Roulette is a casino game in which players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. American roulette has 38 pockets (1–36, 0, and 00). Players can choose inside bets on specific numbers or outside bets on groups like red/black or odd/even. After betting closes, the dealer spins the wheel and pays winning bets according to the payout table. This guide explains how to play roulette, how to place your first bet, what each betting option means, and how roulette payouts work.
Understanding the Roulette Wheel
The roulette wheel contains numbered pockets arranged around its edge. American roulette has 38 pockets in total:
- Numbers 1 through 36
- One green 0
- One green 00
Numbers 1 through 36 alternate between red and black. The 0 and 00 pockets remain green. The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and sends a small white ball around the track in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows, the ball drops into one of the numbered pockets.
The winning number decides the result of the round.
The green 0 and 00 matter because they give the casino its mathematical advantage. This also makes American roulette different from European roulette, which has only one zero.
Many first-time players spend their first few spins watching the dealer and observing where chips are placed before making a bet. This helps them become familiar with the layout without feeling rushed.
Reading the Roulette Table
The table layout shows you where you can place your chips. The main section contains numbers 1 through 36, arranged in three columns.
Around this main section, you will find several larger betting areas. These cover groups of numbers rather than individual numbers.
The main outside bets include:
- Red or black
- Odd or even
- 1 to 18 or 19 to 36
- First, second, or third dozen
- One of three columns
Inside bets sit directly on the numbered section and cover one number or a small group of numbers. You do not need to memorize the entire table before playing. Start by learning the basic outside bets, then move on to inside bets as you become more comfortable.
How to Place a Roulette Bet
Before each spin, the dealer gives everyone time to place their chips. You can put a chip on an individual number, a group of numbers, a color, or another betting area. For example, placing a chip on red means you need the ball to land on a red number. Placing a chip directly on 17 means you need the ball to land on 17.
Once everyone has placed their bets, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
The dealer then calls, “No more bets.” At that point, you cannot add to or move your chips. Wait for the ball to settle before the dealer announces the winning number. The dealer then checks the winning bets, pays the winners, and prepares the table for the next spin.
Inside and Outside Bets
Roulette bets fall into two simple groups: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets cover specific numbers or small combinations of numbers. They offer larger payouts because they have a lower chance of winning.
Common inside bets include:
- Straight Up: One number, paying 35 to 1.
- Split: Two adjacent numbers, paying 17 to 1.
- Street: Three numbers in one row, paying 11 to 1.
- Corner: Four numbers arranged in a square, paying 8 to 1.
- Six Line: Six numbers across two rows, paying 5 to 1.
A straight-up bet gives you the biggest standard payout, but you have only one number working in your favor.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers. They usually pay less than inside bets, but they give you a better chance of winning a spin. The most common options are red or black, odd or even, low or high, dozens, and columns.
For example, a bet on the first dozen covers numbers 1 through 12. A column bet covers one vertical column containing 12 numbers.
Roulette Payouts Explained
Roulette payouts depend on the type of bet you make. The following table shows the standard payouts for American roulette.
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Payout |
| Straight Up | 1 | 35 to 1 |
| Split | 2 | 17 to 1 |
| Street | 3 | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8 to 1 |
| Six Line | 6 | 5 to 1 |
| Dozen | 12 | 2 to 1 |
| Column | 12 | 2 to 1 |
| Red or Black | 18 | 1 to 1 |
| Odd or Even | 18 | 1 to 1 |
| Low or High | 18 | 1 to 1 |
The payout does not include your original stake. For instance, a winning $10 straight-up bet pays $350 in winnings, and you also receive your original $10 chip back.
The actual chance of winning varies by bet, and the 0 and 00 do not count as red, black, odd, even, low, or high numbers.
What Happens During a Spin?
A roulette round follows the same basic sequence each time:
- Players place their chips.
- The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball.
- The dealer calls, “No more bets.”
- The ball lands in a numbered pocket.
- The dealer announces the winning number.
- Winning bets receive their payouts.
- Players place bets for the next spin.
After a few rounds, this sequence becomes easy to follow. You can take your time with your first few bets and watch how other players use the table.
Tips for Your First Roulette Game
You do not need a complicated betting system to understand roulette. A few basic habits can make your first session easier.
Start With Simple Bets
Red, black, odd, even, low, and high are easy to understand. They also cover more numbers than a single-number bet.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you are comfortable spending before you start. Keep your betting amount within that limit instead of increasing it to recover losses.
Learn the Table
Spend a few minutes looking at the layout before placing chips. Knowing where each bet goes can save you from mistakes once the wheel starts spinning.
Do Not Chase Losses
Roulette does not remember previous spins. A run of black numbers does not make red more likely on the next spin. Treat each round as a separate result.
Common Roulette Mistakes
New players often make simple mistakes when they first approach the table. One common error involves placing too many bets at once. You can cover several numbers, but spreading your bankroll across the table can make a win less useful.
Another mistake involves ignoring the table limits. Check the minimum and maximum bet before you start. Also, pay attention when the dealer announces that betting has closed. Never try to move a chip after that point.
Start Playing Roulette
Roulette becomes much less intimidating once you know how the table works. Learn the difference between inside and outside bets, understand the payouts, and watch the betting process for a few rounds before placing your own chips.
When you are ready to play, start with an amount that fits your budget and keep your decisions simple. Visit Riverwind Casino to check out its roulette action, get familiar with the table, and put your new knowledge to use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is roulette easy to learn?
Yes. The basic game is simple. You choose a betting area, place your chip, and wait for the wheel to determine the winning number.
What is the easiest roulette bet for beginners?
Red or black is one of the simplest bets because it covers 18 numbers and pays 1 to 1. Remember that 0 and 00 do not count as either color.
How much does a straight-up roulette bet pay?
A standard straight-up bet pays 35 to 1. You place the chip on one number and win when the ball lands on that number.
What is the difference between American and European roulette?
American roulette has 38 pockets, including 0 and 00. European roulette has 37 pockets, with only one 0. The extra 00 gives American roulette a higher house edge.
Can I bet on several numbers at once?
Yes. You can place several chips across different numbers and betting areas. Keep track of your total stake so you stay within your planned budget.