Roulette has been one of the world’s most popular casino games for more than 200 years. The rules are easy to learn, every spin offers fresh excitement, and there are betting options to suit every type of player.
Whether you’re completely new to the game or looking to sharpen your knowledge before playing online, this roulette guide will teach you different bet types, help you discover popular betting systems, and show you how to choose the right roulette table at Bovada.
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How Roulette Works
Roulette is built around a simple idea. Players predict where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel, then place their bets before the wheel comes to rest.
European Roulette uses a wheel with 37 numbered pockets (0 and 1-36), while American Roulette features 38 pockets (0, 00, and 1-36). The winning pocket determines which bets are paid.
How to Play Online Roulette
Playing online roulette takes just a few simple steps:
- Load up one of Bovada’s roulette tables – the most popular options are standard American Roulette or European Roulette.
- Select your chip denomination, starting from $1 with a maximum of $500.
- Click anywhere on the roulette table to place your wagers.
- Press Spin to start the round.
- If the ball lands on your chosen number, color, or betting category, your wager wins according to the payout table in the “Rules and Payouts” section located in the game’s settings.
- If you want a quick betting feature, Rebet places all the same wagers again.
Online roulette moves faster than your standard Las Vegas table. This makes it easy to adjust your bets after every round or stick with the same approach throughout your session.
Inside Bets and Outside Bets
Every roulette wager falls into one of two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside bets cover individual numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are easy to recognize because they appear around the edge of the betting layout.
Red/Black
Choose whether the winning number will be red or black. Pays 1:1.
Odd/Even
Bet on whether the winning number is odd or even. Pays 1:1.
Low/High
Bet on either numbers 1-18 or 19-36. Pays 1:1.
Dozens
Select one of three groups:
- 1-12
- 13-24
- 25-36
Pays 2:1.
Columns
Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the betting layout. Pays 2:1.
TIP: Players working with a smaller bankroll often begin with even-money bets because they cover a large portion of the wheel and keeps the wagers straightforward.
Inside Bets
Inside bets focus on specific numbers and combinations.
Straight Up
One number. Pays 35:1.
Split
Two adjacent numbers. Pays 17:1.
Street
Three consecutive numbers across a single, horizontal row. Pays 11:1.
Corner
Four numbers sharing one corner. Pays 8:1.
Six Line
Six numbers across two rows. Pays 5:1.
Street bets are especially popular because they offer a balance between wider coverage and attractive payouts. Read our street bets guide for more details.
Every one of these wager types is available across Bovada’s roulette games, allowing you to mix inside and outside bets on the same spin.
American Roulette vs. European Roulette
One of the first decisions new players make is choosing between American and European roulette.
Fortunately, both versions are easy to learn.
The biggest difference is the wheel itself.
European Roulette features the following:
- Numbers 1-36
- One green zero (0)
- 37 total pockets
American Roulette features:
- Numbers 1-36
- One zero (0)
- One double zero (00)
- 38 total pockets
The additional double zero also creates one unique wager: the Five Number Bet (0, 00, 1, 2, and 3), which pays 6:1.
Aside from that, the betting layout, gameplay, and standard payouts remain the same.
Bovada offers several versions of both games, including:
- American Roulette
- Classic American Roulette
- VIP American Roulette
- European Roulette
- Classic European Roulette
- VIP European Roulette
- Live Roulette
For a complete look at each version, check out our American roulette guide and our European roulette guide.
Whether you choose American or European Roulette, you’ll find the same fast-paced gameplay and familiar betting options.
How to Start Playing Roulette Online
Getting started online only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Choose Your Roulette Version
Decide whether you’d like to play American or European Roulette.
Step 2: Pick Your Table
Choose between Standard, Classic, or VIP tables depending on the experience you’re looking for.
Step 3: Select Your Chip Value
New players can comfortably begin with $1 chips while learning the betting layout.
Step 4: Place Your Bets
Click anywhere on the table to place one or several wagers before each spin.
Step 5: Spin the Wheel
Press Spin and watch the ball settle into its winning pocket. Winning bets are paid automatically.
Step 6: Rebet or Change Your Layout
Repeat your previous bets using Rebet, or start over with a new combination before the next spin.
Bovada’s online roulette games also offer free-play functionality, allowing new players to become familiar with the betting layout and controls before wagering real money.
Once you’re comfortable with the layout, you can enjoy real-money roulette at Bovada.
Roulette Strategy Guide for Beginners
Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is independent of the last. While betting systems don’t influence where the ball lands, many players enjoy using them to add structure to their wagers during a session.
One of the best-known betting systems is the Martingale.
The concept is straightforward:
- Bet on an even-money wager such as Red or Black.
- Double your bet after each losing spin.
- Return to your original risk after a winning spin.
For example:
- Bet $2 on Red.
- Lose.
- Bet $4 on Red.
- Lose.
- Bet $8 on Red.
- Win.
- Return to your original $2 stake with a $2 profit.
Other popular betting systems include:
- D’Alembert: Increase your wager by one unit after a loss and decrease by one unit after a win.
- The Fibonacci strategy: Follows the famous Fibonacci number sequence when adjusting wagers. The bet units are as follows: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, etc. Move forward one number after a loss, back two numbers after a win.
- Flat Betting: Wager the same amount on every spin.
Each betting system provides a different rhythm to your session, rather than changing the wheel’s random outcome.
If you’d like a complete breakdown of these approaches, explore our full roulette strategy guide, including the Fibonacci strategy and several other popular systems.
Choosing the Right Roulette Table
With several roulette tables available, selecting one is easier than many beginners expect.
Consider these factors:
Game Variant
Choose American or European Roulette based on your preference. Both are beginner-friendly and use nearly identical rules.
Table Type
Standard tables are a natural starting point for most players.
Classic tables recreate the traditional casino experience, while VIP tables feature higher betting limits.
Betting Limits
Always check the minimum and maximum wager before joining a table. Bovada offers tables beginning with $1 chips, while VIP tables cater to players looking to wager significantly more.
Live Dealer Roulette
If you’d like a more immersive experience, Live Dealer Roulette lets you watch a real dealer spin a real wheel in real time while placing bets from your computer or mobile device.
FAQ
How do I start playing roulette online if I’ve never done it before?
Choose either American or European Roulette, pick a table, select your chip denomination, place your bets, and press Spin. Many Bovada roulette games also offer free-play options before betting for real money.
How do I choose the right roulette table if I’m starting out?
A standard roulette table with $1 chips is an excellent place to begin. Outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even are simple ways to learn the betting layout before expanding into inside bets.
What’s the difference between American and European roulette, and which one is better?
European Roulette has 37 pockets, while American Roulette has 38 because it includes the additional 00 pocket. The gameplay and standard payouts are otherwise the same, making both great choices for online play.
Is American or European roulette better for beginners playing online?
Both are beginner-friendly. Since the betting layout and rules are nearly identical, new players can comfortably start with either version.
What’s the best roulette strategy for beginners?
Many beginners start with even-money bets and flat betting while learning the game. As they gain experience, they often explore systems like the Martingale or D’Alembert systems explained in the roulette strategy guide.
What’s the best way to play online roulette with a small bankroll?
Starting with $1 chips and even-money wagers allows players to enjoy longer sessions while becoming comfortable with the betting layout.
What does the house edge mean in online roulette and why does it matter?
The house edge refers to the mathematical advantage built into the game over the long run. In roulette, it exists because the wheel contains one or two green zero pockets that are not included in even-money bets.
Can I practice roulette online for free before betting real money?
Yes. Bovada offers free-play roulette on eligible games, allowing players to practice the controls, betting layout, and game flow before playing for real money.
How do you play roulette?
Choose your risk, place chips on the online table, click Spin, and wait for the ball to land. If it stops on your selected number, color, or betting category, your wager wins according to that bet’s payout.
What is a roulette strategy guide?
A roulette strategy guide explains betting systems that help organize how you wager during a session. Popular examples include the Martingale, D’Alembert, Fibonacci, and Flat Betting systems.
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