Roulette is a casino game where you bet on which numbered pocket a small ball will land in on a spinning wheel. To play, you place chips on a betting table that corresponds to the wheel’s pockets. If the ball lands on a number you’ve bet on, you win a payout.
Table of contents
- What is roulette?
- How to play roulette: a step-by-step guide
- Understanding the roulette wheel and table
- Types of roulette bets: inside and outside
- Roulette odds and payouts
- Common roulette variations: which wheel is best?
- Basic roulette strategy for beginners: math vs myth
- Pros and cons of playing online roulette
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Alternatives to roulette
- Your quick roulette recap
What is roulette?
Short answer: Roulette is a game of pure chance where players bet on the outcome of a spinning wheel. The goal is to correctly predict which of the 37 or 38 numbered pockets the ball will land in.
The name “roulette” comes from the French word for “little wheel,” and that’s exactly what it is. A croupier, or dealer, spins a large wheel in one direction and a small ball in the opposite direction. Players place their bets on a numbered grid on the table before the dealer calls “no more bets.” Where the ball comes to rest determines the winning number. Its simplicity and potential for big payouts make it a fixture in casinos worldwide and a top choice among our table games.
How to play roulette: a step-by-step guide
Short answer: You start by buying chips, placing them on the betting layout before the betting window closes, and then watching the wheel spin. If you win, the dealer pays you and clears the losing bets.
Getting started with roulette is straightforward. It’s a game you can learn in minutes but spend a long time mastering. Here’s how a typical round plays out in 2026, whether you’re online or at a physical table.
- Buy your chips: At a physical casino, you exchange cash for special roulette chips at the table. Online, you simply select your chip value from your account balance.
- Place your bets: The croupier will announce “place your bets.” You now have a short window to put your chips on the numbers, colours, or sections of the table you want to bet on. You can place multiple bets on a single spin.
- The spin: The croupier spins the wheel and ball. A few moments later, they will wave their hand over the table and announce “no more bets.” At this point, you can’t touch your chips or make new wagers.
- The result: The ball will eventually lose momentum and settle into one of the numbered pockets. The croupier places a marker (a “dolly”) on the winning number on the table layout.
- Payouts and collection: The croupier sweeps away all the losing bets from the table first. Then, they pay out all winning bets according to the odds. Once all winners are paid, the dolly is removed, and a new round begins.
Understanding the roulette wheel and table
Short answer: The wheel is the spinning mechanism with numbered pockets, and the table is the felt grid where you place your chips to represent your bets.
The wheel and table are two sides of the same coin. The wheel’s numbers (typically 1-36, plus a 0 and sometimes a 00) are what you’re betting on. The numbers are coloured red and black, except for the zero(s), which are green. The table layout is a map of that wheel, giving you a space to place a chip for every possible bet.
The table is divided into two main sections: the “inside” and the “outside.”
- Inside bets: This is the main grid of numbers from 0 to 36. Bets placed here are on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers. They have high payouts but a lower chance of winning.
- Outside bets: These are the broader category bets located around the perimeter of the number grid. They include options like Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1-18/19-36, Columns, and Dozens. These bets have a much higher probability of winning but offer smaller payouts.
If you’re just starting, getting comfortable with the layout is key. You’ll find plenty of free-to-play versions of roulette in our games lobby where you can practise placing bets without risking any real money.
Types of roulette bets: inside and outside
Short answer: Inside bets are wagers on specific numbers with high payouts, like betting on a single number. Outside bets are wagers on broad categories like colour or odd/even, offering lower payouts but better odds of winning.
Knowing the different bet types is essential. It lets you control your risk and potential reward on every spin. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to stick with outside bets to make your bankroll last longer.
Inside bets explained
- Straight Up: A bet on a single number. Highest payout (35 to 1).
- Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers. You place the chip on the line between them.
- Street: A bet on a row of three numbers. Place the chip on the outer edge of the row.
- Corner (or Square): A bet on a block of four numbers. Place the chip on the central intersection.
- Six Line (or Double Street): A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers.
Outside bets explained
- Red or Black: A bet that the ball will land on a number of that colour.
- Odd or Even: A bet on whether the winning number will be odd or even.
- High or Low (1-18 or 19-36): A bet on whether the number will be in the lower or upper half.
- Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of twelve numbers.
- Dozens: A bet on one of three blocks of twelve consecutive numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
Note that the green 0 (and 00) pockets are not red/black, odd/even, or high/low. If the ball lands there, all of these outside bets lose.
Roulette odds and payouts
Short answer: Payouts are based on the probability of a bet winning. A Straight Up bet on one number pays 35 to 1, while an even-money bet like Red/Black pays 1 to 1.
The house edge in roulette comes from the green zero pocket(s). While a wheel has 37 numbers, the highest payout is 35 to 1, not 36 to 1. This slight discrepancy is where the casino makes its money over the long term. Here’s a breakdown of common bets and their payouts on a European wheel.
| Bet Type | Payout | Winning Pockets | Probability (European) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35 to 1 | 1 | 2.70% |
| Split | 17 to 1 | 2 | 5.41% |
| Street | 11 to 1 | 3 | 8.11% |
| Corner | 8 to 1 | 4 | 10.81% |
| Six Line | 5 to 1 | 6 | 16.22% |
| Column / Dozen | 2 to 1 | 12 | 32.43% |
| Red / Black | 1 to 1 | 18 | 48.65% |
| Odd / Even | 1 to 1 | 18 | 48.65% |
| 1-18 / 19-36 | 1 to 1 | 18 | 48.65% |
Common roulette variations: which wheel is best?
Short answer: French roulette is mathematically the best variant for the player, followed by European. American roulette has the highest house edge and should generally be avoided if other options are available.
Not all roulette wheels are created equal. The small differences between variants have a huge impact on your long-term odds. Knowing which one to choose is the most important strategic decision you can make.
American vs. European vs. French
- European Roulette: This is the most common version you’ll find online. It has 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single green zero (0). The house edge is 2.7%.
- American Roulette: The main difference is an extra pocket, the double zero (00). This increases the total pockets to 38 but the payouts remain the same. This simple change nearly doubles the house edge to a hefty 5.26%.
- French Roulette: This variant uses a European-style single-zero wheel but includes two player-friendly rules. La Partage (the sharing) means if you make an even-money bet (like Red/Black) and the ball lands on zero, you get half of your stake back. En Prison (in prison) is similar, but your bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin instead. These rules cut the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%.
Information Gain Insight: Choosing French or European roulette over American is not a matter of opinion; it’s a mathematical certainty. An American wheel’s 5.26% house edge means you’re expected to lose $5.26 for every $100 wagered over time. On a French wheel, that expected loss on even-money bets drops to just $1.35. Always check the variant before you play.
Basic roulette strategy for beginners: math vs myth
Short answer: No betting system can beat the house edge, but strategies can help manage your bankroll. The best approach is to choose a low-edge game like French roulette and set strict win/loss limits.
Many players search for a “magic bullet” strategy to guarantee wins. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist. Roulette is a game of independent events. The result of the last spin has zero influence on the next one. This is especially true for our online games, which use a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure every outcome is completely random.
Why popular betting systems fail
The most famous system is the Martingale. The idea is simple: double your bet after every loss. When you eventually win, you’ll recover all your previous losses plus one unit of profit. It sounds foolproof, but it’s not.
Information Gain Insight: The Martingale system always fails for one of two reasons: you either hit the table’s betting limit, or you run out of money. Let’s say you start with a $5 bet on Red and lose. Your bets would be $5, $10, $20, $40, $80, $160, $320. After just seven losses in a row (which is not uncommon), you’d need to bet $640 to continue, potentially exceeding the table limit. You would have already lost $635 chasing a tiny $5 profit. This is called the “risk of ruin,” and it makes Martingale a fast way to empty your account.
A smarter approach
- Play French/European Roulette: This is the single biggest “strategy” you can employ.
- Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to lose before you start playing and stick to it.
- Set a win goal: Decide on a realistic profit target. If you hit it, walk away. Greed is a bankroll killer.
- Understand the gambler’s fallacy: Don’t believe in “hot” or “cold” numbers. The wheel has no memory. If Red has come up 10 times in a row, the chance of it being Red on the next spin is still 48.65%.
Playing in our Live Casino section can add to the excitement, but remember the math always remains the same.
Pros and cons of playing online roulette
Short answer: The main pros are convenience, variety, and lower stakes. The cons include a lack of social atmosphere and the need for self-discipline to manage game speed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenience: You can play anytime, anywhere in New Zealand, without travelling to a casino. | Lack of atmosphere: Some players miss the social buzz and physical interaction of a live casino. |
| Game variety: Access dozens of variants, from classic French to modern versions with multipliers. | Faster pace: The speed of online RNG games can lead to quicker losses if you’re not careful with your bankroll. |
| Bonuses: You can often use promotions like our welcome pack to get extra playtime. | Requires discipline: Without a dealer managing the pace, it’s up to you to play responsibly. |
| Lower stakes: Online tables often have much lower minimum bets, sometimes as little as $0.10. | Less tactile: You don’t get the physical satisfaction of placing chips on the felt. |
Common mistakes to avoid
Short answer: The biggest errors are chasing losses, ignoring the game variant’s house edge, and betting without a clear budget.
Steering clear of a few common pitfalls can make your roulette experience much more enjoyable. Keep these in mind before you join a table.
- Chasing losses: This is the number one mistake. If you’ve lost your budget for the session, accept it and walk away. Trying to win it back by making bigger, riskier bets is a recipe for disaster.
- Ignoring the house edge: Playing American roulette when a European or French version is available is like giving the casino extra money for free. Always pick the game with the best odds for the player.
- Not understanding the bets: Placing chips randomly without knowing the associated payouts and odds can be confusing and costly. Take a few minutes to learn the basic inside and outside bets.
- Playing without a plan: Always start with a budget and a time limit. Treat it as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money. If you ever feel your gambling is no longer fun, it’s important to seek help. Resources like the Gambling Helpline New Zealand are available 24/7.
Alternatives to roulette
Short answer: If you enjoy the chance-based nature of roulette, you might also like Baccarat or Craps. If you prefer a game with more skill and strategy, Blackjack is a better choice.
While roulette is fantastic, sometimes you might want a change of pace. Here are a few other games you can find at WildTornado and why you might prefer them.
- Blackjack: This is the game for you if you want your decisions to directly impact the outcome. With perfect strategy, you can lower the house edge to under 0.5%, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
- Baccarat: If you love the simplicity and elegance of roulette’s even-money bets, Baccarat is a great fit. It’s incredibly easy to learn, has a low house edge (around 1.06% on the Banker bet), and offers a similar suspenseful feel.
- Online Pokies: For pure variety and entertainment, nothing beats online pokies. They are games of pure luck, just like roulette, but come in thousands of themes with unique bonus features and massive jackpot potential.
- Craps: While it looks intimidating, Craps offers some excellent bets with a very low house edge once you learn the basics. It’s a social and high-energy alternative.
Your quick roulette recap
Short answer: To play roulette well, choose the right game variant, understand the bets, manage your bankroll, and remember it’s a game of chance.
You’re now ready to approach the roulette wheel with confidence. Keep these key points in mind for your next session at WildTornado.
- Variant matters most: Always choose French or European roulette over American. This single decision has the biggest impact on your odds.
- Inside vs. Outside: Use outside bets for higher win frequency and longer play sessions. Use inside bets for the chance at larger payouts, but be prepared for higher risk.
- No system is foolproof: Betting strategies like the Martingale cannot overcome the house edge and are extremely risky.
- Play with a budget: The golden rule of all casino gaming is to only bet what you can afford to lose. Set limits and stick to them.
- It’s about fun: Roulette is entertainment. Enjoy the suspense of the spin, celebrate the wins, and accept the losses as part of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions about Roulette for Kiwis
How do I get started and learn the basics of playing how to play roulette at WildTornado?
A: Getting started with this casino game is quite straightforward. You begin by choosing your chip value from your account balance. Then, place your chips on the betting grid on the roulette table before the croupier calls “no more bets.” The dealer spins the wheel and ball, and if the ball lands on a number you’ve bet on, you win a payout.
Are there any good roulette strategy tips for new players?
A: The best strategy is to always pick French or European roulette over American variants due to their lower house edge. There’s no foolproof system to guarantee wins, as each spin of the wheel is an independent event. Remember to set a budget and a win goal before you start playing, which is key for responsible gambling.
Why should I avoid American roulette if other options are available?
A: American roulette includes an extra “double zero” pocket, marked as 00, in addition to the single zero. This extra pocket increases the house edge significantly to 5.26%. For better odds, you should always choose European roulette or, even better, French roulette with its player-friendly rules like La Partage, which brings the house edge down to just 1.35% on even-money bets.
What are the main benefits of playing online casino roulette compared to a physical casino?
A: Playing online offers great convenience; you can enjoy the game anytime, anywhere in New Zealand. You’ll also find a huge game variety, from classic versions to modern ones with multipliers, accessible through your browser or a mobile casino games app. Plus, online tables often have lower minimum bets, and you can take advantage of our welcome bonus promotions to extend your playtime.
Author
I am the Director of a company that specializes in providing a range of services including marketing analytics, web design, email marketing, content creation, and graphic design. With over 13 years of experience in analytics and marketing, I have successfully managed teams and developed strategies that cater to various client needs. My role involves overseeing projects, ensuring quality service delivery, and driving business growth through effective marketing solutions.
I am the Director of a company that specializes in providing a range of services including marketing analytics, web design, email marketing, content creation, and graphic design. With over 13 years of experience in analytics and marketing, I have successfully managed teams and developed strategies that cater to various client needs. My role involves overseeing projects, ensuring quality service delivery, and driving business growth through effective marketing solutions.
