Roulette has long been one of the most iconic and thrilling casino games in the world — a perfect blend of luck, strategy, and suspense that has captivated gamblers for centuries. Known for its elegant spinning wheel and the sound of a tiny ball bouncing between numbered slots, roulette has become a timeless symbol of casino excitement.
Originating in France during the 18th century, roulette quickly spread across Europe and later to the glamorous casinos of Las Vegas. Today, the game has evolved into numerous versions, both in physical casinos and online platforms, attracting millions of players worldwide.
This guide from SBOASIA, will take you through the rich history of roulette, the basic rules of play, the different variations available today, and the most popular betting strategies used by players who aim to tilt the odds in their favor.
The History of Roulette
The word “roulette” comes from the French term meaning “little wheel.” The origins of this legendary game trace back to Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century French mathematician and physicist. While experimenting with perpetual motion devices, Pascal unintentionally created the early prototype of the roulette wheel.
The game gained popularity in 18th-century France, where it became a fashionable pastime among the elite. Early versions featured both red and black numbered pockets, and over time, casinos across Europe began introducing new rules and wheel layouts.
When roulette reached America in the 19th century, it underwent several modifications — most notably the addition of the double zero (00) — creating what we now know as the American Roulette variant.
How to Play Roulette: Basic Rules
Roulette is a simple yet exciting game centered around predicting where a small ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel.
The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, each painted red or black, while one or two green pockets represent the zero (and double zero in American Roulette).
Here’s how a standard game of roulette unfolds:
- Place Your Bets:
Players place their chips on the betting layout, choosing from various bet types — individual numbers, color (red/black), odd/even, or groups of numbers. - Spin the Wheel:
Once bets are locked, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the small white ball in the opposite direction. - Wait for the Result:
When the ball settles into a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number and color. - Payouts:
Winners are paid according to the odds of their bet, and the next round begins.
Common Types of Bets in Roulette
Roulette offers a wide variety of betting options, allowing players to manage their risk and reward.
Inside Bets
These bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
- Straight Up: Bet on a single number (pays 35:1).
- Split Bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1).
- Street Bet: Bet on a row of three numbers (pays 11:1).
- Corner Bet: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner (pays 8:1).
- Line Bet: Bet on six consecutive numbers in two adjacent rows (pays 5:1).
Outside Bets
These bets cover broader sections of the wheel and offer lower payouts but higher chances of winning.
- Red or Black: Predict the color of the winning pocket.
- Odd or Even: Bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
- Dozen Bet: Choose from the first (1–12), second (13–24), or third (25–36) set of numbers.
- Column Bet: Wager on one of the three vertical columns on the betting table.
Variations of Roulette
Over centuries, roulette has evolved into several popular formats — each offering a unique experience and house edge.
1. European Roulette
- Structure: 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 and a single zero).
- House Edge: 2.7%.
- Why It’s Popular: With only one zero, European roulette gives players better odds compared to the American version.
2. American Roulette
- Structure: 38 pockets (numbers 1–36, plus single zero and double zero).
- House Edge: 5.26%.
- Key Difference: The extra “00” pocket increases the casino’s advantage, making it slightly harder to win.
3. French Roulette
- Structure: 37 pockets, similar to European Roulette.
- Unique Rules: Includes two player-friendly rules — La Partage and En Prison.
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, players lose only half of even-money bets.
- En Prison: The bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin instead of being lost outright.
- Benefit: These rules reduce the house edge to as low as 1.35%, making it the most player-friendly version.
4. Multi-Ball Roulette
A modern and fast-paced version where multiple balls are spun simultaneously. This increases the number of possible outcomes per round, offering more excitement and betting flexibility.
5. Mini Roulette
A simplified, faster version of the classic game, featuring only 13 or 15 pockets. Perfect for casual players or those who prefer shorter sessions with quicker results.
Winning Strategies and Betting Systems
Although roulette is a game of chance, many players employ betting strategies to manage risk and maximize their chances of profit.
The Martingale System
One of the oldest and most famous strategies. Players double their bet after every loss, ensuring that one eventual win will recover all previous losses plus a small profit. However, this method requires a large bankroll and can be risky in the long run.
The Fibonacci System
Based on the famous mathematical sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …), players increase their bets according to this pattern after losses, then move back two steps after a win. It’s more gradual and less risky than Martingale.
The D’Alembert System
A balanced approach where the player increases the bet by one unit after losing and decreases it by one unit after winning. It’s ideal for players seeking a low-risk, steady progression strategy.
The Labouchère System
Players set a profit target and create a number sequence that adds up to it. Each bet is the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. After winning, those numbers are crossed out. After losing, the lost amount is added to the sequence.
The Rise of Online Roulette
In the digital age, online casinos have brought roulette to a global audience. Players can now enjoy European, American, or French roulette right from their smartphones or computers.
Modern platforms offer:
- Live Dealer Roulette for a real-time casino experience with professional croupiers.
- Progressive Jackpot Roulette, where each spin contributes to a growing prize pool.
- Free Play Modes, allowing beginners to practice without risking money.
Online roulette combines the authentic feel of live casinos with the convenience of online gaming, making it a perfect choice for both new and experienced players.
A Timeless Game of Luck and Strategy
From its French origins to the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas and the virtual tables of online platforms, roulette remains a symbol of elegance and excitement in gambling.
Its simple rules, wide betting options, and various strategic approaches make it suitable for every kind of player — from beginners seeking fun to high rollers chasing big wins.
Whether you choose the European version with better odds, the French variant with lower house edge, or the fast-paced American edition, roulette continues to offer a unique thrill that never goes out of style.
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