Best Roulette tips for beginners

Published: Aug 25, 2026 02:47

by Nicola Davidson

10 min read

Keen to try Roulette but intimidated by how complicated it looks? We don’t blame you. Between the betting table, the wheel, the numbers and the colours, there’s a lot to take in. So as a beginner player, it’s best to stay away, right? 

Well, not exactly. You don’t have to play Roulette if you don’t want to, obviously, but if you do, then don’t let its appearance put you off. In fact, despite all the various elements involved in the game, it’s actually a lot more straightforward than it might seem. 

Don’t believe us? Come join us as we take a look at the basic principles of the game and give you the tips you need to get started. Don’t worry about not having any experience yet; that’ll come with time. Right now it’s all about confidence and familiarity, and that’s what we’re aiming to give you. Let’s go!

1. Understand the different types of bets for beginners

Ok, let’s do what seems hardest first. Breaking down the various Roulette bets so you can understand the wagering options available. Stay with us; we’re going to do this step-by-step.

1. When you sit down to a game of Roulette, there are two types of bets you can place: inside bets and outside bets.

2. Inside bets are literally inside the betting area on the table – these are the rows and columns of numbers that you see. When you place an inside bet, you’ll have the option of either betting on a single number (high risk, big reward) or two or more numbers (lower risk, smaller reward).

3. Outside bets are outside the rows and columns of numbers on the betting table, and instead cover probabilities rather than actual numbers. Will the Roulette ball land on a high or low number, an odd or even number, red or black? All these outcomes and more fall into the category of outside bets. 

So which bet is better to take? There’s no right or wrong answer here, and no bet that’s inherently ‘better’ than another. Instead, it’s all about the level of risk you’re willing to assume. Do you want a bet that might not pay out but comes with huge rewards when it does? Or do you want a bet that pays out less, but has more chance of success? Only you can answer that. So, think about the type of Roulette experience you’d like to have, and choose your bet accordingly.  

2. Start out simple as a beginner

Still not quite sure which type of bet to go for? As a beginner, simpler is always better. When you’re first starting, by far the simplest types of bets are outside bets. And out of these, red and black is the easiest to understand. Just choose a colour, place your bet. And see where the ball lands. Done!

Once you’re comfortable with a bet on red or black, then you can try placing a different kind of outside bet. Such as on odd or even, or high and low numbers.

Beginners must know the types of bets

It’s important to understand that these types of bets won’t pay out massively. But what they will succeed in doing is familiarising you with the game and with what the Roulette experience entails. Then once you’re comfortable with the idea of outside bets, you can give inside bets a try. 

Top tip: Don’t assume that just because you’re placing an outside bet that you’re automatically going to win. These types of bets still have a house edge. It’s just that it’s more favourable than that of inside bets. For example, an inside bet on a single number will pay out at 35, 36 or even 37 to 1. Depending on the variation you’re playing, an outside bet will pay out at 1:1 or 2:1. So you’re still not guaranteed to win, but your chances are better. Just to be clear!

3. Know what the numbers mean as a beginner

Do we need to understand the numbers on the wheel? Aren’t all Roulette wheels the same? 

Actually, no. There are many different types of Roulette, and depending on the variation you’re playing, many different spaces on the wheel as well. Which ultimately affects the house edge and your chances of winning. Take a look: 

• European Roulette: This is the most common form of online Roulette you’ll find at any casino. And the one that’s closest to the traditional real-life version. In European Roulette, you’ll have a wheel with 37 numbered spaces (0 through to 36), and a low house edge of 2.7%.

Can’t forget about French

• French Roulette: Similar to European Roulette in that it also has a wheel with the same 37 numbered spaces, French Roulette also includes several unique bets (such as En Prison, Les Orphelins and La Partage) which can add extra excitement to the game. 
• American Roulette: This is the one to watch out for. Unlike European and French Roulette, American Roulette has 38 numbered spaces on the wheel. The usual 0 to 36 plus an extra 00 (double zero). While this might not seem like a big change, this extra space effectively doubles the house edge to 5.26%, giving the house a bigger advantage over you when you play. Definitely something to keep in mind!

So, should you only ever play European and French Roulette and never give American Roulette a go? Not necessarily. If you want to try American Roulette, then by all means go for it. Just keep the risks (and your budget) in mind when you do.

4. Don’t assume red is ‘due’

This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners can make.

Let’s say the Roulette ball has landed in a black space 5 times in a row. Surely that must mean that red is due to come up, right? There’s no way it can land on black for a 6th time in a row? 

Actually, there is. That’s because, thanks to the RNG (Random Number Generator), every spin in Roulette is completely independent from the one before. Meaning that previous results have no bearing on future outcomes. So black is just as likely to come up as red every single time. No matter how many times black has shown up previously, it still has a 50:50 chance of coming up again. 

It’s the same with individual numbers. Just because the one you’ve chosen hasn’t come up yet doesn’t mean that it has more chance of appearing the longer you stay in the game. Don’t make beginner’s mistakes.

This type of mindset is known as the gambler’s fallacy. And not only is it a misleading way of thinking, but it’s an expensive one too. Don’t let past outcomes influence your future decisions. Keep your head in the game at all times, and manage your finances responsibly. That’s the kind of winning attitude that’ll take you far. 

5. Never chase a losing streak (or a winning streak either)

Just as any other casino game, Roulette can also produce winning streaks and losing streaks. And in both cases, it’s important not to let either circumstance affect the way you play.

Why? Because when you’re on a losing streak, if you start to become frustrated or emotional. That irritation can cause you to place bigger, riskier bets in an attempt to win your money back. 

And when you’re on a winning streak, that euphoric feeling can result in overconfidence, leading you to wager more than you usually would in an attempt to keep the money rolling in. 

In both cases, things can quickly get out of hand.

That’s why you need to decide on a budget before you start playing, and make every effort to stick to it. Win or lose, make sure you never spend more than you’ve allocated for your gambling in advance. That way, no matter how the wheel spins, you’ll still come out of it with a positive mindset and a positive account balance.

6. Try different bet types once you’re comfortable

Want to venture past the basic beginner’s red/black outside bet? You absolutely can! 

Once you’re comfortable with the simplicity of outside bets, you can start mixing things up and experimenting. And the fun part about online Roulette is that there are plenty of ways to do so. Just take a look at the types of inside bets you can place: 

• Straight – This is the most iconic bet in Roulette – a bet on a single number. It’s also one of the riskiest too, but if you’ve got the mettle to see it through, then by all means go for it. A win on a straight bet pays out at 35:1, which makes it hugely rewarding. Just bear in mind that the odds of winning on a straight bet are 37 to 1 (or 38 to 1 in American Roulette). So it’s a big gamble, but there’s a big reward waiting for you if it pays off! 
• Split – If you’d prefer not to risk it all on a single number bet, you can go for a split instead. Rather than betting on just one number, here you’ll be betting on two numbers lying adjacent to each other – and you’ll be paid out at 17:1 if you win.

Remember the Trio

• Street/Trio/Three Number – Want to add another number into the mix? With this type of bet you can wager on an entire row of three, with winning bets paid out at 11:1.
• Corner/Square/Four Number – Here you’ll be able to bet on four numbers at the same time – or, more accurately, four adjacent numbers in a square formation. If you’re lucky enough to have the Roulette ball land on any of them, you’ll be paid out at 8:1. 
• Five Number – Want to bet on more than a square or a row? Then take a five number bet – a wager that the Roulette ball will land on either the 0, 00, 1, 2, or 3. Winning bets are paid out at 6:1.  
• Six Line – Last but not least, there’s the six line bet – a wager on two adjacent rows at the same time. If the Roulette ball lands on any one of your chosen six numbers, you’ll have a payout of 6:1 coming your way.

Try one of these bets, try them all. It’s up to you. Just remember to keep the odds and your bankroll in mind at all times. 

7. Don’t rely on betting systems

Ever heard of betting systems for beginners like Martingale, Fibonacci or D’Alembert? If you haven’t, then great. No need to get into them. But if you have, and you’re tempted to try one or more while you’re betting on Roulette, rather don’t. 

While it’s true that Roulette has inspired countless betting systems over the years, it’s also true that no strategy can remove the house edge or guarantee you a profit. So while other players might encourage you to use these to increase, decrease or change your wager, keep your eye on your bankroll and play your game your way instead.

Strategies are important

Although these strategies are interesting to learn about (and if you want to read more about them, then go right ahead), it’s important to understand that they can’t control where the ball ends up landing. They can only help you control the way you manage your bets. 

So with that in mind, if you’ve been spending all your time searching for ways to win at Roulette, we’re here to tell you that there’s no winning formula. All you can do is understand the game, manage your money. And learn from your mistakes. That’s the best strategy there is. 

8. Remember that every spin is a fresh start

We’ve already gone over the fact that every spin in Roulette is completely independent from the one before. And this can be helpful to bear in mind when you’re looking at your overall performance. Especially for beginners.

If you remember to treat every spin as an independent event, you’ll know not to take a loss so hard and not to take a win for granted. Which ultimately helps with more responsible bankroll management. And that’s the name of the game. 

So if you’re ready to give the Roulette wheel a spin, you’ve got all the tips you need to play with confidence. Take a seat, place your bets, and see what kind of luck the wheel of fortune brings your way!