Roulette is still one of the most recognised games in both land-based and online casinos, even after decades of changes in casino gaming and player preferences.
With its distinctive wheel, colourful betting table, and varied bet types, it provides a game that’s straightforward, whilst also offering enough complexity for those wanting it.
You can even find formats today like live Roulette that replicate the gameplay and style of traditional Roulette, while having the modern features of online play and keeping randomness in every spin.
Online Roulette continues the core aspects of traditional Roulette, just in the digital form. In this guide, you’ll find the essentials of how to play online Roulette, the main variations of the game, and how to place bets.
How Online Roulette Works
Online Roulette replicates the same principles as the traditional table game that’s so widely known. In this instance, it’s a virtual wheel that’s spun, and a small digital ball is released in the opposite direction. The ball will slowly lose momentum and land in one of the numbered pockets, allowing for payouts according to the bets placed.
The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, alternating in colour between red and black, with either one or two green zero pockets, depending on the version of online Roulette you’re playing.
In online versions, the outcome is determined by a random number generator (RNG). This is software that ensures fairness and randomness with every outcome, mimicking the unpredictability of a physical spin. It’s impossible to influence or predict where the ball will land, helping keep the games entirely chance-based.
Main Variants of Online Roulette
There are three main versions of Roulette you’re likely to encounter on different online platforms:
- European Roulette: This version features a single zero, making it the most common format found online. With 37 pockets (1-36, plus a single zero), it offers a lower house edge.
- American Roulette: Identifiable by its additional double zero pocket (00), American Roulette has 38 pockets in total. This increases the house edge, which is something to consider when choosing a game.
- French Roulette: Also played on a single-zero wheel, French Roulette includes additional rules, such as ‘La Partage’ or ‘En Prison’, that can reduce the house edge on even-money bets. These rules vary depending on the platform, so make sure you check the game rules before playing.
Types of Bets
Another key aspect of online Roulette is the bets. The bets are divided into two main categories – inside bets and outside bets:
- Inside bets: These are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the numbered section of the virtual table layout. Examples include:
– Straight up: A bet on a single number
– Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers
– Street: A bet on three numbers in a horizontal line
- Outside bets: These bets cover larger groups of numbers and are located outside the main number grid. Examples include:
– A bet on red or black numbers
– A bet on odd or even numbers
– A bet on numbers 1–18 or 19–36
– A bet on dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36)
– A bet on number columns
Outside bets typically have lower payouts but offer higher chances of a payout compared to inside bets.
Online Roulette is a fresh spin on the traditional game with clearly defined rules and outcomes. Whether you choose European, American, or French Roulette, understanding the layout of the table and the types of bets can help you make informed decisions as you play.
