The beginner’s guide to online Roulette

Published: Jan 27, 2026 02:27

by Nicola Davidson

17 min read

When you look at a Roulette wheel, what do you see? Let’s walk you through the beginner’s guide for Roulette. One of gambling’s most iconic images, synonymous with VIP gaming and sophistication? A whirlwind of spaces and numbers that’s instantly overwhelming? Or perhaps a little of both? 

Whatever your thoughts on Roulette, or your past experiences with it, you have to admit that it’s one of the most instantly recognizable symbols of gambling, known the world over for its fast-paced action and potential for huge payouts. But if the wheel and its accompanying betting table look unfamiliar, scary. Or even intimidating to you, it’s understandable. If you’ve never played Roulette before, the rules, the bets and the action can feel a little chaotic, and far too complicated to try and attempt to learn. 

That’s why we’re here. To take the unknown out of the equation and simplify things for you. All so you can get a taste of just how thrilling online Roulette is, without any fear or anxiety attached. Because even if you only play it once, it’s an experience that every online gambling fan deserves to have. 

So come with us as we break down the game of Roulette into the simplest terms possible, and give you the solid foundation you need to build your gaming experience on. No need to be nervous. We’ve got you covered!

The Beginner’s Guide – What is Roulette? 

Before we dive into things like bets, odds and variations, it’s helpful to take a quick look back at the history of the game itself. Because a little knowledge goes a long way. Plus you might find it interesting too! 

For example, did you know that Roulette was actually invented by accident? That’s right. In the 17th century, the French physicist, Blaise Pascal, was originally trying to invent a perpetual motion machine. A device hypothetically able to run forever, without any external energy source. Of course, such an endeavour was impossible back then, and still is today. But Pascal’s efforts weren’t completely in vain. Because instead of the perpetual motion machine he set out to create, he ended up with the game of Roulette instead. And a gambling legacy was born!  

The next hundred years or so saw minimal changes to Blaise’s initial invention, until Francois and Louis Blanc made one minor adjustment. The addition of a zero space on the wheel. This seemingly small addition made a significant difference to the game, instantly increasing the house edge and transforming Roulette into the powerhouse it is today. 

Following this change, Roulette took the gaming halls of Monaco by storm. Eventually, it crossed the Atlantic to the United States, where it underwent one more modification. The addition of a double zero space increases the house edge even further. Which brings us to today, and Roulette’s most recent transition into online casino gaming. A new platform, a new audience, and new heights of success! 

How to play online Roulette – Beginner’s Guide

Now that’s you’re a little more informed about Roulette and how it came to be one of the world’s favourite casino games, it’s time to look at how to play it. 

As a Roulette player, there’s one core concept that you need to bear in mind – that Roulette is a game of chance. While there are various strategies you can employ to help you manage your bankroll effectively, the game itself depends completely on luck and random outcomes. You have a ball, you have a wheel with numbered pockets, and you have the option of betting on where you think the ball will land. That’s Roulette in a nutshell. 

Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. What makes Roulette so endlessly entertaining isn’t how complex it is (because it’s not) – it’s how much choice you have as a player. Forget about placing just one type of bet – in Roulette you’ll be able to bet on a single number, a group of numbers, entire sections of the table, colours, odds or evens, high or low – the list is almost endless. And with each betting decision you make, you’ll have different odds, different payouts, different risks and different rewards. And that’s what makes Roulette so captivating. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Roulette Wheel

We’ll dive more deeply into the choice aspect a little later, though. For now, let’s just focus on how an actual game of online Roulette works:

1. Choose your bet size and place your preferred bet. 
2. Once your bet is placed, the wheel will be spun. And the Roulette ball will be released to spin around the wheel in the opposite direction. 
3. Once the ball lands in one of the wheel’s numbered pockets, the betting stops.
4. Any winning bets will be paid out, based on the pocket in which the ball has landed. 
5. Any losing bets will be removed, and a new round will begin. 

It’s easy, it’s uncomplicated, and it’s thrilling too. The trifecta of gaming awesomeness! 

Beginner’s Guide to Popular Roulette Variations

So far so good. The basic premise of online Roulette is easy enough to follow, even if you’re a beginner. Now we’re going to kick things up a notch by taking you through the various bets available. And it’s here where Roulette’s distinct betting table comes into play. 

In every game of Roulette, you’ll be given the choice of making two types of bets. Inside bets or outside bets. Inside bets lie inside the betting grid, while outside bets lie outside the betting grid. Easy enough to remember, right? But what exactly do these betting categories entail? 

Inside bets 

It’s likely you already know what an inside bet is. You just didn’t know the correct name for it before. An inside bet is a bet on a number, or numbers, within the Roulette betting grid. Place your bet on a single number, or place it on two or more. It’s completely your choice. Each bet comes with different odds, different payouts, and a different name, too. As you’ll see: 

• Straight – This is the bet that most people associate with the game of Roulette – a bet on a single number. Win this bet and you’ll be paid out at a massive 35:1 – however, the odds of you winning a straight bet are 37 to 1 (or 38 to 1 in American Roulette). It’s a big risk, but if you’re lucky, you’ll have a big reward to celebrate! 
• Split – Not feeling good about your chances of hitting a straight bet? Then you can go for a split instead – a bet on two numbers lying adjacent to each other, that pays out 17:1.
• Street/Trio/Three Number: Here you’ll be betting that any number in a chosen row of three will win – a bet that pays out at 11:1.
• Corner/Square/Four Number: Want to spread the risk a little? Bet on four adjacent numbers in a square formation, and if the balls lands on any one of them, you’ll be paid out at 8:1. 
• Five Number – Switch things up a little with a five number bet – a wager that the ball will land on either the 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3. If you’re right, you’ll be paid out at 6:1.  
• Six Line – Finally, choose two adjacent rows on the table for a total of six numbers, and look forward to a payout of 6:1 if your hunch is correct.

Beginner’s Guide to Playing Roulette With Confidence

It might take you a little time to remember the various names of the bets, but the more you play, the more you’ll see that Roulette isn’t nearly as complicated or scary as you might have thought. It’s all a numbers game when it comes to inside bets. Just pick one or more numbers and see what kind of outcome fate has in store for you! 

Top tip: Inside bets are all about risk. The house edge on them is higher, meaning that your chances of winning are smaller. So you’ll need to bear this in mind and manage your bankroll accordingly. The good news is that payouts on inside bets are larger, meaning that if you do win, you’ll be paid out generously. It’s all about balancing risk and reward. Making decisions with a clear head and a focus on sound financial management. 

Outside bets 

If inside bets are inside the numbered grid, then outside bets are obviously outside it. Let’s walk you through the beginner’s guide. Allocation changed, along with this change in location comes a change like the bets as well. While inside bets are all about bets on specific numbers, outside bets are on general outcomes instead. 

What this change means for you as a player is that you’ll be placing bets with a much lower house edge. Which means better winning odds. So if you’re playing Roulette for the first time, outside bets are an ideal choice to help get you into the swing of things without the increased risk that inside bets bring.  

• Red/Black – A bet on which colour the ball will land on – either red or black, paying out at 1:1.
• Odd/Even – A bet on whether the ball will land on an odd or even number, paying out at 1:1.
• Low/High – A bet on which type of number the ball will land on – either low (1-18) or high (19-36), paying out at 1:1.
• Dozen – Here you’ll have three groups of 12 numbers to bet on, either 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36. Choose one of the three groups and if you win, you’ll be paid out at 2 to 1. 
• Column – Finally, choose which of the three columns on the betting table you think the ball will land in, and you’ll be paid out at 2 to 1. 

You’ll notice some differences

Two things are obvious from the list of outside bets available. That there are plenty of them to choose from, and that if you’re a winner, you’ll be paid out less than you would with an inside bet. So it’s here where you’ll need to weigh up your odds. Do you go for an outside bet that has a higher chance of winning but pays out less? Or do you go for an inside bet that has less chance of winning but pays out more? 

There’s no correct answer. All there is is your gut instinct and your ability to manage your risk and your bankroll effectively. Whatever type of bet you choose, though, remember that win or lose, you’re guaranteed to have fun either way, which is the ultimate goal. 

Common Roulette variations 

Log onto to any online casino to play Roulette and you’ll have a vast array of variations at your fingertips. This is essentially the beginner’s guide. Most reputable online casinos offer a range of Roulette games, each with different rules, odds and payout structures. Which is great if you’re looking for variety, but what about if you’re just looking to play Roulette for the first time as a beginner? Where do you even start? 

Before you panic, that’s literally why we’re here. Let’s break things down for you and take a look at the three most common Roulette games worldwide. 

European Roulette

If you’ve never played online Roulette before, then European Roulette is a great place to start. It’s a classic, and it’s the closest online version to traditional land-based Roulette. 

To keep things as simple as possible, the European Roulette wheel has 37 numbered spaces on its wheel and betting table, running from 0 to 36. You’ll have the opportunity to place either inside bets or outside bets, as we’ve already covered. And you’ll have a favourably low house edge of just 2.7% as well. Take it for a spin and see if it’s got the Roulette action you’re looking for! 

French Roulette

Want to branch out a little? Learn more about the beginner’s guide? Then give French Roulette a whirl. It’s close enough to European Roulette for you to still feel comfortable with the gameplay, and it includes a few extras to keep things interesting. 

Just like European Roulette, French Roulette also has 37 numbered spaces on the wheel and the betting table. And has a low house edge of 2.7%. But it’s the unique rules and bets that French Roulette offers that make it such a compelling choice. 

Take the ‘La Partage’ rule, for example. Place a wager on an even-money bet. And if the Roulette ball lands on zero, you’ll win half your money back, which effectively slices the house edge in half, taking it from 2.7% to 1.35%. ‘La Partage’ literally means ‘the divide’. It’s the perfect term to describe the splitting of the bet and the house edge – half for you, half for the house, and better odds all round. 

The excitement doesn’t stop there. French Roulette also offers additional bets such as ‘En Prison’, ‘Finales en Plein’, ‘Les Voisins’, ‘Les Orphelins’ and ‘Tiers’, each of them adding extra excitement to every spin. So if you like winning with a twist, time to brush up on your French and place your bets! 

American Roulette 

Is there any difference between American Roulette and the French and European versions? Here’s the beginner’s guide. At first glance, no. But if you look a little closer, you’ll see that American Roulette wheels and betting tables have 38 numbered spaces on them. Rather than 37. And it’s this one small difference that makes a huge change. 

That’s because with the addition of the double zero space on the wheel, the house edge in American Roulette is effectively doubled, taking it from 2.7% to 5.26%. Which means the house has a bigger advantage over you every time you play. 

Now, that doesn’t mean you should automatically count American Roulette out. But it does mean you’ll need to pay even closer attention to your bankroll and to the value of bets you place. And if we can give you one tip, stay far away from five-number bets (bets on 00, 0, 1, 2 and 3) at all costs, as with a house edge of 7.89%, these are by far the riskiest Roulette bets of all. Play it safe and choose another bet instead – your bankroll will thank you! 

Common Roulette strategies 

So now you’re up to speed on what the beginner’s guide to Roulette is. And how to play it. But are there any tips that can guarantee you success? 

As we’ve already mentioned, Roulette is a game of chance, so no strategy’s going to help you actually win. With the RNG working hard behind the scenes, every spin is completely fair and random, and independent from the last. 

What there are, though, are strategies that can help you manage your bankroll and hopefully avoid any expensive losing streaks. Just remember that these aren’t 100% effective. And you’ll still need to control your decision-making and your spending. But they could give you a little help along the way. 

The Martingale System 

If we’re talking about popular the beginner’s guide to Roulette strategies, we’re talking about the Martingale system. One that’s easy to learn and put into practice. Start out by placing an even money bet, and if you lose, then double your bet the next time round. Or if you win, then place an identical original bet on the next spin. While this won’t ensure a winning outcome for you, it will help you keep your spending in check. And hopefully avoid any major losses while you play. 

The Fibonacci System

Remember the Fibonacci sequence from maths back in school? This is the beginner’s guide. (If you don’t, it’s ok. We’ll refresh your memory.) This betting system is based on the famous Fibonnaci sequence of 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, and so on, where every number is the sum of the two that came before it. 

To put this into play, start by placing your first bet. If you win, great. If you lose, then apply the sequence with a matching bet increase.  

What does this look like? Let’s say you start by placing a $1 bet. If you lose, your next bet will be $2, then $3, then $5, then so on. When you win the first bet, you’ll start back at $1 again. If you win further down the sequence, cross off the last two numbers at the point where you began to win, and start from the next one. It might take a little getting used to with the maths involved, but keep a clear head and see if the system works for you.  

The D’Alembert System

Looking for something a little easier? Then you might want to apply the D’Alembert system instead. Here you’ll place a bet, adding one unit to it if you lose. Or taking one unit away from it when you win. This is known as a negative progression system, and it works best when applied to a set of even wins and losses for the same bet. Try it out and see whether or not it works for you.  

Remember – these strategies won’t change the house edge. And they won’t guarantee you any wins. What they will do is give you a sense of control over your spending and a framework to apply to your betting. This could help you manage your bankroll more effectively as you play. If it’s structure and discipline you’re after as well as excitement, these could be the right choice for you! 

Bankroll management for online Roulette

While we’re on the subject of the beginner’s guide to financial management, let’s explore the topic a little more thoroughly for you. Is there a way of controlling your spending without the help of a betting system? Absolutely! Good habits are just as effective. And can stand you in good stead for responsible, constructive game-play. 

Online Roulette tips

Bear these tips in mind and keep in control of your decision-making and your betting at the same time: 

• Set a session budget: Want to get the most value out of your bankroll? Before you place a single bet, first decide how much money you’re comfortable spending during your session. Once you hit that limit, end your session and walk away. Doing this will help you enjoy your gambling without the stress of overspending. Because clear limits help you get the most out of your gaming and your finances too.  

• Choose your table limits wisely: Every different game of Roulette has its own minimum and maximum bets, and these can have a significant impact on how long your bankroll lasts. If you’re a beginner, you’re better off choosing a table with lower limits, as it’ll give you more spins and more time to get comfortable with the game. While high-limit tables might look tempting, be aware that they can burn through your bankroll quickly, particularly if you ever find yourself on a losing streak. So play it safe and stick to the lower limit tables until you have a little more experience under your belt. 

When you’re losing, call it quits

• Avoid chasing losses: Speaking of losing streaks, by far the biggest mistake you can make when on one is increasing your bets in an attempt to try and win your money back. Not only will this not work, it’ll see you racing through your bankroll even faster. Don’t fall into this trap – rather end your session immediately so you have enough left in your bankroll to come back and play another day.  

• Take regular breaks: Roulette is a fast-paced, exhilarating game, and it’s easy to get caught up in the adrenaline of it all if you’re not careful. To make sure you don’t lose track of time, step away from your session for regular breaks in order to clear your head and stay focused. The longer you play uninterrupted, the more likely you are to make impulsive bets, which could turn out to be expensive. 
• Treat your wins and losses realistically: When playing online Roulette, or any casino game in fact, it’s important to manage your expectations appropriately. Remember that just because you’re winning doesn’t mean you’re an expert, and just because you’re losing doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake. Roulette is a game of chance and the results can go either way. Just stay realistic about your outcomes, try not to become emotional, and enjoy yourself. That way you’re always a winner no matter what happens!  

It’s time to put your Roulette skills to the test!

Feel like you’ve got a bit more of a handle on how online Roulette works? The beginner’s guide down pat? You know the rules, the order of play, the betting options, and the payouts, and you know how to manage your bets and your bankroll to maximize value as much as possible. All that’s left to do is let you know which common pitfalls to avoid: 

• Roulette is a game of chance, so don’t make the mistake of thinking that past spins affect future outcomes. Every spin is independent and separate from the one before. 
• Don’t ignore the house edge. European and French Roulette are your best bets, while American Roulette is best avoided. 
• Make sure you’re not betting emotionally. Always ensure your decisions are well-informed and that your bets are intentional. Impulsive play can lead to huge losses. 

Finally, remember that Roulette’s charm lies in its simplicity. There’s no need to memorize charts or master complicated strategies. Just learn which bets are which, and play at your own pace. Choose your Roulette variation, choose your bet, and choose your level of risk – that’s it. Go ahead – give it a spin!