How to Play Roulette: A Complete Guide to European and American Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic and widely loved casino games in the world, known for its elegant spinning wheel, simple rules, and dramatic gameplay. Whether you’re stepping onto the floor of a glitzy land-based casino or joining a live dealer table online, roulette offers an exciting blend of chance, strategy, and anticipation. For players in the UK and beyond, understanding the key differences between European and American Roulette, as well as the basics of how to play, can significantly enhance the experience and improve your chances of making smart bets.
What Is Roulette?
Roulette is a game of chance that involves a spinning wheel, a small white ball, and a betting layout. The objective is to predict where the ball will land on the wheel after it has been spun. Players can bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colours (red or black), or other specific outcomes. The word “roulette” comes from the French for “little wheel,” and the game has been played in various forms for centuries.
At the heart of roulette is the numbered wheel. Depending on the version of the game, this wheel contains either 37 numbers (European Roulette) or 38 numbers (American Roulette). These include a sequence of alternating red and black numbers, as well as green zero pockets that give the house its edge.
European Roulette Basics
European Roulette is the most commonly played version in UK casinos and online live dealer platforms. It features a single zero (0), which slightly lowers the house edge and makes it a more favourable option for players.
The Wheel Layout:
- 37 pockets in total
- Numbers 1–36, with alternating red and black colours
- A single green zero (0)
The House Edge:
The house edge in European Roulette is 2.70%, thanks to the presence of only one green zero. This gives players a better statistical chance of winning compared to American Roulette.
The Table Layout:
The betting table features a grid of numbers and several betting options. The numbers are arranged in three rows of 12, along with sections for outside bets (e.g. red/black, odd/even).
American Roulette Basics
American Roulette is primarily found in casinos in North America but is still widely available online. It is very similar to European Roulette, but with one crucial difference: it includes a double zero (00) in addition to the single zero (0).
The Wheel Layout:
- 38 pockets in total
- Numbers 1–36, alternating red and black
- A single green zero (0) and a double zero (00)
The House Edge:
The addition of the double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%, which makes American Roulette statistically less favourable than the European version.
The Table Layout:
The table layout is nearly identical to European Roulette, but with an additional space for the double zero. This means some betting strategies or systems may have slightly different odds or payout impacts.
How to Play Roulette: Step-by-Step
Whether you’re playing European or American Roulette, the basic process of placing bets and playing a round remains the same.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Bets
Roulette bets are divided into inside bets and outside bets, each offering different odds and payout potential.
Inside Bets:
These are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main numbered grid.
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number (e.g. 7). Pays 35 to 1.
- Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers (e.g. 14 and 17). Pays 17 to 1.
- Street: Bet on a row of three numbers (e.g. 13, 14, 15). Pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (Square): Bet on four numbers forming a square (e.g. 1, 2, 4, 5). Pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line (Double Street): Bet on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5 to 1.
Outside Bets:
These bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer better odds of winning, though with smaller payouts.
- Red or Black: Bet on the ball landing on a red or black number. Pays 1 to 1.
- Odd or Even: Bet on the ball landing on an odd or even number. Pays 1 to 1.
- Low or High: Bet on 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). Pays 1 to 1.
- Dozens: Bet on 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36. Pays 2 to 1.
- Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns. Pays 2 to 1.
Step 2: Place Your Bet(s)
Before the wheel is spun, players are given time to place their chips on the desired numbers or sections of the table. You can place as many bets as you like, combining inside and outside bets to cover more ground.
Step 3: Watch the Spin
Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and rolls the ball in the opposite direction. In live online roulette, this is streamed in real-time from a studio with HD cameras and professional dealers.
Step 4: Wait for the Result
When the ball loses momentum, it drops into one of the numbered pockets. The dealer announces the winning number and colour. Winning bets are paid out according to the odds, while losing bets are collected by the house.
Step 5: Place Your Next Bet
The cycle begins again. Players can re-bet, clear the table, or try different combinations depending on their strategy or gut feeling.
Differences Between European and American Roulette in Practice
While the betting structure is largely the same, the extra zero in American Roulette makes a measurable difference over time. Here are some of the practical impacts:
- Probability: In European Roulette, betting on a single number gives you a 1 in 37 chance (approx. 2.70%). In American Roulette, it’s 1 in 38 (approx. 2.63%). While it might seem small, this difference matters over hundreds or thousands of spins.
- House Advantage: The double zero increases the casino’s edge, especially on even-money bets like red/black or odd/even.
- Strategy Impact: Any strategy that relies on statistical probability, like Martingale or Labouchere, is slightly less effective in American Roulette due to the higher house edge.
Special Rules to Know
Some European Roulette tables — especially in French variants — include additional rules that further lower the house edge:
- La Partage: If you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you get half your bet back. This reduces the house edge on these bets to 1.35%.
- En Prison: Similar to La Partage, but instead of getting half your bet back, it is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you recover it with no profit.
These rules are not found in American Roulette, and they’re part of what makes European Roulette more appealing for strategic players.
Tips for Playing Roulette
- Understand the Odds: The payout for each bet type reflects its probability. The higher the payout, the lower the chance of winning.
- Start with Outside Bets: If you’re new, stick with even-money bets like red/black, odd/even. They offer the best odds of winning a single spin.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set limits and stick to them. Roulette is a fast-paced game and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Avoid the temptation to bet big to recover previous losses. Every spin is independent, and past results have no effect on future outcomes.
- Use Live Dealer Games for Realism: Live roulette adds a human element and greater immersion. The pace is also slightly slower, which can help manage your gameplay more responsibly.
In The End
Whether you’re playing European or American Roulette, the key to enjoyment lies in understanding the game, knowing the odds, and setting realistic expectations. European Roulette generally offers better odds and is recommended for most players, particularly those looking to reduce the house edge. American Roulette, while less favourable in terms of pure math, is still fun and can be a thrilling experience — especially when played in a live casino environment.
Roulette is ultimately a game of chance, and while strategies and systems may add structure to your bets, no approach can eliminate the house edge completely. But with the right mindset, sound bankroll management, and a solid grasp of the rules, roulette remains one of the most entertaining and elegant games in the casino — whether you’re playing online, live, or on the Vegas strip.
If you’re just starting out, begin with European Roulette and take the time to explore different betting styles. The more you play, the more intuitive it becomes. And remember, at its core, roulette is about enjoying the spin, not just chasing the win.
FAQ: How to Play European & American Roulette
1. What is the main difference between European and American Roulette?
The key difference is the number of zero pockets. European Roulette has one zero (0), while American Roulette has two zeros (0 and 00). This changes the house edge and the odds of winning.
2. Which version has better odds for players?
European Roulette offers better odds due to its single zero, resulting in a 2.70% house edge, compared to 5.26% in American Roulette.
3. What’s the goal of roulette?
The goal is to correctly predict where the ball will land on the spinning roulette wheel. You can bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers, colours, or ranges.
4. What are inside bets in roulette?
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small combinations within the numbered grid. These include Straight Up, Split, Street, Corner, and Six Line bets.
5. What are outside bets in roulette?
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer higher chances of winning with lower payouts. Examples include Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low, Dozens, and Columns.
6. How do the payouts work?
Payouts vary depending on the type of bet. A Straight Up (single number) pays 35 to 1, while an even-money bet like Red/Black pays 1 to 1. Riskier bets have higher rewards.
7. Is roulette a game of skill or luck?
Roulette is primarily a game of chance. While you can use strategies to manage your bets and bankroll, no system can predict where the ball will land.
8. Can I use betting systems like Martingale or Fibonacci?
Yes, but these systems don’t change the odds. They help structure your bets, but they don’t overcome the house edge. Use them cautiously and with limits.
9. What is the “zero” pocket and why is it important?
The zero (and double zero in American) gives the house its edge. It causes most outside bets to lose when the ball lands there, making it crucial in odds calculations.
10. What does “La Partage” mean in roulette?
A rule mostly found in French and European tables, La Partage gives you half your bet back if you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero. This reduces the house edge.
11. What is “En Prison” in roulette?
Similar to La Partage, but your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin instead of being halved. If it wins on the next spin, you get your full bet back.
12. Is it better to bet on single numbers or on outside bets?
Single numbers have higher payouts but lower odds. Outside bets give you better chances to win more often, though with smaller returns. It depends on your risk appetite.
13. What happens if I bet on red and the ball lands on zero?
You lose your bet unless you’re playing at a European or French table with La Partage or En Prison rules, which may let you recover part or all of your bet.
14. Can I play both versions of roulette online in the UK?
Yes. Most UK-licensed online casinos offer both European and American Roulette, though European is more common due to its better odds.
15. Should beginners start with European or American Roulette?
European Roulette is better for beginners because of the lower house edge and simpler betting structure. It’s ideal for learning without as much statistical disadvantage.