Overview of Roulette

Updated: September 27, 2026

Roulette has been called "the king of casino games," and gamblers have enjoyed its charms for centuries. The game has its roots in Europe, and for many years was only available in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas. In the 1970s, however, global gambling took off, and today Roulette is a common sight in hundreds of casinos around the world.

Below you will find a complete overview of Roulette. We discuss topics such as how to play the game, the different types of bets involved, and even some so-called strategies that can be used.

How to Play Roulette

An exciting game like roulette involves a wheel with colored pockets that alternate between red and black. In the European version of this game, there are 37 pockets with numbers ranging from 1 to 36 and a green pocket marked 0. Interestingly, the American version has 38 pockets with numbers ranging from 1 to 36, along with green pockets marked 0 and 00. Of course, as you can imagine, the American version of Roulette has a higher house advantage because of the extra pocket.

The main objective for players is to predict which pocket the ball will land in. This can be done by betting on a specific number, a group of numbers, or even the color of the pocket. A surprisingly strange fact is revealed here. Bets are placed by placing chips on the part of the table called the "layout.

As players place their bets, a casino employee known as a croupier initiates the spin of the wheel. A small white ball is then placed in the wheel and spun in the alternate direction. Here's an interesting thing to note. Betting will continue until the croupier announces "No more bets". The ball will eventually slow down enough to drop into the lower part of the wheel, bounce a little, and come to rest in a pocket. At this point, losing bets are swept off the table and winning bets are paid to the players.

Betting continues until the dealer announces "No more bets." The ball eventually slows down enough to drop into the bottom of the wheel, bounces around, and lands in a pocket. At this point, losing bets are raked off the table and winning bets are paid out to the players.

Types of Roulette Bets

This section covers all the bets available to players during a Roulette game. These fall into three categories, each of which will be discussed in turn.

• Street - This bet is placed on three numbers on the layout that form a horizontal line. Offers 11-to-1 odds
• Six Line (also known as Double Street) - This bet combines two street bets. Paying 5-to-1
• Split - Two numbers are selected that are next to each other (vertically or horizontally) on the layout. Offers 17-to-1 odds.
• Straight Up (aka Single) - With this option, the player selects a single number and receives a 35-to-1 payout if it hits.
• Corner (aka Square) - To make this bet, the player selects four numbers that form a square on the layout. The payout is 8-to-1.
• Trio - The player selects one of the following three-number combinations: 0/1/2 or 00/2/3. Offers 11-to-1 odds and is only available on the Single Zero version of the game.
• Top Line - Available on Double Zero layouts, this is a wager on the following numbers: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 - pay extends to 6-to-1
• Basket (also known as First Four) - In the single zero version of the game, this bet is placed on the following numbers: 0, 1, 2 and 3. Pays 11-to-1
• Basket - In the Double Zero version of the game, this bet can be placed on any of the following three-number combinations: 0/1/2, 0/00/2, or 00/2/3. Paying 11-to-1;

• 1 to 18 - The player bets that the winning number on the roulette wheel will be from 1 to 18. Pays even money
• 19 to 36 - The player is betting that the winning number on the wheel will be from 19 to 36. Pays even money.
• Even or Odd - Another even money bet, this bet allows the player to choose whether the winning number will be even or odd.
• Red or Black - An even money bet that pays if the player can successfully predict the color of the winning pocket.
• Dozen Bets - The player bets on 12 numbers that are within the same vertical line on the layout. Paying 2 to 1, the possible combinations are 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36.
• Column Bets - The player selects a single vertical column on the layout and bets on all 12 numbers. Paying 2 to 1
• Snake Bet - A special dozen bet that includes the following numbers: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32 and 34;

• Orphans - When you place this bet, you are betting on the following eight numbers: 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, and 9.
• Neighbors of Zero - This bet covers all numbers from 22 to 25 on the wheel, including the following: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25
• Steps - This bet covers all numbers on the wheel from 27 through 33, including the following: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33.
• XX and Neighbors - This bet allows the player to select any number on the wheel, and they will also receive the two numbers on either side. For example, if the player wanted to bet on 17, they would say "17 and the neighbors;

Roulette Strategies

There is no way to consistently predict where a roulette ball will land, but that has not stopped players from developing a number of systems and strategies over the years. The following are some of the leading options:

Bet on Red

The wheel has 18 red pockets, so there is a 47.37% chance that the ball will land on red during each spin of an American wheel. There is a 50% chance that the ball will land on red at least 18 times in 38 spins.

House Numbers

Some players refer to 0 and 00 as the "house numbers" and believe that betting on these numbers gives the player the house edge. However, the math does not support this theory, so the player is more likely to lose money in the long run. Nevertheless, some roulette enthusiasts continue to swear by this strategy.

Maximum Boldness

This strategy recognizes that Roulette is a losing proposition, so it attempts to limit losses by encouraging the player to make larger bets. Assuming that some of these bets are successful, the player is then encouraged to stop playing before the odds of the game deplete his bankroll.

Martingale

According to this betting system, the player should double the size of his bet after each loss. When a win occurs, it is supposed to be large enough to cover the previous losses. Of course, this assumes that the player wins enough to make up for all the losses, which is not guaranteed.

1st and 3rd Column

The player bets an equal amount on the first and third columns of the layout, covering most of the red numbers. Another equal bet is placed on the black numbers for insurance. The main point of this strategy is to break even in the long run, so those looking for a big payday should probably find another way to play.

Roulette Chips

While the same chips are used in most parts of a casino, this is not the case at the roulette table. When playing this game, the customer is expected to place cash on the table in exchange for customized chips.

Each player is given chips of a specific color, which makes them easier to identify during the payout phase. Never share your chips with anyone else, even if you are married to them. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing a great deal of confusion.

When a player begins a session at a table, they will also be asked to choose a denomination for their chips. This can be as low as $1 or as high as $100 (or more at high roller tables). When you are ready to leave the table, you will be paid based on the denomination you selected and the number of chips you had. Always remember to cash out before leaving the table, as Roulette chips are worthless anywhere else in the casino.

Roulette Etiquette

When you play online roulette, you do not have to worry about what to wear or how to behave. A land-based casino is different, however, as there are rules in place to ensure at least a modicum of social propriety. In addition, some casino games also carry their own unique rules when it comes to determining what is acceptable from players. This section offers advice on both the general and the specific, with the goal of keeping you from making a fool of yourself at the roulette table or having to deal with security.

• When standing at the table, do not place bags or other large objects in front of you. Someone could accuse you of trying to steal chips
• Do not hold food or drinks over the table. This is just a mess waiting to happen
• Always treat the casino employees the way you would like to be treated. Nobody likes a jerk, and the same social rules apply during a roulette game. While flirting with an attractive employee is not out of bounds, just remember that anything can go too far
• Before a spin, the croupier will announce that betting is over for the moment. After this point, do not touch any of the chips on the table
• Put away your camera or cell phone before playing, as these devices are not allowed at the table for both security and courtesy reasons
• If you need to count your money, do it away from the table. I suggest you either go to the bathroom or retire to your hotel room. Do not throw your chips on the table, as you may disturb other bets that have already been placed on the layout. You should always tip at the roulette table, regardless of your current streak. I suggest a minimum of $5 per hour of play, although you should also consider sharing the riches of any big wins
• If you ask for chip change or cash, always wait until the current spin has finished
• Once a chip has been placed on the table, a bet has been made with the casino and cannot be taken back. Do not attempt to remove a chip once it has been placed
• if you cannot reach the table to place a chip, you may place a bet verbally. Remember, however, that -call bets- are only valid if the croupier can process them before the spin
• Many casinos offer free drinks, but be careful about taking advantage of this perk. Getting sloppy drunk at the roulette table (or anywhere else in the casino) is bad form, especially if you start to disrupt the enjoyment of your fellow patrons. Instead, place your bets on the table and allow them to be picked up;

While not the best game for advantage players, Roulette remains a popular option due to its aura of fun and sophistication. Fortunes have been won or lost on a single spin of the wheel, and the 50/50 odds of betting on red or black appeal to almost anyone who has ever dreamed of being a big shot. I do not recommend Roulette for long-term sessions, but betting on a few spins is almost mandatory for serious casino gambling enthusiasts.