Heading on over to any of the online roulette casinos listed above could just be the best way to play the game. Unless you want to put on a suit and tie and take a trip to Vegas, that is. For those who can't just up and leave like that, the good news is that software developers have worked extremely hard over the years. It goes without saying that some variations of virtual roulette will give you the brick and mortar casino experience, from the comfort of your homes. Or pretty much anywhere else for that matter, mobile roulette is also a thing. The introduction of live roulette has been the culmination in mimicking the land-based game but more on this later.
In some ways, online players have it better, at least when it comes to bonuses. Play roulette games online and pick up a deposit bonus along the way. You may even find some roulette sites that offer specific promotions. Just be sure to check the full terms, like wagering requirements for instance! It's a known fact that table games at online casinos, tend to contribute less to the wager than say slots. This is down to them having a higher return to player, but more on roulette RTP later.
How to Play Roulette - Online Rules
Asking how to win at online roulette at this stage, is like trying to run before you can walk. The first step is understanding the basic roulette rules. For those who have ever been lucky enough to experience a roulette game in a land-based casino, then the good news is that the online version of the game is pretty similar. Game providers such as Microgaming and NetEnt, amongst many others, have come up with some interesting variations. For the sake of this section, we'll stick to classic roulette.
As we are about to find out, there are various types of roulette. Each come with specific house rules as well as a different house edge. There may be some tweaks, but the principle of winning is the same. All you need to do is predict the roulette number that the ball stops on. Online casino roulette is that simple! At least in theory. As for hitting a win, let's just say, you'll need to hope that lady luck is on your side. For all those new players out there, we would suggest giving free online roulette a go before playing for real money.
Roulette Wheel
As was the case with the rules, the online roulette wheel can differ slightly according to the type of game. There are, however, some standard things to consider. Roulette wheel numbers, for instance, range from 0 to 36. The zero pocket tends to be green on most roulette wheels. For numbers between 1 and 10 as well as 19 and 28, the evens are black, and the odds are red. For the remaining numbered pockets, it's the opposite. The more roulette casino games you play, the more variations to the wheel you'll come across. Different coloured pockets, double or even triple zeros or even multiple wheels. These are some of the options you can expect to find.
Roulette Table
You may have a better understanding of the wheel but its actually part of something bigger, the roulette table. Once again, the type of online roulette game will affect the layout. In most cases, the table is green and features all the numbers from the specific roulette wheel. Moreover, the table groups numbers according to particular roulette bets that apply.
Some casino roulette tables online have an added feature known as a racetrack. As the name implies, it mimics the shape of an actual racing circuit. This opens up the door to what is known as announced bets, which brings us to the next section.
Roulette Bet Types Explained
Looking back at the previously described scope of the roulettes, you'll need to predict where the ball will stop before the dealer spins the wheel. This, of course, involves placing a bet. And if you're playing online roulette for real money, this isn't something to be taken lightly. For those thinking that you'll need to place a bet on a single number, we have some good news for you. Straight bets may payout well but they also extremely hard to hit. For players who prefer playing with lower stakes, there are many other options.
Inside Bets
These refer to wagers placed on actual numbers rather than groups or columns. They can be further split into categories, as shown in the table below.
Bet Name
|
Number of Pockets Covered
|
Description
|
Straight
|
1
|
Any one number
|
Split
|
2
|
Two adjoining numbers
|
Street
|
3
|
Three successive numbers
|
Trio
|
3
|
Three numbers with at least one 0
|
Square
|
4
|
Four pockets that meet at a corner
|
First 4
|
4
|
0-1-2-3 bet
|
Basket
|
5
|
Similar to the first 4 bet but for American wheels only. 0-00-1-2-3 bet
|
Double Street
|
6
|
Similar to the street bet, but over two succeeding lines
|
Outside Bets
These refer to groups of numbers. Names can differ slightly according to the type of roulette game you opt for. Nevertheless, below are some of the more common terms you can expect to come across.
Bet Name
|
Number of Pockets Covered
|
Description
|
Dozen
|
12
|
1 to 12, 13 to 24 or 25 to 36
|
Column
|
12
|
Vertical column bets
|
Snake*
|
12
|
Bet on red pockets in snake-like pattern: 1,5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34
|
Low/High or Manque/Passe
|
18
|
1 to 18 or 19 to 36
|
Red/Black or Rouge/Noir
|
18
|
Based on colour
|
Even/Odd or Pair/Impair
|
18
|
Based on type of number
|
*Only available on specific roulette tables
Announced Bets
Bet Name
|
Number of Pockets Covered
|
Description
|
Neighbours
|
5
|
Covering a specific number and two neighbours on either side
|
Jeu Zéro
|
7
|
Numbers closest to 0 on all sides of the wheel
|
Voisins du Zéro
|
15
|
Covering the 0 and the 7 numbers on either side
|
Tiers du Cylindre
|
12
|
Covers the 12 numbers on the other side of the Voisins
|
Orphelins
|
9
|
All numbers not covered by the previous two bets
|
Best Roulette Bets to Place
Now that you have a better idea of how to play roulette online, you're probably wondering which are the best bets to play. As you can imagine payouts differ accordingly. While we'll go into this in more detail later on in our review, we will disclose some information here. It all comes down to the type of player you are and how much you are willing to put at stake on the game. Of course, a straight bet will have the highest payout, but look at how many spins it could take to get there. You could end up losing everything before you've even started. This is gambling, after all!
We do have some roulette systems to help with the betting process. Moreover, the type of roulette game will also affect bet odds. We'll reveal all, just as long as you keep reading.
If you want to have fun with real money, stick to outside bets, preferably Red or Black. The odds of winning are highest, which will put you at the table for a long time. And if you're lucky, you might even end up profiting!
Online Roulette Payouts
If you're looking to get closer to answer to how to win roulette, then this next section should be of interest to you. As mentioned earlier on, some bets are more accessible than others. They also vary in terms of payouts, though. Moreover, roulette odds differ according to the type of roulette game you opt for. While the table below can guide you further, we suggest reading on as we reveal even more secrets to truly nailing the game at online casinos.
Bet
|
Payout
|
Odds (European or American Wheel)
|
Straight
|
35:1
|
2.70% or 2.60%
|
Split
|
17:1
|
5.40% or 5.30%
|
Street
|
11:1
|
8.10% or 7.90%
|
Trio
|
11:1
|
8.10% or 7.90%
|
Square
|
8:1
|
10.80% or 10.50%
|
First 4
|
8:1
|
10.80% or 10.50%
|
Basket
|
6:1
|
13.50% or 13.20%
|
Double Street
|
5:1
|
16.20% or 15.80%
|
Dozen
|
2:1
|
32.40% or 31.60%
|
Column
|
2:1
|
32.40% or 31.60%
|
Snake
|
2:1
|
32.40% or 31.60%
|
Low/High or Manque/Passe
|
1:1
|
48.60% or 47.40%
|
Red/Black or Rouge/Noir
|
1:1
|
48.60% or 47.40%
|
Even/Odd or Pair/Impair
|
1:1
|
48.60% or 47.40%
|
Voisins du Zero
|
it varies
|
45.90%
|
Le Tiers du Cylindre
|
17:1
|
32.40%
|
Orphelins
|
it varies
|
24.30%
|
Ball lands on 0 (even-money bet)
|
0
|
2.70% or 5.26%
|
Ball lands on 0 (no even-money bet)
|
0
|
1.35% or 2.63%
|
Types of Roulette Casino Games
We've mentioned this a few times now. Online roulette games come in different shapes and sizes, but there are some categories with more significant differences. Below are the main types that you can expect to find at roulette sites.
American Roulette Online
In case it isn't clear to you by now, there is one difference in American roulette wheels. They have an extra pocket known as the double zero. It may just be one extra number, but it has serious repercussions. A common rule in roulette games is that when the ball lands on zero, the house wins. The additional zero in American roulette means that the "house" is twice as likely to win. If you want our honest opinion, for those looking to win real money, we'd steer clear of this variation. There are, however, some adrenaline junkies who enjoy a game with added challenges. This is the reason why American roulette is still available to play at casinos online.
European Roulette Online
On the other side of the spectrum, we have European roulette. It's the original form of the game and dates back to the 18th century. This tends to be particularly popular amongst European players. In fact, in many casinos licensed by the UK, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed that the online game will follow European rules. As mentioned previously, the single zero makes all the difference, at least in terms of house advantage. Moreover, numbered pockets in European Roulette wheels are positioned differently when compared to the American version.
French Roulette Online
In spite of the name, French roulette is a derivation from the European version. The two games are similar in many ways. Often time, you'll find online roulette games which are a mix of both. You'll sometimes find that the French roulette wheel is white. Perhaps the most evident feature of this particular version is the actual table. For starters, outside bets use the French names which we listed previously.
Additionally, according to specific house rules, you'll also be able to take advantage of the announced bets that we mentioned previously. What sets the French version apart is specific rules that may apply. There are two, and in both cases, they'll further decrease the house advantage. Choosing which rules apply is down to the actual software provider. This is why it's always important to read the house rules as they vary from game to game. We have listed them below.
- En Prison: When you hit zero the first time, the bets are put on hold for one round (in prison). Standard rules apply for the next round, but at least it's an extra chance to spin the wheel.
- La Partage: When you hit zero, you only lose half your bet.
In short, French Roulette comes with the highest payout.
Roulette RTP for Different Games
We have mentioned house advantage and return to player a few times now. Below we provide exact details of how this changes according to different rules.
Game
|
Normal Rules
|
+La Partage/ En Prison Rule
|
American Roulette
|
94.74%
|
N/A
|
European Roulette
|
97.30%
|
N/A
|
French Roulette
|
97.30%
|
98.60%
|
Live Roulette
Since this is an online casino roulette page, we cannot go without mentioning another variation of the game that is becoming extremely popular. While it isn't exactly a specific type, live roulette is the go-to game for many players online. Award-winning providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming offer some original spin-offs and touch on all of the previously mentioned types. Live roulette is the closest you are ever going to get to the fast-paced gambling experience at a land-based casino. Multi-angled cameras, professionally trained croupiers, real-time play; these are some of the reasons behind live dealer games success. Baccarat and blackjack are also options, but there's something rather thrilling about watching dealers spin the wheel, that keeps roulette players coming back for more.
Can a Roulette Strategy Help you Win Online?
The section a lot of you have all been waiting for, but we have some news for you. If you came here looking for a secret formula of how to win at roulette, then we are about to disappoint you. Unfortunately, no roulette system can guarantee you'll win real money. This is gambling; after all, the element of the unknown is part of the thrill. All this said, unlike slots and even jackpots, some betting strategies work to help manage your gaming funds.
Another piece of advice if you're still hoping to get more information about how to win on roulette is to stick to the European variation. Both American and European roulette come down to straight-up luck, but as we have seen in previous sections, the latter bears a lower house edge.
Best Roulette Strategy
The truth is that there are many betting strategies out there. What's more, they aren't just limited to roulette; some apply to card games like blackjack and baccarat too. Instead of looking into each one individually, we have narrowed things down to what we would consider the best betting system out there. The Martingale system is probably the most used strategy when playing roulette online. It's not as aggressive as others, but it still takes a progressive approach to betting. The theory is simple to grasp. All players need to keep in mind is that they must increase their bet after every loss. RNG software means that eventually, they will hit a win, and when this happens, it should make up for any losses.
While this may seem great, some roulette players have found issues with this system. The problem with increasing your bet each time you lose is that you may end up with nothing before even hitting a win. The best way to approach betting with this system is to stick to even-money wagers. They have the highest probability of hitting. The payout is lower which means that it definitely won't suit high rollers looking to win real money fast. As explained previously, this is just a betting system, though. It can never help predict a win. Keep that in mind and Martingale could be the way forward for you in casinos online.
Online Roulette Bonus Offers
If you have ever played for real money in a casino online, then you probably know a thing or two about bonuses. There are many out there, and they come in all shapes and sizes. The problem with roulette and other table games is that promotions are scarce. Free spins, for instance, can only be used on slot games. Additional offers such as welcome bonuses for new players often exclude virtual and live dealer table games from wagering requirements. Even when this isn't the case, most casinos will employ some form of game weighting with roulette contributing much less.
Of course, there are some exceptions out there, and you will find casinos with bonuses specifically for roulette games. If you do happen to come across one, another thing to keep in mind is that deposits with e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill are also often ineligible. This is why we always stress the importance of reading the full terms!
Are There any Roulette No Deposit Bonuses?
If you think roulette bonuses are hard to find then the no deposit kind are almost inexistent. For starters, we have to rule out any sign-up spins as these are only available on slots. Free play or bonus money offers are another option, but they are even harder to come by. To top it off, most restrict gameplay to slots. We aren't saying that they don't exist, but you will have to spend a lot of time searching!
Roulette Online FAQs
❓How does online roulette work?
In many ways, online roulette games are similar to the version played brick-and-mortar casinos. The basic rules are the same. The most significant difference is that some suppliers have looked to create variations with added twists like bonus rounds and double balls. Aside from that, the virtual game has become increasingly realistic. Live dealer roulette is exceptionally close to the real thing.
⚖️What casino online offers low stake bets on roulette?
Most casinos offering roulette will look to tailor their game selection to a broad audience. Check out any of the top casinos we have listed above, and you should find some options. Most include VIP tables with high limits for high rollers as well as tables with lower minimum bets and limits for casual or new players.
🔒Is it safe to play roulette online, and what are the benefits of playing online roulette?
State of the art RNG software ensures that playing virtual roulette for real money is in fact, safe. Of course, we suggest sticking to any of the well-known casinos we mentioned at the beginning of this game page. Rest assured that the casino games they offer are subject to regular audits. If you still have your doubts, live dealer roulette could also be an option.
💰Where can you play roulette online with PayPal?
PayPal is an excellent way to cut ties with your personal bankroll and it’s particularly popular among UK casino players. Luckily most of the
roulette sites listed earlier on do accept this e-wallet. There are quite a lot of PayPal casinos in the UK.
❓Is it ok to implement a strategy when playing online roulette?
If you're looking at
how to beat roulette, then a strategy won't answer that question for you. They can, however, act as a guide for players wondering how best to go about betting. For more information on the
best roulette system, we suggest scrolling up to our strategy section.