If you like hitting the tables, but don’t want to spend the time or the mindspace to decode complicated card games, then Roulette is the ultimate adrenaline rush for you! It delivers pure casino glam and explosive payouts on a single spin.
It’s a game where a split-second drop can change everything. However, the deceptively simple facade hides a more strategic game! It is not just dumb luck!
Here’s all you need to know to play Virtual Roulette:
Online, you can play a virtual game with the roulette layout reproduced electronically on your screen. While betting methods might vary, it’s still a fun introduction to the game.
Or you can play the “live” version in most online casinos where a real dealer spins the wheel and announces the winning number. You get the excitement of the casino along with the personal connection with the dealer and other players.
Know Your Wheels: The Key Variants
So, just like most popular things, there are several types of Roulette. Three to be precise – not including the deadly Russian variety, of course!
The main difference comes down to the number of green “zero” pockets, which is the house advantage.
- Single Zero/0 or European Roulette: This version has 37 pockets—numbers 1 to 36 in red and black backgrounds and a single green zero. This is the most player-friendly version with a house advantage of just 2.70%. The European version also has a variant called French Roulette. In the European version, the outside bets (Dozens, Red, Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) are typically placed below the number grid on the table layout. In French Roulette, the outside bets are placed on either side of the number grid. It also has special rules like La Partage or En Prison that can cut the house advantage even lower on certain bets. While all versions of roulette pay 35-1 for a single unit, the wheel has 36 numbers, which represents the house edge.
- Double Zero/00 or American Roulette: American Roulette has 38 pockets, red and black numbers from 1 to 36, plus two green pockets, the single Zero (‘0′) and the Double Zero (’00’). That extra pocket virtually doubles the house edge to 5.26%, making it less favorable for the player. This version has 37 numbers.
- Triple Zero/000 Roulette: It is structurally similar to American Roulette, but has 39 pockets with an extra green zero pocket (000), which gives the casino an added advantage —7.69% for a whopping 38 numbers.
How to Play Roulette
Objective: The main goal of the game is for the player to predict on which number the ball will land on the wheel. In a nutshell, if you predict correctly, you win. It’s a tad more complicated, of course, and we will go into more details below.
The game centers on a Round of play, which starts when the notice for bet placement is displayed and ends when the settlement is made.
- Place Your Bets! You can place your chips as soon as the terminal allows, selecting a number or group of numbers. You have to be quick, as you won’t be able to place any more bets once the display shows “No More Bets.”
- The Spin: Once the bets are closed, the dealer spins, rolling the ball along the track in the opposite direction to the wheel’s rotation. For a valid spin, the ball must complete at least four revolutions.
- The Payout: The winning number is determined when the ball comes to rest. If the ball rests on one of the zero compartments (‘0′, ’00’, or ‘000’), all standard Bets lose, with the exception of those placed specifically on a zero or a combination involving a zero. All losing bets are collected, and winning bets are paid in the settlement. Other bets are listed below:
Inside Bets (High Payout, Low Probability)
These are placed directly on the numbers. They pay huge, with the Straight Up one-number Bet paying 35 to 1. Other popular Inside Bets include the Split (two numbers) and the Corner (four numbers). Triple Zero wheels often have a unique Top Line Bet covering 0, 00, 000, 1, 2, and 3.
Outside Bets (Low Payout, High Probability)
These cover large groups of numbers and are the safer play, paying less but hitting more often:
- Color Bet (1 to 1): Bet on all reds or all blacks.
- Odd or Even (1 to 1): Bet on all odd or all even numbers (excluding the zero pockets).
- Dozen or Column (2 to 1): Bet on a group of twelve numbers; first (1-12), second (13-24), or third group (25-36) of twelve numbers, or bet on the entire column.
- High or Low (1 to 1): Bet on all numbers between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
Strategy & Top Tips to Play Smart
While roulette is a game of chance, you can still play smart and make big gains! Here are some strategies to make it fun and profitable:
- Prioritize the House Edge: If you have a choice, then opt for the European or French wheel over the American ones. Lower house advantage increases your odds of winning.
- Stick to Outside Bets: If you want longer playing sessions, focus on those Outside Bets (Color, Odd/Even, High/Low). They hit almost 50% of the time, keeping your bankroll steady. You can always throw caution to the wind once in a while to go with your gut, but do keep an eye on your money.
- Recognize Irregularities: In electronic games, be aware of what makes a round of play invalid or voided. If the ball is flung out, the wheel stops, or the ball is spun in the wrong direction, the round should be voided, and your bets returned. Knowing the rules protects you!
- Set Non-Negotiable Limits: This is the most important tip, not just for Roulette but for all games of chance! Decide on a loss limit (when to stop if things go bad) and a win goal (when to cash out and walk away). When you hit either one, your session is over. Discipline is your ultimate strategy.
Now that you know the difference between the wheels and the smartest ways to place your chips, you’re ready to hit the wheel. Play smart, play safe, and may the ball roll right into your favorite pocket! Good luck!
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