Roulette remains one of the most iconic and accessible games found in both land-based and online casinos. Its appeal lies in the combination of simple rules and the excitement of watching the wheel spin. If you’re new to the game, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the essentials — from how the game works to the most common types of bets you can place at U.S. casinos.
Whether you're stepping up to a roulette table for the first time or looking to build a stronger foundation before playing online, here’s everything you need to know to get started with confidence.
At its core, roulette is a game of chance centered around predicting where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. The game features a numbered wheel, a betting layout, and chips you use to place your wagers. Players place their bets on the table — choosing specific numbers, ranges, or colors — and then the wheel is spun. Once the ball comes to a stop, all winning bets are paid out based on where it lands.
Roulette’s simplicity is part of its charm, but learning how to navigate the layout and understand your betting options is key to enjoying the game — and making smarter wagers.
The wheel is the centerpiece of every roulette game. It contains 36 numbered pockets that alternate in color between red and black. In addition to these, you'll find a green zero (0). In American roulette, there’s also a green double zero (00), which slightly increases the house edge. The numbers aren't placed in sequential order — they’re arranged in a balanced pattern to evenly distribute odd/even and high/low numbers around the wheel.
Roulette bets are placed on the table layout, which mirrors the numbers and categories found on the wheel. The layout is divided into two main sections:
These are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. While the odds of winning are lower, the payouts are significantly higher. Common examples include:
These bets cover broader outcomes, such as:
Outside bets offer lower payouts but much better chances of winning, which makes them a favorite among beginners or players looking for more consistent outcomes.
Before you start playing, approach the table and exchange your cash for roulette chips. Unlike standard casino chips, these are color-coded to distinguish your bets from those of other players. Each player receives a unique color, which can only be used at that specific table.
Once you have your chips, take a moment to review the betting limits, which are clearly displayed at the table. These vary depending on the casino and type of roulette game.
To make a bet, place your chips directly on the betting layout according to the type of wager you want to make. If you're placing an inside bet (specific numbers or small combinations), stack your chips directly on top of others if needed — not next to them — to ensure the dealer sees and honors your placement.
If you're unsure how to place a particular bet or can’t physically reach the desired spot, you can always ask the dealer for help before the spin begins. Dealers are there to assist and ensure the game runs smoothly.
Once everyone has placed their bets, the dealer will spin the ball in the opposite direction of the wheel’s rotation. When the ball slows down and lands in a numbered pocket, the dealer places a marker (called the "dolly") on the winning number on the layout.
The dealer will then collect all losing bets from the table and pay out the winners according to the payout rules for each type of bet.
When you’re done playing, let the dealer know you want to cash out. They’ll exchange your roulette chips for standard casino chips, which you can then take to the cashier’s cage to convert into cash, or use at other tables within the casino.
Important: Always cash out at the table where you received your roulette chips. Since they’re specific to that game, they aren’t valid elsewhere on the casino floor.
Roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with its own level of risk, odds, and potential payout. To help you get started, here’s a breakdown of the most common roulette bets and how they work.
These bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the numbered section of the roulette layout.
Bet on a single number by placing your chip directly on that number.
Payout: 35 to 1
Covers two neighboring numbers by placing your chip on the line between them.
Payout: 17 to 1
A bet on three numbers in a horizontal row. Place your chip at the edge of the row.
Payout: 11 to 1
Covers four numbers that meet at one corner by placing your chip at the shared intersection.
Payout: 8 to 1
A bet on two adjoining rows (six numbers total). Place your chip at the end of the shared line
between rows.
Payout: 5 to 1
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, giving players better odds but smaller payouts.
Choose whether the winning number will be red or black.
Payout: 1 to
1
Bet on whether the number will be odd or even.
Payout: 1 to 1
Covers either numbers 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high).
Payout: 1 to 1
Choose one of three groups of twelve numbers (1–12, 13–24, or 25–36) or one of
the three vertical columns on the layout.
Payout: 2 to 1
Note: These bets lose if the ball lands on zero.
On European roulette tables, there are optional rules that reduce your losses when betting on even-chance outcomes (red/black, odd/even, high/low):
Always check the house rules to know which version applies.
In addition to the standard betting layout, roulette offers another layer of strategy through racetrack bets, also known as call bets or announced bets. These wagers target specific sections of the wheel itself, rather than just the numbered grid on the table. You’ll find them on the oval-shaped racetrack layout, or you can place them verbally through the dealer.
These bets are especially popular in European-style roulette and can help players cover targeted zones of the wheel more efficiently.
The "Tiers" bet (French for "third of the wheel") covers 12 numbers that lie on the opposite side of the wheel from zero. It’s a commonly used wager among seasoned players because it covers a significant portion of the wheel.
Numbers Covered: 27, 33, 36, 30, 23, 5, 10, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20
Total Bets: Typically placed with six split bets.
The "Orphelins" bet, meaning "orphans" in French, consists of eight numbers that are not included in the Tiers or Voisins sections. These numbers are scattered in two sections of the wheel, hence their nickname. It’s often used to cover the remainder of the wheel that other racetrack bets leave out.
Numbers Covered: 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 17, 34, 6
Total Bets: Five chips—four straight-up and one split.
Translating to "neighbors of zero," this bet covers a large arc of 17 numbers that surround the zero on the wheel. It's the largest racetrack bet, favored by players aiming to cover the area most concentrated around the zero pocket.
Numbers Covered: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19,
4, 21, 2, 25
Total Bets: Usually made with nine
chips covering multiple splits and corners.
A "neighbors" bet allows players to focus on a specific number and its adjacent numbers on the wheel. You choose one number and include the two on either side, forming a bet on five total numbers.
How It Works: Declare a number and the word “neighbors” (e.g., “17 and neighbors”), and your bet will automatically cover that number plus the two on each side.
Racetrack bets are especially useful for players who want to focus on specific wheel positions, not just numbers on the table. These bets allow more nuanced control of your strategy, giving advanced players an efficient way to cover certain patterns or repeat zones.
Always check if the table you’re playing at offers racetrack betting, as availability may vary by casino.
Roulette comes in more than one form—especially in modern casinos. Whether you enjoy the fast pace and convenience of digital play or the charm of a traditional table, there’s a version to suit every preference. Below is a breakdown of the two most common types: Touchbet Roulette and Traditional Table Roulette.
Touchbet Roulette, also known as electronic roulette, is a modern version of the classic game that blends digital convenience with traditional gameplay. Instead of gathering around a physical table, players sit at individual electronic terminals. These terminals connect to a real roulette wheel (live or automated), allowing bets to be placed via touchscreen.
How It Works:
Why Players Like It:
Traditional roulette tables offer a more immersive, social experience. You interact with a live dealer (croupier), watch the physical wheel spin, and place your chips directly on the felt layout. This version is often considered more engaging by players who enjoy the ritual and community aspect of casino games.
Key Features:
Why It Appeals to Players:
Go with Touchbet Roulette if:
Stick with Traditional Roulette if:
Final Word:
Both versions deliver the excitement of
roulette in their own way. Your choice comes down to whether you prefer a fast-paced, private digital
format—or the traditional, social vibe of the casino floor.
When joining a roulette table at any U.S. casino, following proper etiquette is just as important as understanding the rules. Observing these basic courtesies ensures a smooth, fair, and enjoyable experience for you, other players, and the casino staff.
Place your bets with care and attention. When making inside bets (those placed on specific numbers or small groups), stack your chips neatly—especially if placing them over existing chips. This helps the dealer (croupier) quickly identify each wager and prevents accidental mix-ups between players.
Be sure to check the table’s minimum and maximum betting limits before placing your chips.
Pay close attention to the dealer’s cues. The dealer will clearly announce when betting is open and when it’s closed by stating, “No more bets.” Once this is said, refrain from adjusting or placing any more chips. Ignoring this instruction can result in a dispute or your bet being removed from play.
Courtesy goes a long way at the roulette table. Whether you’re asking a question or unsure about a payout, wait for a natural pause in the game before addressing the dealer. Stay calm and respectful—even if there’s a disagreement. Dealers are trained to resolve issues fairly and efficiently.
Handle your chips with care. Always keep your stack organized and avoid placing your chips in a way that interferes with others' bets. If you're unsure how to place a bet, the dealer can assist—but only before the spin begins.
When you're ready to leave the table, wait until the current round ends, then politely ask the dealer to exchange your roulette chips for standard casino chips.
Practicing good etiquette not only helps you avoid confusion, but it also enhances the overall atmosphere at the table. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned one, showing respect and following the flow of the game ensures a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
If you're just starting to explore roulette, it's natural to have a few questions. Below are straightforward answers to the most frequently asked roulette queries to help you feel more confident at the table or online.
Yes, you can. Many regulated online casinos in the United States legally offer real-money roulette games, including European, American, and French variants. Always make sure to play at licensed platforms with proper security and verified game fairness.
The key distinction lies in the number of pockets on the wheel:
As a result, European roulette generally provides slightly better odds for the player.
Roulette is a game of chance, but beginners are often encouraged to start with outside bets—like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. These bets cover more numbers and offer a nearly 50/50 chance of winning (though not exact due to the zero). Also, set a clear bankroll limit before you start and avoid chasing losses.
In physical casinos, each roulette table will have a sign near the wheel displaying the minimum and maximum betting limits. For online roulette, this information is usually visible on the game screen before you begin placing bets.
A split bet is when you place your chip on the line between two adjacent numbers. If either number wins, the payout is 17 to 1. It's a popular choice for players who want to cover more than one number with a single chip.
Only until the dealer says, “No more bets.” After that announcement, all bets must remain as they are until the round concludes. Moving or adding chips after this point is not allowed and may result in the bet being voided.
If the ball lands on zero, only bets that specifically include zero will win (such as straight-up or split bets that cover it). All outside bets usually lose unless you're playing a version with special rules like La Partage or En Prison, where certain losses are partially returned or held for the next spin.
Roulette is entirely a game of chance. Each spin is independent and unpredictable. While strategies can help you manage your money and choose smarter bet types, there’s no system that can guarantee consistent wins. The key is to play responsibly and enjoy the experience.
