Roulette is a classic casino game that is now a staple of online casinos. It’s one of the oldest gambling games played today and has remained unchanged throughout history. Roulette is French for “little wheel”, reflecting its origins in 18th-century France. Fast forward a few centuries, and Roulette remains a popular choice in land-based and online casinos thanks to its simple rules and exciting winning potential. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to improve your skills, here’s a complete guide to playing online roulette.
Understanding the Basics of Roulette
Online roulette is a simple game of chance that focuses on guessing where the white ball will land on the spinning wheel. A standard roulette wheel has 37 or 38 numbered slots, with numbers 1 to 36 in alternating red and black and one or two green zero slots. The objective is to place bets on a number, range of numbers, or specific characteristics like colour, odd/even, or high/low. When the wheel spins, the ball randomly falls into one of the numbered slots, determining the winning outcome.
European roulette, which has a single green zero, generally has better odds than American roulette, which includes an additional green double zero slot. Some online casinos have French roulette, a variation of European roulette. The French version has unique rules like “La Partage,” which returns part of a losing bet if the ball lands on zero.
Online Roulette Bets
Roulette has various betting options, each with unique risks and payout potential. These are the types of bets you can make:
- Inside Bets: Inside bets focus on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the board. They include betting on single numbers (straight-up), two numbers (split), three numbers (street), four numbers (corner), or six numbers (double street). Inside bets have higher payout values but lower odds of winning.
- Outside Bets: On the other hand, outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel. You can bet on all red or black numbers, odd or even numbers, or more unique ranges like 1-18 or 19-36. Although the winnings are not as substantial, outside bets have a higher chance of winning and are often favoured by beginners.
Online Roulette
In online roulette, you start by betting on your chosen section of the roulette board. The digital wheel then spins, and a virtual ball lands in one of the numbered slots, determining the winner. However, if playing live dealer roulette, a real dealer spins the wheel and calls the results, adding an interactive feel to the game. Once the outcome is determined, winning bets are paid, ready to place new bets for the next spin.
Online casinos often include features like statistical data on past spins. Some players believe statistical data is essential, as it helps them track winning trends and make more informed betting choices. However, each spin is independent, and no trend guarantees future wins.
Strategies for Playing Online Roulette
While roulette is primarily a game of chance, players often use betting strategies to make the game more interesting. Here are some of the more commonly used strategies:
The Martingale Strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss. The aim is to recover losses when you eventually win. Although simple, the Martingale system can be risky, as losses can increase quickly.
The Reverse Martingale, as the name suggests, works the opposite of the Martingale. After each win, the bet is doubled. It’s popular for those who want to take advantage of winning streaks.
D’Alembert Strategy: This system takes a more moderate approach. You increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease by one after a win. By using the D’Alembert Strategy, you balance losses and wins over time.
Flat Betting: Flat betting is a safer approach. It involves placing the same bet each time, helping players better control their bankroll and extend their playing time.
Each strategy has strengths and drawbacks. It is important to remember that no strategy can eliminate the house edge.
Practicing Responsible Bankroll Management
Good bankroll management is essential for an enjoyable roulette experience. Set a budget for gaming and stick to it, even if luck isn’t on your side. Avoid the temptation to chase losses. Roulette is a game of chance; trying to recover losses can lead to overspending. Some find it helpful to set a winning cap—deciding when to cash out after reaching a certain profit level.
Making the Most of Online Roulette Features
Online roulette often includes features that help to enhance the game. Some include hot and cold number trackers, which show numbers that have come up frequently or less frequently. While this information can be interesting, it’s important to remember that each spin is independent. Relying too heavily on past outcomes will not influence any future spins.