This guide will teach you the basics of roulette, especially if you’re in the UK. Learn everything from roulette rules to how to play. We’ll also share tips for both live and online roulette casino sites, step-by-step rules and bet descriptions. You’ll also learn about odds and the house’s advantage.
Before betting, it helps to know the game’s parts. The roulette wheel and betting mat are a team but show numbers differently. This difference is key for call bets and placing chips on neighbouring numbers.
Two main types of roulette wheels exist: single-zero and double-zero. Single-zero wheels have one green 0, found in European and French roulette. Double-zero wheels have an extra 00 pocket, common in American roulette.
The type of wheel changes the house edge. A single-zero wheel has a 2.70% house edge. For double-zero wheels, the edge jumps to about 5.26%. This impacts your long-term gains and how you manage risks.
European wheels have pockets numbered 0–36, and American ones add a 00. Green marks the zero pockets. The rest alternate between red and black, not following a numerical sequence.
The arrangement aims to balance high, low, odd, and even numbers. On the table, numbers go in order from 1 to 36. This contrast with the wheel’s layout is crucial to grasp.
The roulette table has a grid for the wheel’s numbers and spaces for outside bets. Inside bets are on the grid and include various options. Outside bets surround the grid, covering different groupings like red/black or odd/even.
A special area for announced bets appears on some tables. This includes bets like Voisins du Zéro and others. Neighbour bets, also mentioned here, focus on a chosen number and its closest neighbours on the wheel.
| Feature | Wheel view | Table view | Common bet types |
| Pocket order | Non-sequential, balanced high/low and odd/even | Sequential rows 1–36 with 0/00 separate | Neighbour bets refer to wheel order |
| Colours | Alternating red/black, green for 0 and 00 | Colours shown next to numbers on layout | Red/black outside bets use table colours |
| Zero pockets | Single 0 on European roulette, 0 and 00 on American roulette | Marked separately above the grid | Affects house edge: single-zero vs double-zero |
| Bet placement | Wheel position guides call and neighbour bets | Chips placed on grid for inside bets and around edges for outside bets | Straight, split, dozens, columns, even-money bets |
| House edge | Single-zero ~2.70% | Double-zero ~5.26% on American roulette | Choose wheel type to manage expected loss |
To match your bet to your intention, examine the roulette table layout. For a single number, put your chip on that square directly. For neighbour or announced bets, either inform the dealer or use the call area on digital platforms.
Remember these visual guidelines to quickly understand the mat. It will help you progress from basic to more complex bets. Knowing how the wheel and table layouts connect clarifies your options, whether playing European or American roulette.
A roulette game’s sequence starts with an invite to bet, followed by placing chips on the layout. After that, the wheel spins and the ball is released. Then, betting stops and the result is shared.
The dealer says, “place your bets.” You pick between inside and outside bets, keeping within the table’s limits. Once “no more bets” is called, the wheel and ball start moving. The dealer then reveals the winning number and colour. In online games, these steps happen right away and your balance is updated.
European tables have a single zero. If the ball lands on zero, most bets lose to the house. However, some French tables offer La Partage or En Prison rules, softening the loss. With La Partage, you get half your bet back if zero lands. En Prison might hold your bet for another spin, returning it without profit if you win.
Winners receive fixed payouts, while losers lose their bets. Payouts vary: 35:1 for straight bets, 17:1 for a split, and so on. Dozens and columns return 2:1. Bets on red/black, odd/even, and high/low pay 1:1. Table limits are crucial as they cap your bets and influence your strategy.
Here’s how payouts work: bet £5 on a straight and win, you get £175 plus your stake back. In live games, lost bets are quickly cleared. Online, outcomes and payouts are calculated instantly by RNGs, updating your account within seconds.
Knowing these rules and the game’s flow makes starting less scary. Understanding zero outcomes and payouts helps you pick bets wisely, fitting your risk level.
Roulette has different ways to bet. You can go for high-risk and high-reward or more stable options. Let’s look at inside bets, outside bets, and those special bets that seasoned players usually go for.
Inside bets let you pick exact numbers. Putting your chip directly on a single number, called a straight, brings a 35:1 payout. A split is for two close numbers. It gives you 17:1 when the chip is on the line between them.
A street is betting on a row of three numbers for an 11:1 payout. Place your chip at the row’s end. A corner or square bet covers four numbers, paying 8:1. Place your chip where the four corners meet. A line bet involves two adjacent rows or six numbers, offering a 5:1 return. Inside bets can pay well but win less often than outside bets.
Outside bets are good for more frequent, smaller wins. Betting on red or black and odd or even pays 1:1. This covers around half the table. High/low splits the numbers into two groups: 1–18 and 19–36, also paying 1:1. Dozens bet on groups of twelve numbers, paying 2:1. Column bets are similar but run up the table, also paying 2:1. Choose outside bets for longer play and steadier wins.
Call bets are special wagers for numbers next to each other on the wheel, not the table. Examples include Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. You can do straight-up bets this way too.
Neighbour bets let you bet on a preferred number and its neighbours on the wheel. The available bets vary with the casino or game provider. French roulette often has these bets, popular for their precise coverage.
With call and neighbour bets, you get the usual inside-bet odds for straight numbers you cover. This method lowers risk while keeping the same payout rates as single-number bets. It’s wise to learn the wheel layout before trying these bets.
The betting layout becomes clear when you learn the common placements and rules. This guide will show you how to make single-number and combination bets, handle chips at a physical table, and navigate an online roulette interface. Read through each point slowly and practise on free tables if possible.
To make a straight bet, just put a chip right on your chosen number. If it wins, the dealer will pay you 35:1. For a split, drop a chip on the line between any two numbers; this pays 17:1.
A street bet means placing your chip at the row’s end, covering three numbers, and pays 11:1. To do a corner bet, place your chip where four numbers meet; it gives you an 8:1 payout. For six numbers, the line bet, put your chip at the intersection of two rows; this has a 5:1 payout.
Outside bets are placed in the big boxes for red/black, odd/even, high/low, dozens, or columns, paying even money or 2:1 for dozens and columns.
You can mix inside and outside bets in a single round. For instance, you might place one chip on 17 straight, another on the 17/20 split, and a third one on the dozen covering 13–24. Your return is the stake times the payout for any bet you win. Always keep your stakes clear to work out your total potential returns before the wheel spins.
Start by selecting your chip value in the lobby or game bar. Then, click or tap on the number pockets or boxes to put down your chips. Use the bet history to repeat or adjust your previous bets. Most platforms have “Repeat Bet” and “Clear Board” options. Use autoplay or set bets in advance for automatic play.
RNG tables take bets in an instant when the wheel spins. Live-dealer games are like physical tables but with on-screen buttons for all actions. Learn the layout controls well to know how to place your combination bets and confirm them before the spin.
Follow live dealer roulette manners by not betting late and keeping clear of the layout with your hands. Stick to the table limits and don’t touch other players’ chips. Tip the dealer with a discreet note or chip if you feel like it.
Try not to distract the dealer during spins. Ask for help politely between games. These simple rules make the game run smoothly and let you focus on betting confidently.
| Bet type | How to place | Pays | Typical use |
| Straight | Chip directly on a single number | 35:1 | High payout, low probability |
| Split | Chip on the line between two numbers | 17:1 | Small combos to cover adjacent numbers |
| Street | Chip at row edge covering three numbers | 11:1 | Good for covering a row of numbers |
| Corner | Chip where four numbers meet | 8:1 | Efficient coverage of clustered numbers |
| Line | Chip at outer corner of two rows (six numbers) | 5:1 | Broader inside coverage |
| Dozen / Column | Chip in the dozen or column box | 2:1 | Balanced outside bet |
| Even money | Chip on red/black, odd/even, high/low | 1:1 | Lower variance, longer play |
Let’s start with the basics: probability = winning pockets / total pockets. On a single-zero wheel, a straight bet (on one number) has a 1/37 chance, or 2.70%, of winning. Bets on red or black have about a 48.65% chance to win, as they will win 18 out of 37 times. Bets on dozens or columns, covering 12 numbers, have a 32.43% win chance.
Here are the key differences:
| Bet type | Winning pockets | Probability | Typical payout |
| Straight (single number) | 1 | 1/37 ≈ 2.70% | 35:1 |
| Even-money (red/black) | 18 | 18/37 ≈ 48.65% | 1:1 |
| Dozens / Columns | 12 | 12/37 ≈ 32.43% | 2:1 |
The house edge is the casino’s statistical upper hand per spin. It’s 2.70% on a European wheel with one zero and jumps to 5.26% with an extra zero on American wheels. This extra zero cuts player return rates.
Expected Value (EV) tells you your likely outcomes over many spins. It’s calculated as (win probability × payout) − (loss probability × stake). Despite even-money bets winning nearly half the time, the house edge creates a long-term negative EV. This loss grows and eats into your bankroll.
Variance and volatility show short-term wins and losses. High variance bets, like a straight bet, rarely win but pay out more. Low variance bets, like red or black, win more often but pay less. Both create streaks of wins and losses. Understanding roulette probability and the house edge helps set your play limits and bet size to manage these swings.
Key advice: Prefer single-zero wheels, check roulette RTP online, and choose bets that suit your risk level. Use the basic probability formula and EV insights to keep your expectations realistic and your bankroll safe.
Roulette is popular because it’s easy to learn and has many betting options. You can play it safe or use a system that tries to make back losses. Here are a few commonly used strategies, how they work, and important mathematical limits.
Negative progression makes you raise your bet after a loss to get back your money. The Martingale system is well-known for this. Here, you keep doubling your bet on even-money wagers after a loss. A win recovers all previous losses and adds a profit of one unit. This tactic might work temporarily, but table limits and your budget might stop you from recovering fully.
The Labouchère system involves a list of numbers. You bet the sum of the first and last numbers on the list. If you win, you cross them off; if you lose, you add your bet to the list’s end. The goal is to eliminate all numbers and achieve your profit target. D’Alembert, on the other hand, increases your bet by one unit after a loss and reduces it by one after a win. It’s a slower method than Martingale and requires good winning streaks to be effective.
Positive progression boosts your bet after wins, not losses. Paroli, for instance, only raises bets for a few consecutive wins then starts over. It aims to make the most out of winning streaks while minimizing risk.
Flat betting means betting the same amount each time. It’s less risky and helps keep your bankroll longer because it avoids big bet increases. Flat betting is best for those who prefer consistent play with less risk. Using it with limits on wins and losses helps manage your playtime and money better.
All betting systems can’t beat the house edge. Every bet in roulette is designed to lose money over time. Systems like Martingale swap many small wins for a few huge losses. When a long losing streak hits, limits on bets and limited budgets make recovery difficult.
Variance, or the ups and downs of gambling, creates risk. While systems may reduce losses short-term, they can lead to larger losses eventually. Over time, your average return won’t change because roulette outcomes rely on chance, not the betting system you use.
Choosing a system should be about fun and managing money, not beating the game. Make clear rules for how much money you can spend and when to stop. Smaller betting strategies and flat betting will help you keep your bets reasonable and your gaming enjoyable.
| System | Core idea | Best use | Main downside |
| Martingale | Double after each loss on even-money bets | Short sessions with large bankroll and low table limits | Rapid stake growth, table limits stop recovery |
| Labouchère | Cancel numbers from a sequence after wins | Players who prefer a target-profit plan | Sequence length can produce long losing runs |
| D’Alembert | Increase by one unit after loss, decrease after win | Lower volatility than Martingale | Still vulnerable to extended losses |
| Paroli | Increase after wins, reset after set wins or a loss | Exploit short winning streaks | Limited upside, depends on streaks |
| Flat betting | Same stake every spin | Bankroll preservation and steady play | Cannot capitalise on streaks as much |
Before you start, decide how much you’re willing to lose and what your win goal is. Having a sound roulette bankroll management approach means setting a budget for each session, a limit for losses, and a realistic goal for wins. It’s smart to divide your overall bankroll into smaller units. This way, a bad night won’t ruin your entire budget.
Make sure to set a strict session budget and a stop-loss limit. Pick an amount you won’t go over and commit to it before starting. If you reach your loss limit, call it a day and give yourself a break. Using the casino’s deposit and loss limits can help stick to your plan.
Keep a simple rule for deciding how much to bet. Risking 1–2% of your bankroll each round keeps things safe. Adjust your bets based on table limits and how much risk you’re willing to take. Prefer outside bets for less risk and inside bets for a chance at bigger wins, accepting the higher risk.
Stay alert for tilt signs like impatience, frustration, or trying to recover losses. When you notice these, it’s time to stop. Set time and loss limits, and take breaks. Avoid playing when upset or under the influence. Keeping a log helps recognize any loss-chasing patterns early.
To ensure gambling remains fun, use tools like session timers and track your wins and losses. Site features like deposit limits can be very useful. Planning your sessions well and setting sensible betting limits will make the game more enjoyable and less stressful.
Choosing the right site for online roulette is crucial. You can play live dealer roulette streamed from studios or casinos. There’s also RNG roulette, which is software-based. Understanding these differences ensures you pick the best option for your gaming style.
Live dealer roulette feels like being at a real table. A human dealer spins the wheel while you join via live stream. It’s social and authentic, with a slower pace but more excitement. You can chat on-screen and enjoy the game’s natural flow. Studios like Evolution are known for their high-quality live games, making them more trustworthy.
RNG roulette uses algorithms for quick, solo play. It lets you try different versions at the same time, with low stakes and demo options. Providers like NetEnt create diverse RNG tables. These games are perfect for those who enjoy fast play or practicing strategies without stress.
Look into the RTP (Return to Player) rates of roulette games. You can find these details on game pages or through the providers. Independent labs also share RTP reports, helping you pick better games. Transparent RTP information and test reports add credibility to a site.
| Feature | Live Dealer Roulette | RNG Roulette |
| Authenticity | Physical wheel, real dealers, live stream | Simulated spins, digital wheel graphics |
| Speed | Slower rounds, chat interaction | Fast spins, back-to-back play |
| Variants | Standard and VIP tables, fewer variants | Many themed and rule variants available |
| Minimum stakes | Often higher, especially at live studios | Lower limits and demo play common |
| Fairness checks | Broadcast oversight, provider reputation (Evolution) | Independent testing labs and RNG certification (NetEnt) |
| Bonus impact | Often restricted or weighted lower in wagering | May count differently; check T&Cs for roulette bonuses |
| Best for | Players seeking realism and social play | Players wanting speed, variety and low stakes |
Before signing up, ensure the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Review roulette RTP stats and the reputations of game providers. Look for audit seals, understand bonus wagering rules, and check the payment and support services. These steps will help secure a good playing experience.
To play smart, follow the top tips from UK roulette players: practice with free games, bet small amounts initially, especially on single-zero or live tables, and stick to basic money management rules. While betting systems can help manage your bets, they won’t guarantee wins. Enjoy roulette’s social and fun aspects, but always stay within your budget.
Looking ahead, get to know the table layout well and memorise the payouts for common bets. Practice with free games to get comfortable, decide on a budget for each playing session, and use safety features on websites that are licensed in the UK. This guide is meant to equip you with the knowledge to understand roulette betting, strategy, and tips. The goal is to boost your chances of winning while ensuring your play remains safe and under control.
As a player from the UK, go for the single-zero (European) or French roulette games. They have a smaller house edge compared to the American version. UK-licensed sites like Bet365 and William Hill offer these games. French roulette might even have special rules that can increase your chances of winning.
The dealer starts a round by inviting players to bet. You place your chips on the table, then the dealer spins the wheel and throws in the ball. Betting ends with the call “no more bets”.When the ball stops, winning numbers and colours are announced. Winners get paid according to the rules. This process is the same for online roulette games and live dealer ones.
Inside bets have options like a single number at 35:1 or a split at 17:1. Outside bets include dozens or even-money bets like red/black, each having its odds. There are also call bets and neighbour bets that relate to wheel sections and they pay differently, based on specific numbers.
European roulette, with one zero, has 37 spots and a house edge of 2.70%. American roulette features an additional zero, totalling 38 spots and increasing the house edge to about 5.26%. This extra zero means the casino benefits more, making it tougher for players over time.
La Partage and En Prison rules boost your chances on even-money bets in French roulette. If zero comes up, La Partage gives you half your bet back. En Prison holds your bet for the next spin, offering a second chance to win. Both rules decrease the house edge, making the game fairer.
Long term, no betting system can get around the house edge. While systems like Martingale may lead to short-term wins, they also risk big losses. It’s important to see these strategies as fun, not as a sure way to make money.