Live Roulette is one of the most classic table games in casinos. Its charm lies in its simple gameplay, yet every spin brings fresh surprise and excitement. For beginners, the Roulette table might look a bit complex, but once you master the basic rules and betting options, you can easily jump in and enjoy the tension of the rolling ball.
This guide starts with the basics, walking you through the table layout, the wheel, betting types, and the gameplay process, ensuring even total beginners can get started quickly!
1. Basic Rules of Roulette
A Roulette game consists of a wheel, a small ball, and a betting table. The wheel features 37 or 38 pockets, depending on the version:
- European Roulette: Numbers 0 to 36 (Total 37 pockets). “0” is green; other numbers alternate between Red and Black.
- American Roulette: Numbers 0, 00, and 1 to 36 (Total 38 pockets). “0” and “00” are green; others are Red/Black.
The Goal: Simply predict which numbered pocket the ball will land in. If the ball lands on a number or category you bet on, you win a corresponding payout.
2. The Roulette Table Layout
The table is divided into two main areas:
The Betting Area
This is where players place their chips to make a bet. It offers various options, categorized into “Inside Bets” and “Outside Bets.”
The Wheel Area
The Live Dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball. The ball eventually loses momentum and falls into a pocket. The colors and numbers on the wheel correspond exactly to the betting area.
Tip for Beginners: Familiarize yourself with the layout of numbers on the table to make placing bets faster.
3. Types of Roulette Bets
🟢 Inside Bets
These are bets placed directly on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the grid. They offer higher payouts but have a lower probability of winning.
- Straight Up (Single Number): Betting on one specific number.
- Payout: 35:1
- Example: Bet $10 on “17”. If 17 hits, you win $350.
- Split: Betting on the line between two adjacent numbers.
- Payout: 17:1
- Example: Bet on the line between 17/18. Win if either hits.
- Street: Betting on a row of three numbers.
- Payout: 11:1
- Example: Bet on the row 16, 17, 18.
- Corner: Betting on the intersection of four numbers.
- Payout: 8:1
- Example: Bet on the corner touching 16, 17, 19, 20.
- Line: Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers total).
- Payout: 5:1
- Example: Bet on the rows 16-21.
🔴 Outside Bets
These are bets placed on the outer sections of the table. They cover large groups of numbers, offering a higher probability of winning but lower payouts.
- High / Low:
- Low (1-18) vs. High (19-36).
- Payout: 1:1
- Odd / Even:
- Betting on whether the number will be Odd or Even.
- Payout: 1:1
- Red / Black:
- Betting on the color of the winning number.
- Payout: 1:1
- Dozens:
- 1st Dozen (1-12), 2nd Dozen (13-24), or 3rd Dozen (25-36).
- Payout: 2:1
- Columns
- Betting on one of the three vertical columns (12 numbers each).
- Payout: 2:1
4. The Betting Process
Here is the flow of a standard round for a beginner:
- Select Chip Value: Choose the denomination of the chip you wish to bet (mind the table minimum).
- Place Bets: Place chips on the desired Inside or Outside betting spots on the screen.
- The Spin: The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball. (Betting usually closes while the ball is spinning).
- Settlement: The ball lands in a pocket. The dealer announces the winning number. The system collects losing bets and pays out winning bets immediately.
5. Game Version Differences
| Version | Pockets | Features |
| European Roulette | 37 (0-36) | Lower House Edge (~2.7%). Most stable choice. |
| American Roulette | 38 (0, 00, 1-36) | Has “Double Zero.” House Edge (~5.26%). Higher risk. |
| French Roulette | 37 | Similar to European but with “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules (reduces losses on 0). |
Beginner Advice: Always prioritize European Roulette. The absence of the “00” gives you better odds of winning compared to the American version.