You probably heard about Roulette before. With its iconic spinning wheel and the ball landing on a lucky number. Roulette is all over the mass media. Starting with movies such as James Bond and finishing with TV series of various kinds. Everyone can recognise a Roulette. But can everyone play it? After all, it’s a cornerstone of the casino experience.

Thanks to the digital revolution, you no longer need to enter a loud and packed casino to enjoy this classic game of chance and destiny. Online casinos have brought the excitement of Roulette directly to your fingertips, offering convenience, accessibility, and a wide variety of game variations.

Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned player looking to refine your strategies, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know about playing Roulette at an online casino. We’ll cover everything from understanding the basic rules and bet types to exploring advanced strategies and responsible gambling practices.

Let’s start with the basics:

What is Roulette?

Roulette is a popular casino game named after the French word for “little wheel.” The game centres around a spinning wheel divided into numbered compartments, alternating in colours of red and black. A small ball is spun in the opposite direction of the wheel and eventually lands in one of these compartments.  

Core Elements:

• The Wheel: This is the heart of Roulette. The wheel features numbered slots, typically ranging from 0 to 36. American Roulette also includes a “00” slot.  
• The Ball: The courtier spins a small, usually ivory ball around the wheel’s rim.  
• The Betting Table: The betting table is a layout where players place their bets on various outcomes. It is marked with numbers and sections corresponding to those on the wheel, as well as other betting options.  

All the things we are probably familiar with from the movies, right?

How It Works:

1. Players place their bets: Bets are placed on the table, predicting where the ball will land. You can bet on:
   • Specific numbers: This bet offers the highest payout but the lowest odds.
   • Groups of numbers: Betting on several numbers at once increases the chance of winning but lowers the payout.
   • Colors: Red or Black (better odds, smaller payout)
   • Odd or Even: Whether the winning number will be odd or even. (better odds, smaller payout)
   • High or Low: Numbers Low: 1-18 or High: 19-36 (better odds, smaller payout)
2. The croupier spins the wheel and the ball: The wheel is spun in one direction. The ball is launched in the opposite direction around the wheel’s outer edge.  
3. The ball lands: The ball eventually loses momentum and falls into one of the numbered compartments.  
4. Winning bets are paid: Players whose bets correspond to the winning number or characteristics are paid according to the odds of their bet.

Online Roulette? What are the perks?

We have already written about some of the biggest perks behind online casinos and crypto casinos – you can read it here.

In short, online casinos are obviously more anonymous and convenient. However, they are also known for their fairness, quicker payments, and smart contracts that give both parties an extra layer of security.

As one of the most known casino experiences, Roulette had to move to the online realm as well.

Physical vs. Virtual Experience:

• Classical Roulette: Played at a physical table in a physical casino. It involves an actual wheel, a real ball, and a croupier to manage the game. The atmosphere is social and interactive, with other players at the table. And possibly a drink!
• Online Roulette: Played on a digital platform, typically through a computer or mobile device. Those vary from casino to casino, although some online casinos offer a live croupier that presents the game online.

The wheel and ball are represented virtually, and the game is controlled by software (or live croupier). The experience is solitary or, at most, involves interacting with other players virtually.  

Pace of Play:

• Classical Roulette: The croupier and the physical actions of spinning the wheel and handling bets dictate the pace. It can be slower, especially if many players are at the table.
• Online Roulette: The pace is generally faster, as the software can quickly generate results and handle bets. Players can also often choose to speed up the game further with options like “quick spin.”  

Accessibility and Convenience:

Let’s face it: Online experiences are usually more convenient, but if you are in for the “experience,” – you can skip convenience.

• Classical Roulette: This game requires a trip to a physical casino, which may involve travel, dress codes, and limited operating hours.
• Online Roulette: Accessible 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection. It offers convenience and eliminates the need for travel or adhering to any dress codes.  

Game Variations:

We will discuss the game variations further within the article. However, it is essential to remember that while the rules usually limit classical Roulette – online casinos allow more freedom in your favourite games.

• Classical Roulette: Typically offers the standard European, American, or French roulette versions. The variety might be limited depending on the specific casino.
• Online Roulette Often provides a broader range of variations, including unique themes, side bets, or even multi-wheel roulette games.

Social Interaction:

If social interaction is one of your reasons for playing Roulette, the online experience may only be for you if a chatroom or interaction with other online players is what pleases you.

• Classical Roulette: Encourages social interaction with other players and the croupier, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
• Online Roulette: Generally lacks the direct social element of a physical casino. However, some online casinos offer live dealer roulette, where players can interact with a real croupier and other players via video stream.

Betting Limits and Bonuses:

• Classical Roulette: Betting limits vary widely depending on the casino and table. Bonuses are typically not offered for Roulette in physical casinos.
• Online Roulette often features a wider range of betting limits to accommodate different budgets. Online casinos frequently offer bonuses and promotions specifically for roulette players.  

Atmosphere and Ambiance:

• Classical Roulette: Offers the unique atmosphere of a physical casino, with the sights, sounds, and energy of the gaming floor.
• Online Roulette provides a more controlled and customisable environment. Players can adjust settings like sound and graphics; some platforms even offer the option to play in full-screen mode for a more immersive experience.  

Which to Choose:

The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences. Sometimes, you may feel like going out, and other times, an online experience will be a better choice. It’s up to you!

• Choose classical Roulette if you enjoy the social atmosphere of a physical casino and the thrill of playing at a real table. Doe slower pace and potential travel requirements.
• Choose online Roulette if You prioritise convenience, accessibility, a wider variety of games and betting options, and the ability to play at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

The details: The table & The bets

Now that we understand the basics of Roulette, it is time to get into more details and more advanced information. Yes, you can play based on the basic knowledge from the beginning of this article, but the more you know – the more you can win. So, let’s get to the details (and language used).

The Roulette Table:

The roulette table layout lets you bet on the spin’s outcome. The bets are divided into two main categories:

• Inside Bets: These bets are placed on individual numbers or small groups of numbers on the inside of the table layout. They offer higher payouts but lower odds of winning.
• Outside Bets: These bets are placed on larger groups of numbers or characteristics of the numbers (e.g., red/black, odd/even) on the outside of the table layout. They offer lower payouts but higher odds of winning.

Common Roulette Bets:

• Straight Up: Betting on a single number (pays 35:1).
• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1).
• Street: Betting on a row of three numbers (pays 11:1).
• Corner: Betting on a group of four numbers that form a square on the layout (pays 8:1).
• Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows of three numbers (pays 5:1).
• Column: Betting on a vertical column of 12 numbers (pays 2:1).
• Dozen: Betting on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36) (pays 2:1).
• Red/Black: Betting on whether the ball will land on a red or black number (pays 1:1).
• Odd/Even: Betting on whether the ball will land on an odd or even number (pays 1:1).
• High/Low: Betting on whether the ball will land on a number between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high) (pays 1:1).

Sounds like a lot? This may be one of the reasons why Roulette is so popular. There are many ways to play and win.

Getting Started at an Online Casino

If you decide to stick with an online casino (or crypto casino), you must keep a few things in mind. We already made a complete guide for online casinos, which you can find here (link), but here’s a shorter version:

Choosing a Reputable Online Casino:

• Licensing and Regulation: Ensure the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable gaming authority.
• Game Selection: Look for a casino with a good selection of roulette variations, including European, American, and French Roulette (if available).
• Security and Fairness: Choose a casino with robust security measures like SSL encryption and provably fair games.

Many Crypto Casinos utilise “provably fair” technology, allowing you to verify each game outcome’s fairness. This transparency ensures that the games are not rigged, and you have a fair chance of winning.

• Bonuses and Promotions: Consider casinos that offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to boost your bankroll.
• Payment Methods: Ensure the casino supports your preferred payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.

Creating an Account:

You’ll need an account if you decide to stick with an online experience. Some online casinos trade with cryptocurrencies, which are generally considered a safer and “more fair” choice. Hence, some of those instructions will include crypto. Fear not! Most of the casinos also operate with FIAT currencies (such as USD, AUD, EUR, CAD, and more)

1. Find a Trustworthy Platform: The first step is to find a reliable Bitcoin gambling site. Think of it like choosing a good online store. You want one with a solid reputation, clear rules, and excellent customer service. Do your research, read reviews, and ensure the platform is licensed and regulated. But continue on the most popular ones! New and better crypto casinos are showing up! You can find them on social media platforms and join their communities through platforms such as Twitch, discord, Instagram, and more!
2. Get a Crypto Wallet: A crypto wallet is like a digital piggy bank for your crypto. There are different types of wallets, so choose one that’s easy for you to use and keeps your Bitcoin safe. Some popular options include hardware wallets (physical devices), software wallets (apps on your computer or phone), and online wallets (accessed through a website).
3. We recommend MetaMask, Coinbase, or Solflare.
4. Acquire Some crypto: If you don’t already own crypto, you’ll need to get some. You can do this through a cryptocurrency exchange, which is like a digital currency marketplace (such as Coinbase). You can buy crypto using your regular currency (like dollars or euros). As mentioned before, some crypto casinos (like FuturePlay!) allow you to exchange inside their platform so that they will deal with all of the trouble of an exchange for you.
5. Deposit Your Crypto/cash: Once you have crypto in your wallet, you can deposit it into your gambling account. It’s as simple as sending crypto from your wallet to the unique address provided by the gambling platform. If you made the purchase through the gaming portal — that is already done for you. You can also make purchases with your usual currency into the gambling account.
6. Play and Have Fun! Now comes the exciting part — choosing your games and placing your bets!

Cash Out Your Winnings: If luck is on your side and you win, you can withdraw your Bitcoin back to your wallet. The process is usually quick and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy your winnings in no time, unlike in traditional casinos.

Playing Online Roulette: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select Your Roulette Game: Choose your preferred roulette variation from the casino’s game library.
2. Choose Your Chip Value: Select the value of chips you want to bet with.
3. Place Your Bets: Click on the desired betting areas on the table layout to place your chips. You can place multiple bets on a single spin.
4. Spin the Wheel: Once you’ve placed your bets, click on the “Spin” button to set the wheel in motion.
5. Await the Outcome: The ball will spin around the wheel and eventually land in one of the numbered slots.
6. Collect Your Winnings (Hopefully!): If your bet wins, your winnings will be automatically credited to your account. If you lose, your bet amount will be deducted.

Exploring Roulette Strategies: Can You Beat the House?

While Roulette is essentially a game of chance and destiny, players have developed various strategies over the years in an attempt to gain an edge. Some are obviously more popular than others!

It’s important to note that no strategy can guarantee consistent wins, as the outcome of each spin is random. However, understanding these strategies can add extra excitement and influence your betting decisions.

Plus… if you do not feel like an expert or the game just starts – you can use those strategies as a warm-up.

Popular Roulette Strategies:

• Martingale System: This popular strategy involves doubling your bet after every loss, aiming to recoup previous losses when you eventually win. However, it requires a significant bankroll and can lead to substantial losses if you hit a losing streak.
• Fibonacci System: This strategy follows the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…), increasing your bet according to the sequence after each loss and resetting to the beginning after a win. It’s considered a less risky progression system than the Martingale.
• D’Alembert System: This strategy involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win. It’s a relatively low-risk strategy that aims for gradual wins.
• James Bond Strategy: This strategy involves placing a flat bet that covers a more significant portion of the roulette table, such as betting on high numbers (19-36), a six-line bet (covering six numbers), and a straight-up bet on zero.
• Focus on Corner Bets: Place more bets on corner numbers near your predicted winning number. Corner bets offer higher payouts (around 1:8) and are generally safer than other bet types.
• Low Minimum and High Maximum Tables: Place smaller bets on red/black or odd/even for European Roulette. These bets have higher winning odds and can help new players build confidence.
• Avoid Single Number Bets: These bets have very low winning odds, so it’s better to stick to bets with higher chances of winning.

Think Big, Start Small:

You don’t always have to aim for the big single-number win in Roulette. Start with smaller, safer bets on red/black or odd/even. These have lower payouts but higher odds of winning. As you build up your winnings, you can gradually take more calculated risks on single-number bets.

Know When to Walk Away:

It’s crucial to recognise when it’s time to stop playing. If you’re on a losing streak, especially six losses in a row, it’s unlikely you’ll recover. Don’t chase your losses; take a break and return later with a fresh perspective.

Responsible Gambling: Setting Limits and Protecting Yourself

While online Roulette can be a thrilling and potentially rewarding experience, it’s essential to gamble responsibly and within your means. Here are some critical tips for practising responsible gambling:

• Set a Budget: Determine how much money you can comfortably afford to gamble with and stick to your limit.
• Use Deposit Limits: Many online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to help you manage your spending.
• Take Breaks: Only gamble for extended periods if you take breaks. Stepping away from the screen can help you maintain perspective.
• Don’t Chase Losses: If you’re on a losing streak, don’t chase your losses by betting more than you can afford. Accept your losses and try again another time.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you feel like your gambling is getting out of control, don’t hesitate to seek help from professional organisations.

Conclusion

As always, we highly recommend that you play Roulette responsibly.

Online Roulette offers an exciting and convenient way to experience the fun of this classic casino game. By understanding the rules, bet types, and strategies, you can confidently approach the game and make informed betting decisions. Remember to choose a reputable online casino, practice responsible gambling habits, and, most importantly, have fun!

This comprehensive guide provides you with all the information you need to get started with online Roulette. Remember that gambling should be a form of entertainment, and it’s crucial to play within your limits and prioritise responsible gaming practices.

What is your favourite strategy?