How to Play Roulette: A Beginner's Guide

Roulette is one of the most iconic and exciting games in the casino — a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and a chance to win big with just a chip or two. But if you're new to it, all those numbers and betting areas can look a little overwhelming at first.

No worries — this guide will walk you through how roulette works, the different types of bets, what they pay, and how to start playing with confidence.

⚠️ If you're interested in playing online, be sure to check out my list of trusted casinos HERE.

🎯 The Basics of Roulette

Roulette is played on a wheel with 37 numbers (European) or 38 numbers (American):

• Numbers 1 to 36 (red or black)

• A green 0

• (And a green 00 in American roulette)

The goal is simple: bet on where you think the ball will land after the wheel spins.

🧱 The Betting Layout

Before the dealer spins the wheel, players place their chips on the table layout. There are two main types of bets:

🔹 Inside Bets (Higher payouts, lower odds)

These bets are placed directly on numbers or small groups:

• Straight Up (1 number) – Pays 35 to 1

• Split (2 numbers side by side) – Pays 17 to 1

• Street (row of 3 numbers) – Pays 11 to 1

• Corner (block of 4 numbers) – Pays 8 to 1

• Double Street (row of 6 numbers) – Pays 5 to 1

These are riskier bets but come with bigger payouts.

🔹 Outside Bets (Lower payouts, better odds)

These bets cover larger sections of the table:

• Red or Black – Pays 1 to 1

• Odd or Even – Pays 1 to 1

• 1–18 or 19–36 (Low/High) – Pays 1 to 1

• Dozens (1–12, 13–24, 25–36) – Pays 2 to 1

• Columns – Pays 2 to 1

These are great for beginners who want to ease into the game.

📊 Understanding the Odds

• Even money bets (red/black, odd/even, etc.) give you almost a 50/50 shot.

• Straight-up bets are much harder to hit, but that’s where the big payouts are.

• European roulette has slightly better odds than American due to only one zero.

🛠️ Want to Try a Strategy? Use My Free Tools

Before you hit the casino or fire up an online roulette table, check out my free roulette tools

I’ve built strategy testers and roulette companions that help you:

• Practice betting progressions like Martingale or D’Alembert

• Track your bets and results

• Get recommendations based on your strategy

They’re 100% free, mobile-friendly, and made to help you play smarter — not just spin randomly.

✅ Quick Tips for Beginners

• Start with outside bets like red/black or odd/even while learning.

• Avoid betting systems with aggressive doubling until you understand the risks.

• Know your limits — set a bankroll and stick to it.

• Don’t fall for the “due number” myth — every spin is independent.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Roulette is easy to learn and fun to play — and once you get the hang of the bets, it opens up a world of strategy and excitement.

Start simple, use the tools I’ve created to explore different approaches, and most importantly — have fun.

👉 Check out my free tools HERE

👉 Check out all the strategies I have tested HERE

👉 Check out my favortite casinos HERE

Good luck, and may the wheel spin in your favor!