How Roulette Games Work – Roulette is one of the most iconic and widely recognized casino games in the world. Known for its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and variety of betting options, roulette is a game of chance that combines simple rules with exciting gameplay. Whether played in a physical casino or online, the basic mechanics of roulette remain the same.
The Roulette Wheel and Table
At the center of the game is the roulette wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, each colored either red, black, or green. In European roulette, the numbers range from 0 to 36, with a single green zero. American roulette includes an extra green pocket, the double zero (00), making the total numbers 38. This additional pocket slightly changes the odds of the game.
The roulette table layout mirrors the numbers on the wheel and provides areas where players can place their bets. The table is designed to offer multiple betting choices, from specific numbers to broader categories like colors or number ranges.
How the Game Is Played
A round of roulette begins when players place their bets on the table. Bets must be placed before the dealer spins the wheel. Once betting is closed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction along the rim of the wheel.
As the wheel slows down, the ball eventually drops into one of the numbered pockets. The number and color where the ball lands determine the winning outcome for that round. The dealer then announces the result, clears losing bets, and pays out winning bets according to the payout rules.
Types of Bets in Roulette
Roulette offers a wide range of betting options, generally divided into inside bets and outside bets.
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Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. Examples include betting on a single number, two adjacent numbers, or a row of numbers. These bets offer higher payouts but lower chances of winning.
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Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, or number ranges like 1–18 or 19–36. These bets have higher chances of winning but pay smaller amounts.
Each bet type has a fixed payout ratio, which is determined by the probability of the outcome.
Odds and House Advantage
Roulette is purely a game of chance, meaning the outcome of each spin is random and independent of previous results. The casino’s advantage comes from the green zero (and double zero in American roulette). This small detail ensures that the total payouts are slightly less than the true odds, giving the casino a mathematical edge over time.
European roulette generally has a lower house advantage than American roulette because it has only one zero. For this reason, many players prefer the European version.
Roulette in Online and Live Casinos
In online roulette, the game is powered by a Random Number Generator (RNG) that simulates the randomness of a physical wheel. Live roulette uses a real wheel and dealer, streamed in real time, allowing players to participate remotely while watching the game unfold.