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A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Roulette
If you want to play roulette, you must first choose a variant. This traditional table game has three basic variants: European, American, and French. Because of the simplicity of the rules and the low house edge, it would be better for beginners to try the European variant. If you're just starting out, don't worry: this guide to playing European roulette has all the information you need.
Starting With the Table Layout
Take a look at the game table before you start playing: everything you need to know is actually on the table. In the European variant of roulette, there is a wheel at one end of the table and numbers (representing the betting options) at the other. There are 37 numbers on the wheel, one of which is 0. (This is the main thing that distinguishes this variant from American roulette: the American variant has a total of 38 numbers.) You can bet on any of these numbers. It is also possible to bet on a certain range of numbers, color (red/black), and whether the result will be an odd or even number.
Simply place your chips on the outcome you want to bet on. For example, if you want to bet "23", you can place any number of chips on this number. Each of the betting options offers a different chance of winning and the payouts are determined accordingly. For example, betting on a single number pays 35:1 as the probability of this outcome happening is very low (2.7%).
Roulette betting options are divided into two basic categories, inside and outside. This distinction is determined by the positions of the numbers on the table, but what matters to you is the chances of winning. The general rule here is simple: Inside bets pay out high, but your chances of winning them are low. Outside bets, on the other hand, pay low, but you have a better chance of winning them. So, it's better to use outside bets if you don't feel particularly lucky – let's continue with them.
Outside Bets in Roulette
These bets are four in total in European roulette and their payouts are limited to 2:1 - 1:1. This is because your chances of winning them are pretty high. Outside bets on roulette are:
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Dozen/Column: You bet on a total of 12 numbers (e.g., the first 12). Your chance of winning is 32.40% and the payout is 2:1.
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Red/Black: You bet on what color the result will be. Your chance of winning is 48.60% and the payout is 1:1.
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Odd/Even: You bet on whether the result will be an odd or an even number. Your chance of winning is 48.60% and the payout is 1:1.
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Low/High: You bet on a total of 18 numbers (e.g., the first 18). Your chance of winning is 48.60% and the payout is 1:1.
The last three bet types offer a higher chance of winning, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can also try the dozen/column bet. Even for professional gamblers, outside bets are often the best option because the odds of winning inside bets are really low. For example, your chance of winning a Line bet, which you bet on a total of 6 numbers, is only 16.22%. Therefore, the most ideal strategy you can use is to try your luck with outside bets.
In addition, try to use a bankroll management system. These systems simply allow you to use your budget more efficiently and, for example, not spend all your money on a single bet. The easiest system to use is the one where you divide your budget into units. For example, let's say you have 100 units of money: You can divide it into 10 units and use each of them in a different bet. By doing this you simply get a bankroll that allows you to play 10 times and spread the risk as much as possible. It is possible to increase or decrease the number of units: You have to decide for yourself. Finally, remember that you're playing for fun, and don't hesitate to stop if playing is no longer enjoyable.
