How to Play Roulette Online

Ziv Chen

Updated by Ziv Chen

Writer

Lee James Gwilliam

Fact Checked by Lee James Gwilliam

Senior Vice-President

Last Updated 28th Aug 2024, 01:23 PM

Because it is one of the most popular casinos game, many people want to learn how to play roulette online. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced player coming from a land-based casino, we can help you become an online roulette pro. Head below to learn how to play roulette online and find the best games at top casino sites.

How Online Roulette Games Work

The first step on your journey to knowing how to play roulette online is to understand the basics of the game. Online roulette is a digital version of the traditional roulette wheels people have been playing at land-based casinos for centuries. Because roulette is hugely popular, major software providers create top-notch virtual editions for online casinos.

Online roulette involves a digital representation of a classic casino game. There is a betting table and roulette wheel, and you can bet by placing virtual chips onto the betting table. To start a game, select the spin button to get the wheel moving. A ball will drop onto the wheel, and when it stops spinning, the number it lands on will decide whether you win or not.

Play Roulette in 5 Easy Steps

Learning how to play roulette and accessing the best online roulette games takes just a few minutes. We have found the best online casinos that host excellent roulette games from top providers. By following the simple steps below, you can start playing and betting with minimum fuss. 

  • Step 1: Pick Your Game
  • Pick one of the online casinos we highlight on this page and click the link. You will navigate directly to the roulette site. Start the registration process and provide your personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.). Deposit money through the cashier section and head to the game lobby. Choose the online roulette game you want to play under the Table Games or Roulette tab.
  • Step 2: Place Your Bets
  • When the roulette game starts, check the rules to understand how to play roulette in this variant. Select the chip size you want to wager and place your bet by dragging the virtual chips on the table.
  • Step 3: Spin the Wheel
  • While many roulette games have a maximum bet limit, you can still spread your bets across the table as you see fit. Of course, we recommend making wise wagers and gambling responsibly. Once your bet is ready, hit the Spin button to get the wheel moving and release the ball onto the wheel.
  • Step 4: The Outcome
  • Wait for the wheel to come to a stop and for the ball to land into one of the number pockets on the wheel. Online roulette games use random number generator (RNG) software that allows all outcomes to be random and fair, meaning neither you nor the casino can influence the game’s result.
  • Step 5: Wait For The Result
  • Hold your breath. If the ball lands into a pocket of a number you made a bet on, you will receive a payout based on the odds for your wager. Remember, roulette is a game of luck. Once the result is known, you can move on to the next round.

Online Roulette: The Basics

On the surface, online roulette is extremely easy, and learning how to play roulette takes a few minutes. All you need to do is correctly predict which number pocket the ball will land in when the roulette wheel stops spinning. A correct win lands you a cash payout.

It is essential to remember that this is a game of luck, and there is no method or the best roulette strategy for correctly predicting the outcome. However, the various betting options mean you can choose wagers with differing odds and give yourself more chances of success.

Roulette Bets and Payouts

Thanks to the simplicity of online roulette, it is straightforward to start playing. Still, this can be a deceptive game because there are many betting possibilities that make gameplay complex. You can definitely play and enjoy roulette without knowing the available bets, but you will have so much more fun and control if you learn the roulette betting options. 

Outside Bets

These bets appear on the outside of the betting table and sit closest to the player. Outside bets have improved odds but lower payouts. 

  • Low/High: An even money 1:1 bet on either 1-18 or 19-36
  • Red/Black: An even money 1:1 bet on the ball landing on a red or black pocket
  • Dozen: Bet on the first dozen numbers (1-12), second dozen numbers (13-24), or third dozen numbers (25-36) with a payout of 2:1
  • Column: Bet on a column of numbers in three sections of 12 with a payout of 2:1

Inside Bets

Inside bets appear on the inside of the betting table and have longer roulette payout odds than the outside options. However, while the risk is greater, you will get bigger payouts on a win. 

  • Straight Up: A wager on any single number on the table, with a payout of 35:1
  • Split: Bet on two connected numbers on the table with a payout of 17:1
  • Street: Make a bet on any row of three numbers together with a payout of 11:1
  • Corner: Wager on four connected numbers with a payout of 8:1
  • 6-Line: Place a bet on two adjacent lines of three numbers with a payout of 5:1

Different Types of Roulette Games

While learning how to play a free roulette game is easy, there are multiple variants of the game that slightly change the game rules. Understanding the nuances of these separate versions allows you to play numerous roulette types like a pro:

American Roulette

A game of compromises, American roulette is more affordable to enter but has a worse house edge (5.26%) than European/French roulette. The reason for this is the addition of a double-zero (“00”) pocket on the wheel alongside the traditional zero (“0”) pocket. 

European Roulette

Most players prefer to pay a higher minimum bet and play European roulette instead of the American variant. This is the classic version of the game with a house edge of 2.7%. European roulette has a traditional betting table and standard wheel configuration. 

French Roulette

French roulette takes the standard gameplay and 2.7% house edge of European roulette and adds unique side bets. “En prison” and “la partage” are two betting options that give players potential consolation payouts if the ball lands on zero. This variant is popular amongst more experienced players. 

Live Roulette

Live dealer roulette can be any online variant, but instead of being virtual and using an RNG, the game is played via live stream with a human dealer. You can watch the action unfold on a real table with a real wheel and ball. It is also possible to interact directly with the casino employee and other players through the live chat feature.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

Multi-wheel roulette is what happens if you take the standard game and multiply the number of wheels. This variant runs with up to 8 wheels spinning simultaneously. Players must wager across all wheels, which adds more risk as you could lose each bet during a round. Although, you also have more chances of winning because of the extra wheels. 

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Tips to Win on Online Roulette Games

Knowing how to play roulette, or, for example, how to play online blackjack is the first step, but to go to the next level, you need to have full command of the game. While roulette is easy to learn, it is possible to enhance your experience by making minor adjustments. Our team of online roulette experts has provided the following top tips that could help extend your bankroll and potentially increase your odds:

  • Play European: European roulette has a better house edge than American roulette, meaning you theoretically have more chance of winning.
  • Bet outside: Inside bets are great for the occasional experimental wager, but mostly you should choose outside bets. They may have lower payouts, but they offer much better odds.
  • Claim bonuses: The top online casinos we recommend have promotions that cater to roulette players. Claiming a casino bonus is an effortless way to boost your bankroll.
  • Know odds/wagers: Take some time to learn the available bets of the roulette variants you play, including the odds and potential payout for each one.
  • Gamble responsibly: Above all else, bet within your means. Pick a budget of disposable income you can afford to lose and stick to it.

Meet The Author

25 Years
Experience
Ziv Chen
Ziv Chen
Writer Writer

Ziv Chen has been working in the online gambling industry for over two decades in senior marketing and business development roles. Ziv writes about a wide range of topics including slot and table games, casino and sportsbook reviews, American sports news, betting odds and game predictions. Leading a life full of conflict, Ziv constantly struggles between his two greatest loves: American football and US soccer.

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