Roulette is among the most well-known casino table games, mixing pure luck with thoughtful betting choices. This quick guide will teach you how to play, explain the main bet types, cover roulette odds and RTP, and share easy tips so you can place bets with more confidence and boost your chances of winning.
Roulette Basics – How this classic game works
Roulette is a timeless casino game that mixes chance with smart betting. Players bet on where a small ball will stop on a spinning wheel. The wheel and the ball spin in opposite directions, building suspense every time it spins.
How a Roulette round plays out
A roulette wheel has 37 numbers (0 – 36) in European and French versions, or 38 numbers (0, 00, and 1 to 36) in American roulette. All numbers are red or black, except 0 and 00 which stay green.
Before the wheel spins, players put their chips on the table to bet on:
- Single numbers
- Groups of numbers
- Traits like red or black, odd or even, or low and high ranges
Once the wheel slows down, the ball falls into a pocket. If your pick matches the number, you get paid based on the payout table.
Each spin is random, but how you bet is not. That’s why roulette feels like quick fun and smart play at the same time.
Key differences between popular Roulette types
There are three main roulette versions, each with its own odds and house advantage:
- European Roulette: 37 numbers from 0 – 36, with a 2.70 percent house edge
- French Roulette: Uses the same wheel but adds La Partage or En Prison rules that drop the edge to 1.35 percent for even-money bets
- American Roulette: Has an extra “00,” pushing the house edge up to 5.26 percent
Picking the version that suits your play style makes a big difference to your overall roulette results.
A Simple guide to Roulette betting steps
This section explains everything from beginner-friendly bets to more advanced choices in roulette, so you can make smarter picks, place the right bets, and improve your chances of winning overall.
Inside Bets – For high risk and Big rewards
Inside bets target single numbers or small groups. They come with high payouts but lower odds of winning, making them better for players who want bigger prizes and can accept more risk.
Here are the main inside bets to know:
- Straight Up Bet: Pick one number from 0 – 36. If the ball lands exactly on your pick, you get paid 35 to 1. This bet has the toughest odds but offers the largest payout.
- Split Bet: Place a chip on the line between two side-by-side numbers. If either wins, you get paid 17 to 1.
- Street Bet: Covers a row of three numbers lined up horizontally. If one hits, you win 11 to 1.
- Corner Bet: Bet on four numbers that meet at one corner by putting your chip at the crossing point. A win pays out 8 to 1.
- Line Bet: Covers two rows at once (six numbers total). This bet has slightly better odds than the others and pays 5 to 1.
Tip: To use inside bets well, learn how the roulette table is arranged and where each number sits on the wheel. Keep an eye on your balance too because these bets carry more risk but can deliver big wins if they hit.
Outside Bets – For players who prefer steadier wins
Outside bets cover bigger parts of the roulette wheel. They carry less risk and are great for beginners or anyone who wants more steady payouts.
Here are the main outside bets to know:
- Red or Black: Bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. This option gives you almost a 50 percent chance to win, making it one of the easiest and most popular choices.
- Even or Odd: Wager on whether the number will be even or odd. This bet pays 1 to 1. For example, bet 100 and win another 100 if you guess right.
- Low (1 – 18) or High (19 – 36): Pick either the lower or upper half of the number range. Like red or black, this bet pays 1 to 1 and helps keep your balance steady for longer sessions.
- Column Bet: Choose one of the three vertical columns on the table. Each covers 12 numbers, and if any hit, you get paid 2 to 1.
- Dozen Bet: Similar to the column bet, but based on blocks of 12 numbers in order (1 – 12, 13 – 24 or 25 – 36). This option spreads your risk and still offers stable returns.
Advanced Roulette bet types
These advanced methods give you more control, better insight into the wheel, and smarter ways to handle risk and reward. They’re especially common in European and French roulette, where the house edge is lower and smart strategies can pay off more.
Racetrack and Neighbor bets
Many live online roulette platforms have a racetrack feature that helps you bet on number clusters more easily. Here are the main neighbor bets to know:
- Voisins du Zéro: Covers 17 numbers closest to zero (from 22 to 25 clockwise). You need 9 chips, spread across splits, trios, and corners.
- Tiers du Cylindre: Targets 12 numbers on the opposite side of Voisins (from 27 to 33). This bet needs 6 chips, each placed on a split.
- Orphelins: Includes 8 “orphan” numbers not in the Voisins or Tiers sections. It uses 5 chips and covers scattered spots around the wheel.
- Jeu Zéro: A smaller version of Voisins that focuses on 7 numbers nearest to zero with just 4 chips.
Finale Bets – Betting on number patterns
For players who like number patterns and structured play, Finale bets offer a unique way to organize your roulette strategy. These bets are common in French roulette and add variety for players who enjoy spotting trends.
|
Bet Type |
Description | Example | Chip Count |
|
Finale en Plein |
Bet on all numbers ending with the same digit using straight bets |
Finale 3 → 3, 13, 23, 33 |
4 |
| Finale à Cheval | Bet on pairs of numbers that differ by ten using split bets | Finale 0/3 → 0/3, 10/13, 20/23, 30/33 |
4 |
These bets work well for players who want to stay disciplined, skip emotional picks, and focus on number trends in the game.
Complete bet – Maximum coverage on one number
A Complete Bet, sometimes called maximum coverage, is an advanced method to cover every possible combination linked to one chosen number. For example, if you pick number 36, here’s how you place your chips:
|
Bet Type |
Description | Chips Used |
|
Straight Up |
Direct bet on number 36 |
1 |
|
Split Bets |
Two-number bets sharing 36 |
2 |
|
Street Bet |
Covers 36 and its two row neighbors |
1 |
|
Corner Bet |
Covers a block of four numbers including 36 |
1 |
|
Line Bet |
Covers two rows that include 36 |
1 |
| Total Chips | – |
17 to 18 chips |
Goal: Make sure you benefit from every payout connected to your chosen number.
This method lets you win from different payout levels, ranging from 5 to 1 up to 35 to 1, if your number hits. But keep in mind, this approach needs a bigger chip stack and careful bankroll control to use it well.
When to use a complete bet
A Complete Bet works best when you have strong reasons to back your choice. Consider this option if:
- You see a number showing up often (a hot number)
- You rely on spin history or data to support your pick
- Your balance can handle a higher-risk setup
- You prefer a structured, well-planned roulette approach
Tip: Use this method only when you fully trust your target number and have a clear stop plan in place. A Complete Bet can be powerful but is not ideal for beginners or players with a tight budget.
Roulette payout and Probability
Before you place any chips, it helps to understand how roulette payout ratios compare with your actual chances of winning. Knowing this difference can shape smarter bets and better bankroll planning.
Standard payout table for Roulette
|
Bet Type |
Payout Ratio | European Win Probability |
|
Straight Up Bet |
29 to 1 up to 499 to 1 (Lightning Roulette only) |
About 2.70% |
|
Split Bet |
17 to 1 |
About 5.41% |
|
Street Bet |
11 to 1 |
About 8.11% |
|
Corner Bet |
8 to 1 |
About 10.81% |
|
Line Bet |
5 to 1 |
About 16.22% |
|
Column or Dozen Bet |
2 to 1 |
About 32.43% |
|
Red or Black |
1 to 1 |
About 48.65% |
|
Even or Odd |
1 to 1 |
About 48.65% |
| 1 to 18 or 19 to 36 | 1 to 1 |
About 48.65% |
Why Payout and Probability are not the same
Even if a bet covers many numbers, the payout stays lower than the true odds. This gap is what gives the casino its edge in roulette.
- Example 1: A straight up bet in European roulette has a 2.70 percent win chance but pays 35 to 1 instead of 36 to 1. That gap creates the 2.70 percent house edge.
- Example 2: A red or black bet has a win chance close to 48.65 percent but pays only 1 to 1. This small gap adds up over time in favor of the house.
Basic probability formula
You can work out the odds of any bet with a simple rule: Winning Probability = Winning numbers divided by Total numbers on the wheel
Examples (European Roulette):
|
Bet Type |
Formula | Result |
|
Split Bet (2 numbers) |
2 / 37 |
About 5.41% |
|
Corner Bet (4 numbers) |
4 / 37 |
About 10.81% |
| Dozen Bet (12 numbers) | 12 / 37 |
About 32.43% |
Is Roulette easy to win? How to recover losses with a smarter mindset
Roulette is not just about luck alone. When you understand probability, manage your money wisely, and keep your emotions in check, you can recover losses in a more controlled way and play smarter.
Expected value and Volatility – Bet on math, not feelings
Winning at roulette begins with knowing about Expected Value (EV) — the average return you can expect from each bet over time.
Example (European Roulette):
|
Bet Type |
Win Probability | Payout | Expected Value (EV) | Volatility Level |
|
Straight Up |
1 out of 37 ≈ 2.70% |
35 to 1 |
–0.027 (or –2.7% per unit bet) |
High |
|
Red or Black |
18 out of 37 ≈ 48.65% |
1 to 1 |
–0.027 |
Low |
|
Even or Odd |
18 out of 37 ≈ 48.65% |
1 to 1 |
–0.027 |
Low |
| Dozen or Column | 12 out of 37 ≈ 32.43% | 2 to 1 | –0.027 |
Medium |
Note: The slight negative EV comes from the house edge in European roulette. Bigger payouts bring higher volatility and more risk.
Why most losses happen – Don’t misread probability
One of the most common mistakes is falling for the idea that “red came up many times so black must be next.” This is the Gambler’s Fallacy. Every spin is independent, and past results do not change the next outcome.
Other reasons players lose include:
- Trusting streaks instead of calculating real odds
- Using aggressive systems like the Martingale at the wrong time, especially in American roulette where the house edge is higher
- Ignoring odds and betting randomly without knowing the true win chance
Manage money first to recover losses
You can’t beat the roulette RTP, but you can slow your losses and stay in the game longer with good money habits:
- Break your bankroll into smaller parts and cap each session’s risk
- Use flat betting: keep each bet the same size and avoid doubling after losses
- Stick to lower-risk outside bets like red or black and even or odd if you want steady play
- Only increase your bet size after a series of wins, not just because you feel lucky
Emotional control is your real edge
Many players tilt after losing a few spins. They panic, chase losses, and forget their plan. To stay in control when playing roulette online, remember to:
- Set a clear limit for how much you can lose in one session (like no more than 10 percent of your bankroll)
- Have a profit goal so you know when to stop
- Avoid playing if you’re tired, stressed, or distracted
The real long-term winners are not the ones who spin the most, but the ones who know exactly when to walk away.
Player reviews about Roulette at Jilibet
Wondering what real players think about playing Roulette on Jilibet? We asked players who have tried both the classic version and the Lightning edition. From smooth betting to big multiplier wins, here’s what they shared.
Final Thoughts – Roulette is not pure luck if you play with purpose
Many beginners sit down at the roulette table hoping for quick luck. But roulette is more than guessing. It’s a mix of strategy, probability, and timing.
When you know the rules, choose wisely between inside and outside bets, pick French roulette over American when it makes sense, or use helpful tools like Favorite Bets, you play with a plan instead of chance alone.
Every chip you bet shows your preparation. Players who respect the odds, set clear limits, and stick to their goals don’t just hope for luck, they create better chances for themselves.
You won’t win every spin. But if you play with purpose, you won’t lose aimlessly either.