How to Play Roulette: The Rules Step-by-Step

Roulette is one of those casino games you can pick up easily. Learning how to play isn’t difficult: there are plenty of strategies and different bets, but anyone over 18 can enjoy the game with just a little practice.

There are many roulette guides online, but here we’ll cover the basics to help you understand how to play all types of roulette you’ll find at casinos. This guide will walk you through the basic rules, how to play, and how to make the most of your time at the table – including strategies many players enjoy using.

Basic Roulette Rules

One of roulette’s best features is its flexibility. All you need to do is place a bet on a number, group of numbers, or any section of the board. The key rule is simple: bets must stay within the table’s limits.

Here are other rules to keep in mind:

Never touch the numbers or board when playing in a land-based casino.
Only dealers handle chips on the board.
Some tables allow bets after the ball is spun (but you should check house rules).
A single chip can cover one, two, or up to four numbers. Payouts are split based on how many numbers you cover.

How to Play Roulette

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to play roulette in any casino that you choose to visit:

Decide how much to spend on each bet.
Choose a bet that catches your eye and place it.
Watch the wheel spin.
Collect your prize.
Go again!

Types of Roulette Bets

There are three categories of bets in roulette. Knowing them makes it easier to understand every section of the board in both American and European versions.

Inside Bets

Inside bets cover the numbered grid at the center of the roulette table. They carry higher risk but pay more.

Straight: Pick a single number and bet on it.
Split: Place one chip to cover two adjacent numbers.
Street: Place chips on three numbers in a row (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner.
Line: Bet on six numbers across two rows.
Five-Number Bet: Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (American roulette).
Basket: Bet on 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Snake: Bet on 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. The pattern forms a snake shape.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger sections of the table and offer close to 50% chances (or about 33% with dozens or columns). They pay less but win more often.

Red/Black
Odd/Even
High/Low
Columns
Dozens

Announced or Called Bets

These bets are exclusive to French and European roulette (single zero) and cover specific wheel sections. They make the game more dynamic but don’t change the underlying odds.

Final Bet: Numbers ending in the same digit (e.g., 4, 14, 24, 34).
Neighbors of Zero: Numbers surrounding 0 on the wheel (22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25).
Zero Game: Numbers next to 0, plus 0 itself (12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15).
Thirds of the Wheel: Six splits covering 12 numbers (5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, 33/36).
Orphans: A single bet on 1 plus splits on 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34.

Cult Bets

Beyond standard inside, outside, and announced bets, many “cult bets” have emerged over time. These are unique wagers popular among players worldwide and have become part of roulette’s culture, such as specific number bets or pop-culture bets like those placed by famous characters, like James Bond in Casino Royale.

Beating Roulette Odds – Is It Possible?

Beating the odds of roulette is impossible. That doesn’t mean you can’t win, but long-term profits aren’t realistic.

Using strategies or relying on luck, you can win in the short run, especially with low-risk bets. The RTP (Return to Player) already factors in every betting system, so no method will change the house edge. Becoming rich at roulette is only possible if you’re extraordinarily lucky.

Online Roulette vs Land-Based Roulette

Some argue that land-based casinos give players worse odds because external factors, like dealer influence, can come into play. Online roulette removes those factors and usually offers a more consistent return rate.

For example, there have been cases where dealers tried to control where the ball landed. While rare and unreliable, it has been reported even in reputable casinos. Online roulette eliminates this possibility, making it the safer choice for fair play.

Don’t Believe in Fairy Tales

You’ll find many so-called “experts” online claiming roulette odds can be beaten with tricks. Don’t fall for it. Roulette is built with a house edge that cannot be overcome.

Strategy guides and betting systems can make the game more structured and fun, but they should always be treated as short-term tools, not guaranteed winning methods. RTP rates exist for a reason: they show the expected return across all bets, even when factoring in every “tip and trick” you might read about.

Popular Roulette Strategies & Betting Systems

Betting systems are widely used in roulette. They don’t guarantee wins but can make play more structured and enjoyable. Below are the most popular strategies and how they work in all roulette games, including Lightning Roulette.

Martingale Strategy

The Martingale is the most famous roulette system, based on doubling your bet after every loss.

Bet the same amount until you lose.
When you lose, double your bet.
Keep doubling until you win, then return to your original bet size.
Works best on even-money bets: red/black or odd/even.
Risk: a long losing streak can quickly deplete your bankroll.

Fibonacci Strategy

The Fibonacci strategy uses the Fibonacci sequence to try to maximize your results in a game. As its name suggests, this method follows the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…):

Start with 1 unit.
After a loss, move forward in the sequence.
After a win, either step back or restart from the beginning.
Safer than Martingale since bets rise more gradually.
Better for players who want a long-term approach.

Labouchere Strategy

Also called the “cancellation system,” Labouchere is built around setting a profit target. You will need to set the amount of cash that you want to win before you begin using the system:

Choose a total profit goal and divide it into smaller numbers (e.g., 10-5-5-10-20-5-5).
Bet the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence.
If you win: cross out both numbers.
If you lose: add the lost amount to the end of the sequence.
Continue until all numbers are crossed out and your profit target is reached.

The Labouchere System.jpg

D’Alembert Strategy

The D’Alembert betting system is like a safer version of the Martingale system, which guarantees fewer profits but also much fewer risks. The D’Alembert is a slower, safer alternative to Martingale, and it works as follows:

Choose a base unit (like €5).
Increase your bet by 1 unit after a loss.
Decrease your bet by 1 unit after a win.
Works best on even-money bets.
Lower risk, but profits also grow more slowly.

James Bond Method

The James Bond method was popularized in the Casino Royale book. Since the book was released, the method has been very prominently used in casinos all over the world. Much like the Martingale method, you will always double your bets upon losing around.

Start with €200 (ideally a bankroll of €5,000).
Bet €140 on high numbers (19 to 36).
Bet €50 on 13 to 18 (either as singles or a six-line bet).
Bet €10 on 0 as insurance.
Double all bets after a loss.
Profits vary depending on where the ball lands.

Tips for Playing Online Roulette

These tips won’t change the odds but will help you play smarter, avoid common mistakes, and get more enjoyment out of the game. The Casino Wizard team has put them together to help you play more efficiently:

Stick to outside bets: They offer lower payouts but the highest chances of consistent wins, keeping your bankroll alive for longer sessions.
Keep inside bets small: Higher-risk bets are fun but should stay limited to low amounts, especially if your budget is small.
Avoid American roulette: The extra zero increases the house edge and lowers your long-term chances compared to European roulette.
Understand the odds: Knowing payout probabilities helps you place smarter bets and avoid relying on pure luck or beginner’s intuition.
Don’t rely solely on strategies: Betting systems can make play more structured, but they won’t remove the house edge. Use them for fun, not as guaranteed profit tools.
Look for the “En Prison” rule: When available, this rule can return your stake after a zero spin, making it one of the fairest features you can find.
Practice with free games: Use free play to test strategies, study odds, and build confidence before risking real money in online casinos.
Choose licensed casinos only: Always check for regulation and legitimacy to protect your funds and ensure fair play.
Play with a clear head: Avoid alcohol or distractions when playing; both lead to poor decisions and unnecessary losses.
Don’t fall for the gambler’s fallacy: Past spins don’t affect future outcomes, so never base bets on streaks or “due” results.
Set and respect a budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose, and stick to it, this keeps the game fun and stops you from chasing losses.
Remember the casino’s edge: Every spin favors the house long-term, so manage expectations and quit if losses get too high.
Play only at recommended sites: Stick to trusted casinos with proven reputations; this reduces risks of scams and ensures a safe experience.

Do Roulette Betting Systems Work?

Roulette strategies help you structure your play and plan how to spend your bankroll. They can make the game more fun and keep you disciplined, but they don’t change the odds.

There are many roulette betting strategies available, and with so many players using them both online and in land-based casinos, it’s natural to assume they can improve your chances.

In the long run, roulette always favors the house. Strategies should be treated as entertainment tools, not guaranteed winning methods. Luck will always be the decisive factor in the outcome.

Choosing the Right Roulette Game to Play

If you’re new to iGaming or just learning roulette, European roulette is the best choice. Its single zero gives you the fairest odds and makes it easier to enjoy the game.

Other versions may include jackpots, multipliers, or unique twists that make them exciting, but they are harder to learn and usually give the house a bigger advantage. Stick to European roulette until you’re ready to experiment with more complex variations.

Is It Safe to Play Online Roulette?

Online casinos today are far safer than in the past. Strong regulation and licensed operators have made online roulette one of the most secure gambling options available. Still, you should always check two key factors before depositing money.

For even safer online betting, choose one of the Inclave casinos

Check Game RTP

Always verify the Return to Player (RTP) of your chosen roulette game. European roulette (single zero) offers a 97.30% RTP, one of the best among table games.

Other variations, like Age of the Gods Roulette, can drop below 96%, making it easier to lose over time. By checking RTP rates in advance, you can avoid games that don’t give you fair value for your money.

Choose Trustworthy Casinos

The most important part of safe roulette play is selecting a licensed, regulated casino. Reliable sites clearly display their licenses and ensure transparency with promotions and payouts. Trusted casinos not only protect your funds but also guarantee fair play with consistent RTP rates. Always verify the casino’s credentials before committing your bankroll.

Double-Zero Roulette vs Single-Zero Roulette

American roulette includes both 0 and 00, which increases the house edge to 5.26%. European roulette has only a single zero, lowering the house edge to 2.70%. This difference may look small but has a big impact on long-term results. Whenever you can, choose European roulette for a fairer chance of winning and avoid American roulette altogether.

Other Roulette Variations to Try Out

Roulette has many creative variations that keep the game exciting. Beyond the classic versions, you’ll find unique twists that add jackpots, speed, or new mechanics. Some popular ones include:

Age of the Gods Roulette: Blends roulette with a progressive jackpot from the popular slot series.
Double Ball Roulette: Uses two balls for double the action and higher chances of hitting a win.
Pinball Roulette: Combines pinball mechanics with roulette for a quirky, arcade-like experience.
Auto Roulette: Plays automatically without a dealer, offering fast-paced rounds in both live and land-based casinos.
Speed Roulette: Runs much faster than standard roulette, with about 50 more rounds per hour. Perfect for players who enjoy a rapid pace.

The Best Casinos to Play Roulette Online

Choosing where to play roulette is as important as knowing the rules. To make it easy, we’ve compiled a list of the world’s most reliable online casinos, accessible from desktop or mobile. These sites let you enjoy roulette, live roulette, and multiple variations in both live dealer and virtual formats:

Ads disclosure

1	Best Fiat & Crypto Casino 2025	Fiat & crypto Wild.io Casino Wizard rating 9.5/10 Critic score 79% Safety index Excellent Visit site Read review
2	Best Casino 2025	Crypto only mBit Casino Wizard rating 9.8/10 Critic score 79% Safety index Good Visit site Read review
3	Best Bitcoin Casino 2025	Fiat & crypto BitStarz Casino Wizard rating 9.8/10 Critic score 91% Safety index Excellent Visit site Read review
4	Players' Choice Casino	Crypto only 7Bit Casino Wizard rating 9.2/10 Critic score 85% Safety index Excellent Visit site Read review

Your Roulette Journey Awaits, Choose Wisely and Win Big!

Now that you know the rules, bets, strategies, and variations, it’s time to choose a casino and start playing. Select trusted sites with strong bonuses to maximize your experience. Roulette offers countless ways to play, but the key is to pick the variation you enjoy most. Whether you stick with European roulette or explore innovative versions, the fun lies in the spin.

Your adventure starts when you place that first bet, so play wisely, stick to your budget, and enjoy the thrill of the game.

How to Play Roulette: The Rules Step-by-Step

Basic Roulette Rules

How to Play Roulette