don’t rely on patterns – Each spin is independent. There’s no “due” number.
- Know when to walk away – Set win/loss limits before you play.
Final Thoughts
Roulette is easy to learn, fun to play, and offers a wide variety of betting options. Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or spinning the virtual wheel online, it’s a game that blends luck with just enough strategy to keep things interesting. By understanding the rules, odds, and bet types, you’ll be ready to place your chips with confidence. Just remember: roulette is a game of chance, so always play responsibly and enjoy the experience.