How does the game of roulette work?
Roulette is a true casino classic, driven entirely by chance. It is played on a numbered wheel running from 0 to 36, or up to 38 depending on the version (with one or two zeros in the American variant), featuring red and black pockets plus a green pocket for the zero. Players place their bets on where they think the ball will come to rest once the wheel is spun by the dealer.
There is a wide range of bet types to choose from: single numbers, combinations of numbers, colours, or odd and even. If the ball settles on a pocket that matches the player’s prediction, the bet is a winner. Roulette therefore relies on a completely random outcome, yet it lets you aim for appealing winnings depending on the odds attached to each bet.
Discover our trusted partner casinos
The main roulette variants
Roulette is an iconic casino game, available in several versions across the world. Each variant stands out for its own rules, bet types and odds, all of which shape your chances of winning. Whether it is European roulette, American roulette, French roulette or rarer formats, every version brings a distinct feel to the table.
With the rise of online casinos, players now have access to an even broader spread of digital variants. Whether you favour a version that stays faithful to the traditional rules or prefer more modern mechanics, roulette remains a firm favourite within a vast community of enthusiasts.
European roulette
European roulette ranks among the most widely played versions. It is made up of 37 numbers, running from 0 to 36, with a single zero on a green pocket. Unlike the American version, which includes a double zero, this layout lowers the house edge, which means better odds of winning for players.
The rules are straightforward: you can bet on specific numbers, colours, odd/even or various possible combinations. Once the bets are placed, the ball is released and the result decides the payouts. Balanced and fast-paced, European roulette appeals for its clarity and reliability, making it a hugely popular choice both in land-based venues and online.
American roulette
American roulette stands apart thanks to an extra pocket marked 00, bringing the total to 38 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). This feature gives the casino a bigger house edge, slightly lowering the odds of winning for players.
In terms of gameplay, the rules stay similar to the other versions: players bet on numbers, colours or other combinations, then the ball is released. That said, the less favourable odds make American roulette riskier than the European version, particularly for experienced players chasing a better balance between risk and reward.
English roulette
English roulette is a version found mainly in British casinos, although it is also available in other parts of the world. It uses the same foundation as European roulette, with 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36.
What sets it apart is the so-called “in prison” rule. When the ball lands on zero and a player has placed an outside bet (such as on red or black), the stake is not lost straight away: it is held over for the next spin. If the following spin goes the player’s way, they recover their original stake.
Thanks to this mechanic, English roulette strikes a balance between fairness and tension, while offering favourable odds on outside bets, making it a popular alternative in English-speaking circles.
French roulette
French roulette is very close to the European version, with 37 pockets (0 to 36), but it stands out for special rules that make it more favourable to savvy players.
The “La Partage” rule lets you recover half of an outside bet when the ball lands on zero. On top of that, the “En Prison” feature gives you the option to hold that stake over for the next spin if you would rather not lose it immediately. This mechanic significantly reduces the house edge.
Advanced bets such as “Les Voisins du Zéro” (the neighbours of zero) are also available, allowing for a more strategic approach. Renowned for its balance and tactical depth, French roulette remains a must-play staple in European venues.
How roulette works in casinos
The rules of roulette are relatively easy to grasp. Players bet using chips, which they place on a layout representing the different betting options: single numbers, runs of numbers, colours (red or black), odd/even, or various possible combinations.
Once the bets are placed, the dealer spins a wheel made up of 37 pockets (or 38 in the American version) numbered from 0 to 36 (plus 00 in the American version). A ball is then released into the wheel. As it slows down, it settles into one of the pockets, marking the winning number. The payouts depend on the type of bet chosen and the odds attached to it.
The different types of roulette bets
Several betting styles exist to vary your strategy:
- The split bet lets you bet on two adjacent numbers side by side.
- The column bet covers a vertical run of 12 numbers.
- The dozen bet lets you bet on a group of 12 consecutive numbers.
- The street bet combines three numbers on the same horizontal line.
Once the bets are confirmed, the dealer releases the ball again, and the winnings are paid out according to the result. These options let players tailor their approach to suit their appetite for risk and their knowledge of the game.
Did you know that the zero in roulette carries strategic importance? It is a special pocket that can significantly influence the outcome. For the boldest players, it is even possible to try covering 35 numbers on the roulette table, an extreme technique aimed at maximising coverage, with its own specific winning potential.
How does a session of online roulette unfold?
A round of online roulette flows quickly and smoothly. After signing up at an online casino, the player opens a virtual roulette table. They then select their bets by clicking on the pockets matching the numbers, colours or bet types on offer.
Once the bets are confirmed, the wheel is set spinning at the press of a button. A virtual ball is then released, and when it settles into a numbered pocket, the system automatically calculates the winnings. Some platforms also offer handy features such as statistics, game history or decision-making tools, all designed to enrich the overall experience.
What are your chances of winning at roulette?
Winning at roulette comes down above all to luck, since the game is built on chance. That said, several roulette strategies can be used to try to improve your chances of winning.
Outside bets (such as colours or odd/even) offer winning odds close to 50%, but the associated payouts stay modest. By contrast, inside bets (targeting specific numbers) deliver far bigger payouts, at the cost of a lower probability.
Methods such as the Martingale (which involves doubling your stake after every loss) may look effective in the short term, but they carry significant risks. It is therefore essential to take a measured approach, stick to a budget and keep in mind that roulette remains an unpredictable game, with no guarantee of lasting winnings.
Frequently asked questions
How a round of roulette plays out in a casino
A roulette session in a land-based venue begins when players place their bets on the dedicated layout. The dealer then sets the wheel spinning before releasing a ball into it. When the ball settles into a numbered pocket, winnings are paid out based on the bets placed and the rules of the game in force.
What are the different types of roulette bets?
Roulette allows for a wide variety of bets. Players can bet on a single number, on groups of numbers, on colours (red or black), or on odd/even. There is a distinction between outside bets, which offer higher winning odds but smaller payouts, and inside bets, which deliver bigger payouts but carry more risk.
What special rules apply at roulette?
Some specific rules are unique to variants such as French roulette, notably “La Partage” and “En Prison”, which let you recover part of your stake when a zero lands on an outside bet. American roulette, by contrast, includes a double-zero pocket (00), which increases the house edge and slightly reduces the odds of winning for players.
