Roulette Strategy
A History of Roulette
The average online roulette player might be completely oblivious of the rich history of roulette. Players deposit into their online accounts via companies created in 2015 while sitting in front of a laptop produced in 2016 in an apartment built in 2017. They do this all to play a game which was said to be invented in the 1600s!
Roulette is simply captivating. What makes it even more interesting is the mystique surrounding its origins. There are a number of theories as to how the crazily popular game came to be, which you may or may not have heard before. For those who have not, buckle in, and we’ll run through it briefly.
The Pascal Theory
The most popular and widely accepted theory regarding the origins of roulette pertains to a French mathematician, scientist, and general super-brain named Blaise Pascal. Roulette – which translates loosely from French as “little wheel” – was said to be the brainchild of Pascal, who had initially intended to create a perpetual motion machine (nice going, Blaise).
Soon after Pascal rolled out his invention (pardon the pun), Parisian casinos began attracting crowds with the curious game. Suffice it to say, it went down pretty well with gamblers and the casinos which made some tasty profits on players’ fixations with roulette.
Over four centuries later, and the game is still making us fall in love with it. Talk about staying power…
Alternative Theories
Of course, there are many who dispute Pascal as the originator of the idea of roulette. Well, in as much as he basically “borrowed” the concept from French monks who, in turn, picked up the idea from their Tibetan brothers. The Tibetans allegedly played an ancient Chinese game where 37 animal figurines would be rearranged into a magical square.
There are also theories stating that a less-developed version of the game was played in Ancient Rome, too. As with anything ancient, the Greeks have also been cited as potential inventors of roulette. The list goes on and looks destined to be disputed by some. For now, we’ll move on and leave you to do your own investigating, Colombo.
What Makes Roulette So Popular?
Roulette’s popularity has exploded over the past decade. There are very few who would dispute that the surge in demand for the game has been fueled by online players. With the advancement of online casino technology and a massive growth in online casinos in general, more players have access to the game.
Happenstance or word of mouth can account for many players’ first forays into roulette. In other words, a novice player can come across the game while placing a sports bet at a casino and enjoy it, or it can be recommended by a friend. But what is it that truly makes roulette so engaging? Why do players keep coming back to play the game?
Is Roulette an Easy Game?
Yes. Roulette is not considered a difficult game to play whatsoever if you plan to just throw money on the table. For casual players, putting $20 on 5 different numbers and hoping for the best is not uncommon. It is far from difficult in this sense.
Roulette is such a sociable game when played in a land-based casino. If you have ever been to a busy casino, you might remember the image of various people crowded around the wheel, having fun. This is another reason why many keep coming back. When you combine “easy” with “fun,” you tend to get a good time. For many roulette players, it is the pursuit of entertainment which draws them into roulette.
For others, however, the game is no laughing matter. Beating the house and winning money is where the true appeal lies.
Roulette: The Fundamentals
So there is a wheel, a table, and some chips, right? Yes, but there is more.
Do you want to maximize your chances of success when playing roulette? The first step is to learn everything to do with the game. Knowledge of each and every component which contributes to roulette will undoubtedly help you to find the right strategy.
First things first, let’s take a look at the roulette wheel.
The Wheel
The roulette wheel is essentially broken down into three different parts.
- The outer track is where the ball rolls around
- The base track, where the ball descends
- The head of the wheel, which the ball will hit before falling into a pocket
Where the ball lands will determine which number, color, or section of bets will win.
The Table
The table is where bets are placed. There are various types of bets you can place, which we will cover below. As there are differences in the layout of the table when playing American and European roulette, we will break both down individually.
Odds and Bets on American and European Roulette
Did you know that where you are in the world might have an effect on what type of roulette you play? For players in Europe, playing roulette is a slightly different prospect than playing roulette in the US. Americans do things better, according to some. Then there are others who will tell you that Europeans simply do some things better than Americans. Not much, granted. Well, maybe sports cars and food. The point is that things are usually a matter of opinion.
Given the choice between the European version of roulette and its American sister, however, the European version will generally edge it for most bettors. In many countries around the world, the European variant is the most frequently played. There are reasons for this – which we will look at in detail below – which are very beneficial to know.
First, we will take a look at the differences in the types of bets and the odds you can avail of from each winning bet.
American Roulette
American Roulette Wheel
The American version of roulette permits players to bet on 38 separate pockets. There is a single zero (0), a double zero (00), and 36 numbers (1-36). The numbers are arranged in a different sequence around the wheel than the European version.
Bets on American Roulette
When playing the American version of roulette, you have the option to place either inside bets or outside bets. This can really add some fun to proceedings!
It is important to know the difference between both. In basic terms, inside bets refer to those “inside” the table. These bets are those placed directly on a single number, or a combination of numbers, such as a “split.” Outside bets are those placed on red-black, high-low, 1-12, and so on.
Inside Bets
There are different odds according to the type of bet you place. Inside bets have the higher odds and are where the real action happens. These include the following.
Straight-Up Bet – A bet on any of the numbers on the table between 0, 00, and 1-36. Odds are paid at 35-1 for predicting the winning number.
Split Bet – A bet on two numbers – for example, 8 and 11. You simply place your chip on the line separating both numbers, and voila! The odds of landing a split bet are 17-1.
Streets, Three-Number, Side Bet – This is essentially a bet on three numbers. You place this bet by laying the chip on the corresponding line of that sequence of numbers. For example, you could bet on 16, 17, and 18. The odds of landing this type of bet are 11-1.
Corner, Square, Four-Number Bet – A bet on four numbers, which is placed by laying your chip on the cross section of any that form a square. For example, you could bet on 20, 21, 23, and 24. The odds for this type of bet are 8-1.
Five-Number Bet – This type of bet is unique to American double-zero roulette. It is known as the “Monster Bet” and covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
Line Bet, Six-Number/Six-Line Bet – You place your chip on the outside borders of the six numbers of your choice. For example, you could bet on 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The odds for this type of bet are 5-1.
Outside Bets
These are typically bets with smaller payouts. They include the ones below.
Red or Black Bet – As simple as it gets. You choose between red or black and will win even money if you are successful.
Column Bet – This is another straightforward bet. You simply bet on one of three columns at the bottom of the table. Odds for this type of bet are 2-1.
Dozens Bet – Do you think the first dozen of numbers will win? Simply place your chip on either the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd dozen, and if you are right, you will win at odds of 2-1. Please note that 0 and 00 do not count in this bet.
Odd or Even Bet – As there are 36 numbers on the table (0 and 00 don’t count), you can choose if the next number will be an odd or even number. For example, 1 is an odd number, while 18 is an even. The odds for this type of bet are 2-1.
High or Low Bet – You place this bet on either the 1 to 18 or the 19 to 36 section of the table. The odds for this type of bet are even money.
European Roulette
European roulette is the standard version of the game for many players around the world. It is the original and the best, according to some roulette enthusiasts. When playing the game, there are certain things which back up this sentiment.
Perhaps the most important difference to discuss is the house edge. In the European version, the house edge is much less than its American sister. American roulette has an additional pocket on the wheel – which decreases your chances of winning – but pays the same as European roulette for a win on a number.
European Roulette Wheel
The European version of roulette allows players to bet on 37 separate pockets. There is a single zero (0) and 36 numbers (1-36). The numbers are arranged in a different sequence around the wheel when compared to American roulette.
Bets on European Roulette
Inside Bets
Regardless of the type of roulette you play, inside bets come with the higher odds and payouts. These include the ones listed below.
Straight-Up Bet – The easiest bet to place. A straight-up is simply a bet on any of the numbers on the table between 0 and 1-36. Odds are paid at 35-1 for predicting the winning number.
Split Bet – A bet on two numbers. For example, 2 and 5. You simply place your chip on the line separating both numbers, and voila! The odds of landing a split bet are 17-1.
Streets, Three-Number, Side Bet – A bet on three numbers. You place this bet by laying the chip on the corresponding line of that sequence of numbers. For example, you could bet on 16, 17, and 18. The odds of landing this type of bet are 11-1.
Corner, Square, Four-Number Bet – Like to bet on four numbers at once? Simply place your chip on the cross section of any that form a square. For example, you could bet on 20, 21, 23, and 24. The odds for this type of bet are 8-1.
Line Bet, Six-Number/Six-Line Bet – A pretty cool bet. You place your chip on the outside borders of the six numbers of your choice. For example, you could bet on 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The odds for this type of bet are 5-1.
Outside Bets
These are typically bets with smaller payouts. They include the following.
Red or Black Bet – The most common outside bet. You choose between red or black and will win even money if you are successful.
Column Bet – Once again, a very self-explanatory bet. You simply bet on one of three columns at the bottom of the table. Odds for this type of bet are 2-1.
Dozens Bet – Do you think the first dozen of numbers will win? Simply place your chip on either the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd dozen, and if you are right, you will win at odds of 2-1. Please note that 0 and 00 do not count in this bet.
Odd or Even Bet – As there are 36 numbers on the table (0 and 00 don’t count), you can choose if the next number will be an odd or even number. For example, 1 is an odd number, while 18 is an even. The odds for this type of bet are 2-1.
High or Low Bet – You place this bet on either the 1 to 18 or the 19 to 36 section of the table. The odds for this type of bet are even money.
Bonus Bets:
These types of bets are unique to European roulette.
“La Partage” and “En Prison” are not always active on every game of European roulette. If you are in a brick-and-mortar casino or playing online, these bets are at the discretion of the casino, for the most part.
For those unfamiliar with these bets, here is how they work.
La Partage – La Partage is a bet which is triggered on a bet where 0 wins. If the player has bet La Partage (which translates roughly as The Divide), then half of their even-money bets are returned to them.
This bet is positive for two main reasons:
- A) It acts like an insurance-type bet if 0 lands
- B) It can bring the overall house edge down to 1.35% when it has been activated
En Prison – En Prison (basically “In Prison”) is a rule which also applies to even-money bets when 0 wins. How it works is that the dealer will place a marker over the previous even-money bet when zero comes in. Should the player win on the very next spin, they get their stake back. Pretty cool, huh?
The House Edge
The house edge is a very important aspect to consider when playing any type of casino game. It can be the difference between making serious money and losing enough to end your night.
In roulette, there is a discernible house edge when American roulette is played. The higher the edge a casino has over a player, the lower your chances of winning will be. Many players will actively shun American roulette on the basis of the higher house edge alone. After all, no one likes giving away an advantage when it comes to money.
So how do things look when we break down the difference in the house edge between American and European roulette? The easiest way to identify the house edge is to break down the odds and bets in both versions of roulette, as we have done below.
House Edge in American Roulette
American roulette has 38 numbers in total when we account for the 1-36 and the zero and double zero. This represents 38 potential results, with odds of 35-1 payable on single-number bets. As there are 38 potential results, and you are paid odds which only represent 36 numbers, the zero and double zero make up the casino’s edge over a player.
The house edge works out at double of what a casino has over a player in European roulette. Rather than having an edge of 2.70%, the presence of the double zero brings it up to 5.26%. Players who refrain from making inside bets will, therefore, lose every time a zero or double zero comes in.
Below, you can find the probability of winning on each bet in American roulette.
Type of Bet | Odds | Probability |
Odd | 1:1 | 46.37% |
Even | 1:1 | 46.37% |
Black | 1:1 | 46.37% |
Red | 1:1 | 46.37% |
1-18 | 1:1 | 46.37% |
19-36 | 1:1 | 46.37% |
1-12 | 2:1 | 31.58% |
13-24 | 2:1 | 31.58% |
25-36 | 2:1 | 31.58% |
Single Number | 35:1 | 2.63% |
Combination of two numbers | 17:1 | 5.26% |
Combination of three numbers | 11:1 | 7.89% |
Combination of four numbers | 8:1 | 10.53% |
Combination of six numbers | 5:1 | 15.79% |
Combination of 1-2-3-0-00 | 6:1 | 13.16% |
House Edge in European Roulette
In European roulette, there are 37 potential results. As the wheel has 37 pockets, players are betting on the result of a game which involves a ball landing in one. These pockets are numbered 0 and 1-36.
The odds payable for a winning number are 35-1. This means that for every dollar placed on a winning number, a player receives 35x that amount. These are the odds based on the 37 numbers on the wheel, including the zero. The zero is an additional outcome which is not accounted for in the odds payable. This is effectively the house edge.
Players who only choose outside bets will only lose when a zero comes in, as there is no double zero. As such, the house edge in European roulette is brought down to 2.70% from the 5.26% the casino enjoys on the American version.
Below, you can find the probability of winning on each bet in European roulette.
Type of Bet | Odds | Probability |
Odd | 1:1 | 48.6% |
Even | 1:1 | 48.6% |
Black | 1:1 | 48.6% |
Red | 1:1 | 48.6% |
1-18 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
19-36 | 1:1 | 48.6% |
1-12 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
13-24 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
25-36 | 2:1 | 32.4% |
Single Number | 35:1 | 2.7% |
Combination of two numbers | 17:1 | 5.4% |
Combination of three numbers | 11:1 | 8.1% |
Combination of four numbers | 8:1 | 10.8% |
Combination of six numbers | 5:1 | 16.2% |
Roulette Strategies and Systems
For many roulette enthusiasts, playing with a strategy is the sensible option. These folks enjoy the game, just like others who simply play for fun. It can be argued that there is nothing more enjoyable than seeing a strategy pay out time and time again. If it was that easy, however, casinos would either change the game completely or go out of business. Roulette is effectively a game of chance, for the most part.
That being said, some folks have their own way of playing the game. Whether it is American or European roulette, that is. Maybe they prefer to simply close their eyes and throw their chips all over the table (not advised!) or think of eight people close to them and bet according to the dates of their birthdays (not suitable for anyone who knows octuplets). Either way, it is their call.
There is no right or wrong way to play roulette, but if you want to improve your chances of winning, employing a strategy might help.
The Martingale Strategy
So let’s start with the most renowned of roulette strategies, the Martingale.
Like many other things associated with gambling, no one is entirely sure who invented this system. While the name “Martingale” might conjure up some cool customer in Edwardian times, smoking a pipe and single-handedly bringing down casinos with his awesome system, we’re sorry to disappoint you.
Roulette historians believe that the Martingale can be traced to an English casino owner of the 1800s who had a particular obsession with roulette. That man’s name was Henry Martindale – yes, Martindale – but somewhere along the line, someone made a hash of his surname. Others have alternate theories of who was behind the Martingale system. If detective work is your thing, maybe you can have a shot at cracking the case!
How the Martingale Strategy Works
You might have some questions, like, what does this mysterious and esoteric system involve? Or, do I need a map and a compass?
The answer is no. The Martingale system essentially works like this: once you lose a bet, you double your stake up to a house maximum of either 100, 200, or 400. This is about as complex as apple pie and ice cream. As simple as it might be, this system works on the logic that you are aiming to get ahead of what you started out with but relies on a reasonable bankroll or a nice streak of luck. Sometimes both.
In order to play with the Martingale strategy, you will follow a pattern similar to this:
Your first even-money bet of $10 loses, so you make the same bet, but this time at $20. If that wins, you are up $10 in total. If you lose, you bet $40. The aim is to incrementally increase your winnings by $10 at a time, which sounds easy. The problem is that you can have a losing streak which could potentially clear you out in no time.
Pros and Cons of the Martingale
The house edge will remain the same with the Martingale system, but you can win the majority of your sessions if the basic principles are followed. This can be as high as over 90 percent depending on the maximum bet of the casino, in many cases.
Sounds perfect, right? Nope. Not even close. If you have a streak of losses in a row, you are potentially screwed. If luck is not on your side, and you end up losing 8 times in a row, for example, your bankroll may resemble nothing more than a handful of Scotch mist.
There are pros and cons of Martingale for players who can afford a rough streak. If you are planning on making sizeable wins in as quick a time as possible, this may not be for you.
Does the Martingale Work on Straight-Up Bets?
You can certainly use the Martingale on straight-up bets, but it could be a very costly session if you don’t have luck on your side.
For example, if you choose to try the strategy out on a number – let’s say 3 – you will not bet on any other numbers. The odds of winning on 3 are 35-1. You will be betting 10 units, so $10 per spin.
Even if you are unbelievably lucky and land 3 on your first spin, you will continue to bet $10 on 3 until it comes in again. The first win bags you $350 dollars (35-1), so you have 35 bets to break even. If you go through the 35 bets, you must then up your stake to $20, as you are now on the 36th spin. If 3 doesn’t come in for another 18 spins (the amount required to make up the loss of $350), you will be down 710 units, or $710 dollars.
Unless you have enough money to not miss your losses, it is probably not a great idea to try this.
The Grand Martingale
If the Martingale is akin to a slightly spicy appetizer, then the Grand Martingale will have you reaching for a cold glass of milk. In this version, you don’t double your losing bet. You go even further by increasing your next bet even higher. For example, a 10-unit lost bet is superseded by a 30-unit bet, which is then pushed even higher. Some can even push this up as high as 1000 units, which can be disastrous.
As you will meet the house maximum bet a lot sooner, your winning streaks will not be as frequent. The idea is to double-plus your following bet, which could be very dangerous. The house edge doesn’t improve at all, so you are basically hoping for a Hail Mary shot time and time again.
The Labouchere Strategy
Depending on who you ask, you will be told that a particular gambling strategy is a way to make free money.
The “secrets” which many gambling “experts” want to sell to you for ridiculous prices are usually not so secret at all. One of the main strategies used by these charlatans is what is known as the Labouchere strategy. Henry Labouchere is the man who is said to have created this gambling system. The Frenchman was renowned as a gambler who reportedly traveled the world in pursuit of big wins (long before online gambling).
However, Labouchere did not create this system (shock horror). The strategy was, in fact, a mathematical system created by the Marquis de Condorcet in the 1700s.
How It Works
It is important to stress that this strategy does not change the house edge or give you any tangible advantage. While there are variations of this strategy, we will take a look at the most commonly used. This progressive system is designed to work on even bets. You can use it when placing bets on the inside of the table, but this can see you lose significantly.
To begin, you need to determine your goal. This goal represents how much you want to win. Then, you break the figure down into smaller numbers. For example, you want to win $100. The below numbers make up that goal:
10 – 10 – 10 – 20 – 20 – 20 – 10
It is up to you to decide your winning goal and how you separate the numbers. Once you have done this, pick the first and last number of the sequence and combine them. This figure will be your first spin. According to the sequence above, this will be $20. If you win – for example, on a red bet – you cross these numbers out from the sequence. This means that you have completed a portion of your goal.
Your sequence should now look like this:
10 – 10 – 20 – 20 – 20
The second stage then involves combining the first and second numbers of the new sequence (10 and 20). $10 + $20 = $30, and this will be your next bet. You continue to follow the sequence until you cross all numbers out. When you are left with no numbers, you should have achieved your goal.
If you have lost a bet, you don’t cross out any of your numbers. You add the number you bet to the right-hand side of the sequence. This should be included in the bet, as you must make up the loss amount.
If you had lost your first bet, for example, your sequence would look like this:
10 – 10 – 10 – 20 – 20 – 20 – 10 – 20
The Labouchere system is pretty easy to master. Keep in mind that you are simply required to cross out the numbers to the left and right side after a win. When you lose, you don’t cross numbers out, but instead, you add the bet to the right side of your sequence.
The Pros and Cons
The system will not affect the house edge, as stated above, but it does provide an element of fun. As with any cancelation system, it provides a cool way to keep track of bets. For those who like structure when they play, this system certainly provides that.
When playing the Labouchere system, you will not have any notable advantage over a casino. Some you will win, and some you will lose, much like any other betting system out there.
The D’Alembert Strategy
This strategy – also known as the “gambler’s fallacy” – is perhaps the easiest out there. The D’Alembert strategy is named after its creator, French mathematician Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert. Fundamentally, D’Alembert based his theory on a belief that pretty much every roulette-playing novice does: “Tom, if red has come in 8 times, then surely it’s black next. Here, watch me put my last $200 on black.”
Of course, red comes in again – or in the really unlucky cases, zero does – meaning that Tom has no more money left in his bankroll. Poor Tom. Tom essentially fell for the gambler’s fallacy, or in other words, the belief that equilibrium will always find a way to triumph from chaos. In terms of roulette, chaos would be represented by an extraordinary sequence of even-money bets – such as in red or black bets – favoring one color.
How Does It Work?
With the D’Alembert strategy, the concept is that you should naturally win roughly around the same number of even-money bets that you lose. Things should eventually pan out, in other words.
The way the system works is like this:
- You choose a base staking unit, such as $10. Try and make the stake work out at 5% or below
- Next, you place your first bet (red or black, or any other even-money bet) to that value
- If you lose, you increase the stake by one unit. In this example, a loss means staking $20 on the next spin
- If you win, you decrease the stake by one unit; a win with a wager on one unit remains at the base value, which is $10
Pros and Cons
Unlike other systems like the Martingale, once the base unit is not excessive, considerable losses should not occur. While there is every chance that you could end up embarking on a dreaded losing streak, providing you are sensible with your base stake, you should only suffer minor losses.
Things can get out of hand if you deviate from the rules, however, as this is a progressive system.
The Paroli Strategy
This system has such a traditional Italian sound to it, but in truth, no one is certain where it came from. The Paroli system – or Reversed Martingale – is used mostly in roulette but is also utilized by others who play baccarat. It is essentially a basic strategy which is designed much like any other positive progressive betting system.
The purpose of the Paroli betting system is to land three consecutive wins in a row. Your wager must then be doubled with every individual win. In order to achieve this, a gambler will place one unit on an even-money outcome, such as “higher.” Should the gambler lose, they will repeat the same bet with one unit. This method is continued until a player lands a win.
Once a win has been achieved, two units are bet. Should this bet be unsuccessful, the bets will return to one unit. In a case where the bet of two units wins, the following bet is doubled to four units. This will be the final bet of the sequence, as it is a three-step bet. The desired result is, at worst, a net loss of one unit or a profit of seven units. Once completed, the player starts again.
Pros and Cons
Like other betting systems out there (understatement of the year incoming), a string of losses can really be the killer. The obvious plus of this strategy is that you will never place a bet that is four times your base stake. Most of this, in theory, should be accumulating winnings rather than your starting bankroll.
Due to the nature of the system, wins and losses are not going to be severe, in theory. If you adjust your stake and end up getting carried away, this could change.
Alternative Roulette Strategies
Oscar’s Grind Strategy
This is similar to the D’Alembert, which we covered above. As with most of these strategies, Oscar’s Grind works as an even-money betting system. You will play through this strategy in four steps, which you should break down as you go along.
Put simply, a player increases their bets by 1 base stake in every step until they reach the fourth and final step. Losses mean that the stake remains the same. Your goal should be to profit by 1 unit each time, which will keep you at 1 base stake. This is the same even if you reach the fourth play. In essence, players will always return to the first step as long as they have made a profit of one unit. Regardless of where you are in the four steps, you will return back to the beginning once you have achieved this.
For example, your base stake is $10. You will continue the session in the following manner if the below scenario plays out:
- Place a $10 bet and lose
- Place a $10 bet and lose
- Place a $10 bet and win
- Place a $20 bet and win
With a loss, the stake remained the same. With a win (Step 3), we stepped the bet up to $20 (2 units). When the $20 bet won, we made a profit of +1 unit, so we will have returned to the 1st step.
Pros and Cons
This is an easy strategy which appeals to the logical brain. It can seem like the perfect way to play – at least, that is what some may tell you – but it is just like any other system: you will eventually lose.
With the way this system is designed, even a run of 4 or 5 losses can deplete your bankroll. When this happens (not if, as it will happen) you will probably be tempted to up your stake. This can get a player into even bigger trouble as a result.
Chaos Theory
If you like putting it to the man, then this system will probably be right up your street. The concept of fighting capitalism via roulette is, well, pretty silly. However, the idea of manipulating a casino’s advantage and bending it to your favor is not really something most gamblers would laugh at.
In fact, they would probably bite your hand off for the information. Figuratively, of course. No one likes a cannibal in the casino, and the “one-armed bandits” (slot machines, for those not accustomed to the British term) already have that niche covered.
The Chaos Theory, in reality, sounds a lot more sensational than it actually is. As a strategy, it is basically a means to fight fire with fire. If a roulette wheel is random – and as such, has no predictable patterns – then studying things such as velocity and the speed of the ball helps you determine which pocket it will fall into next.
While a team of scientists put the theory to the test and yielded results of roughly 60% of positive predictions, this was done on a wheel outside of a casino. In an online casino – especially with random number generator software – you will not have much luck.
Pros and Cons
We would love to be able to tell you that this is a proven strategy designed to make you millions, but it is not. In fact, it is like any other roulette strategy where, in the end, the house edge is the same, and you will be relying on luck.
Online Casino Roulette
If you want to try out these strategies, or perhaps give European roulette a shot over American roulette, you will need to register an account with an online casino.
No one should be at a loss when looking for an online casino to play at. These days, there is an abundance of sites out there, all vying for your patronage. In order to get players to sign up, most casinos offer welcome packages consisting of bonuses, free bets, matched deposits, and more.
Beware of the Bonus
Bonuses tend to vary from site to site. Some look more promising than others from a distance, whereas the bonuses which may look small in comparison can often represent better value. The best way to understand a bonus offer is to thoroughly read through the terms and conditions of the bonus itself. More often than not, these bonuses have a turnover or wagering requirement. Typically, these can range from anywhere between 20x and 50x. Anything above 50x is usually considered poor value.
Most bonuses are matched deposits. These require a player to deposit an amount which will then be matched. So, if you deposit $20, for example, you will receive $20 in bonus funds. Quite often, the value of the bonus and your deposit combined will be the figure which will have to be turned over before you withdraw any funds.
Consider the Bigger Picture
When considering a site to play at, don’t simply be lured in by these offers which seem too good to be true, as quite often, they are. Instead, judge a site on their online reputation, check their security features, look through the quality of their games and software providers, and study their terms and conditions.
Bonuses can be an excellent way to boost your bankroll. This is not always the case, however. It is always best to read the terms and conditions of a bonus before you sign up to a casino.
RNG Roulette
For those accustomed to playing roulette in a land-based casino in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, for example, playing roulette online is completely different. In some cases, it doesn’t have to be. There are two main types of roulette which you will find in a casino online. Random number generator (RNG) roulette is the main one.
RNGs are essentially programs which select numbers at random when you are playing roulette. The program software will then play out the sequence of the roulette wheel spinning around before landing in a particular slot. This is done in rapid time, allowing a video graphic to be played for the gambler to watch (even if the winning sequence has already been determined). RNG software, like any computer program, is susceptible to blips and glitches. For the most part, everything should be completely randomized.
Live Dealer Roulette
From the early part of the 2010s, live dealer roulette really came to prominence among casino enthusiasts. Players who prefer the natural pace of the roulette wheel and the presence of real dealers tend to enjoy playing this version online.
Once bets have been placed, the video feed then shows a close-up of the wheel. Players can then watch the game play out as they would inside the confines of a land-based casino. There is a more sociable aspect to this game. Not only is it more natural (it is a replication of a real casino), but there is also typically a chat option where players can communicate with the dealer.
RNG Roulette vs. Live Dealer
When it comes to choosing between both, it is purely subjective. Some players enjoy RNG roulette, as it is a more private and faster experience. A typical RNG game will start when you alone have placed your bets and selected “Spin.” This level of control and the swifter pace is preferred by those who want to play games in quick succession and perhaps while on the move.
Live dealer roulette is more of an authentic experience. The presence of a real wheel, live dealers, and the optical familiarity is comforting to some players. Those who are skeptical of RNG software certainly prefer to play roulette online this way. Providing the odds and payouts are the same on the game you choose, you should find live dealer roulette as close to the real thing as you can get.
Conclusion
Roulette is a truly wonderful game to play and is one which will continue to grow in popularity. Due to its relative simplicity and high-risk/high-reward nature, players of all backgrounds and nationalities enjoy the experience of the spinning wheel.
It can be surprising for some to learn just how old roulette is. The game as we know it has been around a long time and still continues to attract new players every single day. With the advent of the internet, more and more gamblers have flocked to the tables and online casino lobbies for their kicks.
While many play roulette simply for fun, others prefer to employ strategies designed to beat the dealers and win big. Regardless of the various systems and strategies, however, the house edge will always remain. As time goes on, more and more players will aim to try their best to be the one that breaks this rule.