Originating from the Italian game Biribi, roulette derives its name from the French term “little wheel”. In the game of roulette a player can place bets on a single number, multiple groups of numbers, the colour black or red, whether the number is even or odd, or whether the numbers are low (1-18) or high (19-36)

The Mechanics of The Game

At land-based casinos, a croupier first spins the roulette wheel in one direction and then spins a ball in the opposite direction around a tilted circular track that runs around the roulette wheel’s outer edge. The ball travels through a deflector zone before landing on the wheel and in one of the wheels 37, 38*  coloured and numbered pockets. 

*French and European roulette have a single zero, and American tables have a double zero. The double zero games have a more significant house edge than the single games.

Online roulette games are run by a Random Number Generator (RNG) that spins virtual wheels and reels, deals the virtual cards, and rolls virtual dice.

The Inside Bet

In roulette, you anticipate the number or type of pocket on which the ball will land. The inside bets are placed on specific numbers, these bets generally have higher paying odds. For in-depth roulette information, view this guide by Fruityking.co.nz where information on roulette strategies, the roulette racetrack, and the different variants you can play.

• Betting on one number is called a “Straight up” and pays 35:1
• The “Split” is betting on two numbers and pays 17:1
• A “Street” bet is made on three numbers and pays 11:1
• You can cover three numbers with just one chip placed on the end of any “Street”, the row of three (numbers) on the table map.
• Betting on four numbers is called a “Corner” and pays 8:1 (the chip lies on the intersection of the four numbers) 
• “Six line” betting on six numbers pays 5:1 (the chip likes on the edge of two adjoining streets) 

For American roulette, there is the five-number bet which covers the single and double zero, one, two and three. This bet pays 6:1. The Row double zero bet covers the zero, the double zero and pays 17:1. 

The Outside Bet

Unlike inside bets, outside bets do not involve specific numbers and are made on the outside of the number map. 

• Colour bets on black or red pay 1:1
• Odd or even bets pay 1:1
• Column betting on twelve numbers pays 2:1
• “Dozen” bets (the 1st 12 etc.) pay 2:1
• Low or High bets pay 1:1

Live Online Roulette

For those players who enjoy the roulette table at brick-and-mortar casinos, there is the option of playing live online roulette. Live roulette games run in real-time, have a real human croupier and are streamed from a physical venue. 

Live games combine the thrill of the land-based casinos with the convenience of playing whenever and wherever you happen to be. Many of the best live online roulette games are supplied by Evolution Gaming. Titles like Live Automatic Roulette, American Roulette and French Roulette are well worth checking out.