A Pro Guide to Online Roulette (Update 2024)

Online roulette is one of the most popular casino games around and considered a favourite among new and experienced players alike. This is a classic casino game that is synonymous with gambling. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to find an online casino that does not feature a design of the roulette wheel in some shape or form. It is one of the most noticeable symbols associated with gambling, proving just how famous this game really is.

The game of roulette comes in many different forms at land-based and online casinos. Each of these variations has different rules, bets, house edges and strategies, although the general premise of the game remains the same. Knowing the difference between these games can really help your gameplay and winning opportunities when playing for real money. Let’s delve deeper into the game of roulette and find out what makes it so fascinating.

Best Casinos to Play Online Roulette – Selection of the Month

Online Roulette History

Despite the popularity of roulette, its origins are not actually known. According to historians and theorists, the game was created at the beginning of the 18th century and is inspired by an Italian lotto-style game. Like lottery games, roulette uses a wheel to determine the winning number.

That said, it is not known who was the first person to come up with roulette, but the game soon started gaining attention in French casinos as early as 1758. By the end of the century, roulette was one of the most common games at casinos in France. The first version, now referred to as American Roulette, features a zero and double zero slots, which gave the casino a higher house edge.

Due to this higher house edge, European Roulette was developed in Germany to counter the casino’s advantage by offering just one zero slot. This version soon became popular at European land-based casinos. That said, by the 1970s, when casinos became widespread, American roulette remained the favoured version in the US, Canada and the Caribbean, while European roulette was the preferred version played throughout Europe.

Rules of Online Roulette

Roulette is one of the easiest casino games around. It is based on luck, which means there is no real skill set or strategy players can use during gameplay. The game uses a roulette wheel, which commonly contains 37 slots in European roulette and 38 slots for American roulette. The numbers go from 0 to 36 for the former and 00, 0 to 36 for the latter. The slots on the wheel are typically split by colour.

Before the game begins, players must place their bets on the roulette board. Players can make a few bets, including wagers on one number, groups of numbers or by colour, among others. Once all bets are made, the dealer will spin the wheel, and the ball will be released onto the wheel. When the wheel comes to a stop, the ball lands in one of the slots and a winner is called. Payouts will then be made accordingly.

How to bet at Online Roulette

As already mentioned, roulette is an easy game once you understand its rules and betting options. In fact, the betting options are probably the most complex element of the game, and once that is understood, gameplay should be a breeze. While the different versions of the game will feature slightly different rules, the basic understanding of the game remains the same. The basic rules of roulette are as follows:

Place a bet on a spot on the roulette table.

In addition to the wheel, there is also a table that features the numbers and several additional sections on which to place wagers.

• This bet must be placed before the dealer closes the betting session.
• Once betting is closed, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
• When the wheel comes to a stop, the ball lands in a slot and a winner is announced.
• There may be differences on the wheel and table layout depending on the version of roulette you’re playing.

The Roulette Wheel

As mentioned before, the roulette wheel is synonymous with gambling and is one of the most popular symbols in the gambling world. It is also the first thing you notice when playing roulette. The roulette wheel has either 37 or 38 slots depending on the version you’re playing. Each slot is separated by colours – usually red and black and green 0 and 00 slots.

Another important thing to remember is that numbers are not listed consecutively on the roulette wheel – they are out of sequence. When the wheel is spun, the ball spins in the opposite direction. The wheel is only spun once all bets have been made and the betting session has been closed. This will take place on the roulette board.

The Roulette Board

The roulette board is where all bets take place, and players should understand the board before playing for real money at an online casino. The same numbers on the wheel are present on the board, except they are in sequence here, from left to right. The numbers are separated into three columns to make betting easier. When playing online, simply click on the number/s you want to wager and press spin for the game to begin.

Online Roulette Bets

Before playing for real money at any casino, whether land-based or online, you must understand the types of bets you can place. There are several bets available, some basic, while others are a bit more complex. Just remember, no matter what bet you place, the results are 100% random and based on chance. These different types of bets have no influence over the results of the game. The only chance to truly gain an advantage is the betting variation you choose. Bets fall into one of the following two categories:

Inside Bets

These are bets placed on one or more numbers located inside the roulette table. These can be odd, or even numbers can range from 0 (00 if its American roulette) to 36. The bets usually have lower odds and higher payouts compared to outside bets. A bet on a single number will award the highest payout of 35:1. Some of the popular inside bets include the following:

Straight bet – As mentioned above, this is a bet made on the single number. A straight bet features the game’s highest payout of 35:1.

Split – This is a bet placed on two numbers on the same line.

Street – This is a bet placed on three consecutive numbers.

Six Line – This is a bet on two joining street bets.

Outside Bets

As the name suggests, these are bets placed outside the roulette grid. These bets generally feature higher odds and, as such, lower payouts than its inside counterparts. Outside bets allow players to bet on multiple numbers or colours for a better chance of winning. Bets include the following:

• Red or black – This is a bet placed on a colour.
• Odd or even – This is a bet placed on an odd or even number.
• High or low – This is a bet made on a number either between 1 – 18 (low) or 19 – 36 (high).
• Other bets include column bets and dozens bets.

How to Play Online Roulette

Online roulette is played exactly like live roulette, with the only real difference being that there is no dealer in the online version of the game. Playing the game is as easy as table games come, but it is always helpful to know the ins and outs of the game before betting any real money. As such, here is a helpful step-by-step guide on playing online roulette.

Choose a game – There are various versions of roulette to play, so once you decide you want to play the game, you must choose a version to play. The available roulette games will be featured in an online casino’s games lobby, usually under the table games or Roulette category. Once you make your choice, you will have the option to play for free or real money. If you’re playing for real money, make sure that you fund your account before you start playing.

Make your bet – When it comes to making a bet, you’ll notice there are chips of different colours and sizes. This indicates their value. Click through them to adjust how much you’re betting every time. You can place a number of smaller bets across the table or just focus on one specific area.

Place your bets – Once you’ve decided on your wagers, it’s time to place your bets by clicking on the various areas of the table. You can place one or multiple bets. New players should not go all in and place big bets in the hope of winning big. Place a few tester bets to see how things go before moving on to more substantial wagers.

Hit spin – Once you’re ready, hit spin and the game will begin. Now, all you can do is wait for the results and hope that luck is on your side. Once the wheel stops turning the ball will land into one of the slots, and the results will be announced. Payouts will then be made accordingly.

Tips for Playing Online Roulette

When playing online roulette, it is always helpful to follow some tips to enhance your gaming experience and chances of winning. By using these roulette tips, you will be better equipped to not only improve your odds but improve your long-term wins.

Play for free first – Practice makes perfect, and while roulette is a game of chance, using the free version of the game will help you understand it a bit more. Before you start betting for real money, play roulette for free for the chance to perfect your betting techniques, understand the roulette table and recognise the betting options on the table without risking any money.

Make sure you manage your bankroll – Bankroll management is crucial when playing for real money. Start small and set a limit to how much you’re allowed to spend per session. In this way, you can manage your bankroll and prevent any significant losses. Never chase losses and don’t be tempted to bet more than you should.

Don’t forget about outside bets – While outside bets feature lower payouts and are considered the less exciting option, it is great for new players starting out or those with a tighter bankroll. Outside bets have better odds than inside bets so go ahead and place a wager on red or black, odd or even or high or low.

The game type matters – The different versions of roulette may seem the same, but many feature different RTP rates, odds and rules. It is important to choose the right roulette version before making a real money bet.

Online Roulette Variants

As mentioned already, online roulette is available in multiple versions, all designed to appeal to a broader market. Many of these versions are available at the top online casinos, including some of the most popular variants below:

European Roulette

This is one of the most popular versions of the game and most widely available at online casinos. It features slots numbered 0 – 36 and has a lower house edge than American Roulette.

American Roulette

Considered by many as the standard version of the game. Unlike European Roulette, this version features a 00 and 0 slot, as well as slots, numbered 1 – 36. This improves the house edge and lowers the player’s odds. This version is favoured by casino operators and is most popular at North American land-based and online casinos.

French Roulette

French Roulette features a single 0 on the wheel, much like European Roulette. The difference between the two versions is the inclusion of two important rules in French Roulette – the La Partage and the En Prison rules.

The former means a player only loses half the bet if the ball lands on zero on all outside bets only. The latter places all inside bets in ‘prison’ whenever the ball lands on zero. Here, the player receives half of the bet back to keep for the next spin. If the player wins the next spin, they get out of jail free. If the player loses, they forfeit the entire bet.

Other Online Roulette options:

Mini Roulette – This is standard roulette just with a smaller wheel. The numbered squares typically goes up to 12 instead of 36 and features a single 0 slot.

Multi-Ball Roulette – This version features up to 10 balls that can be played at the same time. The number of balls being used will have a direct effect on the players’ odds as it provides more opportunities to guess the correct outcome.

Multi-Wheel Roulette – This version features up to eight wheels that spin at the same time. Bets can take place on all eight wheels, but this can be adjusted by the player.

Live Roulette – This is the live version of the online game. Playing live roulette offers the most authentic gaming experience at an online casino. Live roulette features real dealers and is live-streamed from various locations around the world. All of the action takes place in real-time from your desktop or mobile device.

The Best Online Roulette Software

Since roulette is one of the most popular online casino games available on the internet, many top software providers have released versions of the game. What you look for in a software provider will depend on your roulette needs – do you want an authentic live dealer experience or one that’s technically and graphically rich? Do you want to maximise your winning potential or access to a wealth of gaming options? Playing at a top online casino will help players get access to the best gaming software, including the following leaders in igaming.

Playtech – Playtech is a top name in igaming, and with good reason. The game provider has been around for many years and continues to service a broad and demanding online gaming market. Playtech offers it all in terms of games, from slot machines to table games, live dealer games and more. Their games also feature an intuitive interface, user-friendly gameplay and fast-paced action to appeal to the most discerning player.

Evolution Gaming – If live roulette is on the cards for you, Evolution Gaming is the way to go. Considered the leading provider of live dealer games, Evolution Gaming has a solid reputation for delivering fast, seamless and highly immersive gaming straight to your desktop or mobile device. In terms of performance, Evolution Gaming is on a whole new level, so expect the most intuitive and engaging gaming experience like never before.

NetEnt – Any online gambler worth their salt will have come across NetEnt games before. The Swedish developer is a pioneer in the igaming industry and boasts a wide selection of titles in its line-up. Established in 1996, the developer is also one of the oldest in the game and dedicated to revolutionising the igaming industry.

Microgaming – Another leading software provider, Microgaming, is on the same level as NetEnt is terms of contributions to the industry. The game provider has an impressive history in the industry and continues to draw new and experienced crowds with its top-class and modern offerings, from slot machines to table games like online roulette.

The Advantages of Playing Online Roulette

There are many benefits to playing roulette online instead of land-based casinos, which we will cover below:

24/7 access – One of the biggest advantages of playing online is 24/7 access to your favourite casino games. While most land-based casinos are open 24/7, this is usually only the slot machines, and table games are only available between certain hours. When playing online, you will have round-the-clock access to online roulette games, including all variations available at the online casino. What’s more, there are no queues or waiting times online – your preferred game is available whenever the mood strikes.

Play at your own pace – When you play at a land-based casino, you’re forced to play at the dealer’s speed. You must also consider the other players at the table. When playing online, the only person you have to consider is yourself. You can play for free for as long as you like before moving on to real-money games. You can place at your own pace. You can play one table for many hours. There is no pressure and no rush, providing a more pleasant gaming experience.

No commuting time – Lots of time and effort can go into visiting a brick-and-mortar casino, especially if you live far away. You have to consider the journey, pay for travelling and possibly pay for accommodation. Playing online takes away all those added expenses. All you need is a stable internet connection and a compatible device and you can play from the comfort of your home or while on the move.

Bonuses and rewards – When playing online, you will have access to many bonuses and rewards designed especially for virtual play. These bonuses are not available at land-based casinos. Gaming websites usually provide players with plenty of bonuses and promotions, starting with a welcome offer and extending to daily bonuses and ongoing promotions. Thanks to these bonuses, players have more opportunities to boost their bankroll and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Play Online Roulette for Free

Many online casinos offer players the chance to play for free, for fun or in demo mode. This means that you don’t have to wager real money to try the game. If you think this sounds like a pointless endeavour, especially where online gaming is concerned, here are some benefits to playing free online roulette.

Try out new game variants – Playing for free means you have all the time in the world to try out new variants you haven’t played before. Because you are playing for free, there is no risk so you can play to your heart’s content without risking any money.

Access to unlimited games – Using the demo version of the game allows access to a wealth of roulette games and other online casino games. All you have to do is register to the casino for access without having to make any deposits into your casino account.

Practice – The main reason you should be trying roulette for free is the chance to practice. While roulette is a game of luck, there are different variants that deserve some extra attention in terms of rules and gameplay. Free versions give you the chance to practice without risking any money.

Playing instantly – As mentioned above, you will have instant access to casino games without having to fund your casino account. You will only need to make a deposit once you are ready to play for real money.

What We Look for in the Best Casinos for Online Roulette

Once you’ve decided on playing online roulette for free or real money, it’s recommended that you choose the right online casino. With so many options out there, we have made it our mission to provide you with only the best advice and tips on how to get the most value out of your gaming experience. The first step is finding the best online casino from the many options at your disposal. We’ve ranked many online casinos in the past and here’s what we look for when choosing the best igaming website for online roulette.

Safety and security – Safety and security is key when choosing an online casino. Before you even consider fun, game selection, bonuses and more, you must choose a website that is proven fair, safe and trustworthy. All casinos we recommended have been thoroughly checked and vetted for safety and security. We take various factors into consideration in this regard, including casino license, reputation, customer feedback, online support, terms and conditions and more. We also ensure that the casino makes use of the latest SSL encryption technology for complete data protection at all times.

Roulette game selection – When choosing an online roulette casino, it should feature more than one variant. We look at the casino games lobby in terms of game variation as well as roulette games available. The basics should be covered, including American, European and French roulette, followed by various other options for a broader or more niche gaming market.

Bonuses and Promotions – It is important to find casinos that incentivise their players with casino bonuses, promotions and special offers. This gives players the chance to boost their bankroll and proves that the casino values its players. As a regular, depositing player, ongoing promotions will allow you to rack up some exciting bonuses throughout the week, including free spins and loyalty points. While these are not necessarily related to roulette, it will enhance your overall gaming experience and put you in line for even more rewards.

Banking methods – We only choose roulette casinos with credible, widely-used banking methods for deposits and withdrawals. The casino should accept a wide range of banking options, including debit and credit cards, traditional methods like bank transfers, e-wallet services, prepaid vouchers and more. These days, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are becoming more popular at online casinos, as well as pay-by-phone options.

Fast payouts – Finally, we look at how long it takes for players to receive their winnings. It’s never a good sign when you have to wait around for days for your winnings to reflect in your account. We ensure that we only recommend websites that have proven themselves in terms of fast and efficient payouts.

Online Roulette on Mobile

Thanks to modern technology, life is becoming more and more convenient. As such, online gambling is changing with a stronger focus on mobile gaming. These days, a vast majority of online casinos have made their services available on mobile devices, from their bonuses and promotions to its games lobby and customer support. Most casinos have been fully optimised to support smaller mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. Finding an online casino offering mobile roulette should not be hard these days, so simply visiting your favourite site should afford you the chance to play your favourite roulette variant on your mobile device. If not, simply visit our recommended list of top roulette casinos for the best in gaming on the go.

Live Roulette

If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, live roulette offers all the benefits of land-based gaming with none of the inconveniences. Live dealer games are essentially games that are live-streamed to your PC or mobile device from various locations around the world. The games are played live and streamed to players thanks to the latest HD technologies. Live casino offers an immersive experience wherever you are in the world, adding a level of authenticity to your gaming. Leading providers of live roulette games include NetEnt and Evolution Gaming.

Our Conclusion

The igaming industry is ever-changing, and more and more people are joining the charge. As mobile gaming becomes all the rage, so are more players jumping on the igaming bandwagon. As such, software providers are frantically working behind the scenes to improve the gaming experience of all players. We’re certainly not complaining as the igaming industry continues to evolve, resulting in more exciting and immersive gaming experiences.

Online roulette continues to lead the pack as a top casino game, and thanks to the internet, it has become a multi-generational game that appeals to all players. Roulette is an exciting and rewarding game and thanks to its simplicity, will always be a favourite casino game among strong competitors like blackjack, online slots, craps and baccarat.

FAQ Online Roulette

✅ Where can I find online roulette for free?

Online roulette can be found at many of the leading igaming websites. Many top online casinos offer online roulette for free and real money. All you have to do is visit your favourite online (be sure is trustworthy and comes highly-rated) to play these games for fun.

✅ What strategies work for online roulette?

Online roulette is a game based purely on chance. Therefore, there is no real strategy you can implement to improve your winning chances as all results are random. Luck plays a huge role in the results. However, there are strategies you can put in place to help manage your bankroll, make the best decisions and enhance your overall gaming experience.

✅ What type of roulette game should I play?

There are many variants of online roulette on the internet. The version you should play depends on your preferences, budget and expectations. American and European roulette remain two of the most popular options, although there is a significant difference between the two that changes our odds of winnings. It is important to know what you want before choosing an online roulette game.

✅ Is roulette mobile-friendly?

Yes, you can find mobile-friendly versions of online roulette games at many of the top online casinos. Software providers ensure that their games are adapted to perform smoothly and seamlessly across all devices, including those running  iOS, Windows and Android operating systems.

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