Playing roulette online allows you to experience the excitement and anticipation of the spinning wheel from the comfort of your own home. As a beginner at Sky Crown Casino, learning the rules, types of bets, odds, and strategies takes some study. But, grasping the basics is easier than you may think. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to play online roulette like a pro.
Understand the Table Layout and Rules
The roulette table consists of the wheel, the betting layout, and spots for the chips, cards, and roulette balls. Learning about these components and where they sit on the table is an important first step.
The Wheel and Ball
The wheel has either 37 or 38 numbered pockets, depending on whether you play American or European roulette. The game’s object is to predict which pocket the ball will land in once the wheel stops spinning. American wheels have pockets numbered 1-36 plus a 0 and 00 slot. European wheels have only the single 0 slot and the numbered pockets.
Betting Layout
The betting layout displays all possible bets. The inside section covers bets on specific numbers or groups of numbers. The outside includes bets on characteristics like color, even/odd, column, dozen, and more. Each spot corresponds to a bet you can make.
Chips and Cards
Chips allow you to place bets while cards help you track what numbers hit in previous spins. Make sure you understand the chip values to place the right bet amounts.
How to Play
The goal is to predict where the ball will land each spin. You place one or more chips on the betting layout to wager on potential outcomes. The dealer then spins the wheel and drops the ball. Wherever the ball settles is the winning number for that round.
Learn the Types of Bets and Payouts
While roulette may look complicated at first, there are just two categories of bets: inside and outside wagers. Each covers a different set of numbers or wheel characteristics. The payouts vary based on the likelihood of winning.
Inside Bets
- Straight Up – Bet on one exact number. Pays 35:1.
- Split – Bet on two adjoining numbers by placing chips on the line between them. Pays 17:1.
- Street – Bet on three numbers in a row by placing chips on the edge line at the end. Pays 11:1.
- Corner – Bet on four numbers that meet at one corner by placing chips where they intersect. Pays 8:1.
- Five Numbers – Only for American wheels. Bet on 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 by placing chips where the lines intersect next to the 1st 12 box. Pays 6:1.
Outside Bets
- Columns – Bet on an entire column of 12 numbers by placing chips at the bottom. Pays 2:1.
- Dozens – Bet on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd dozen numbers by placing chips in the appropriate dozen box. Pays 2:1.
- Red/Black – Bet on all red or all black numbers. Pays even money.
- Even/Odd – Bet on all even or all odd numbers. Pays even money.
- 1-18/19-36 – Bet on the first or second set of 18 numbers. Pays even money.
Know the House Edge by Wheel Type
The house edge is the mathematical advantage the casino holds over players in any game. In roulette, it varies based on wheel type:
| Wheel Type | House Edge |
| European | 2.70% |
| American | 5.26% |
The extra 00 pocket on American wheels nearly doubles the house edge. That makes European or French roulette the better game variants for players.
Use Betting Strategies, But Avoid Progressions
While roulette betting systems can help structure your play, avoid risky progressions. These systems increase bets after losses, trying to claw back money by bigger wins. The problem? Lengthy losing streaks can bust your entire bankroll.
Instead, try strategies like:
- The Martingale by betting larger on even-money outside bets after losses.
- The Paroli by letting winnings ride on hot numbers.
- The 1-3-2-6 by betting a specific unit size based on how many consecutive losses or wins have occurred.
Practice Free Online Before Playing for Real
Playing free roulette games online is the best way to learn before betting real cash. Top online casinos offer demo modes that mirror the real money experience. Test strategies risk-free as you:
- Familiarize yourself with the interface.
- Get comfortable placing different bets.
- Identify any software quirks.
- Strengthen your understanding of the game.
Once confident, transition to real money play.
Playing roulette online puts an exciting classic casino game right at your fingertips. By learning the types of wagers, odds, and best approaches for beginners, anyone can master this timeless spinning wheel game. Don’t let the layout intimidate you. With practice, online roulette gets easier and more entertaining to play each round.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports for more sports content and entertainment.
Featured Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
