Roulette is one of the most popular and exciting games in casinos. This iconic wheel-based game offers a variety of betting options and table layouts for players to choose from.
Interestingly, many casinos feature Roulette tables with dealers from the Philippines, reflecting the popularity of the game among Filipino players. If you’re looking to learn about Roulette, this Tapwin guide is perfect for you.
How to Play
What is Roulette?
In French, “Roulette” means “little wheel”. The game consists of a spinning wheel where the dealer (or croupier) releases a ball in the opposite direction of the wheel’s rotation. Eventually, the ball lands on a specific numbered slot on the wheel. Bets placed on that number or related outcomes win. The lower the probability of a bet, the higher the payout, and vice versa.
Betting Options and How to Place Bets in Roulette
Roulette is one of the casino games with the most betting options, offering attractive payouts ranging from 1:1 to 35:1. If you’re a beginner feeling overwhelmed, remember that Roulette bets are generally categorized into two types: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets
These bets are placed directly on specific numbers or combinations of numbers. They offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning.
| Bet Name | English Bet Name | How to Place the Bet | Example | Payout Ratio | Winning Probability |
| Straight/Single | Straight/Single | Place a chip on the chosen number. | 1, 15, 30 | 35 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Split | Split | Place a chip on the line between two numbers. | 5/8, 16/19, 27/30 | 17 to 1 | 5.41% |
| Street | Street | Place a chip at the bottom of a row/column of three numbers. | 1/2/3, 19/20/21, 34/35/36 | 11 to 1 | 8.11% |
| Corner | Corner | Place a chip at the intersection of four numbers. | 0/1/2/3, 2/3/5/6, 20/21/23/24 | 8 to 1 | 10.81% |
| Six Line/Double Street | Six Line/Double Street | Place a chip at the middle T-junction of two rows of three numbers, covering six numbers total. | 1/2/3/4/5/6, 10/11/12/13/14/15, 31/32/33/34/35/36 | 5 to 1 | 16.22% |
Outside Bets
These bets are placed outside the number grid and usually involve categories such as colors, odd/even numbers, or larger groupings of numbers. Outside bets are easier to remember and have a higher probability of winning, though they offer lower payouts.
| Bet Name | English Bet Name | How to Place the Bet | Payout Ratio | Winning Probability |
| Column | Column | Place a chip on one of the three column boxes: 1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12. | 2 to 1 | 32.43% |
| Dozen | Dozen | Place a chip in one of the dozen boxes. | 2 to 1 | 32.43% |
| Red/Black | Red/Black | Place a chip on either the Red or Black box. | 1 to 1 | 48.65% |
| Odd/Even | Odd/Even | Place a chip on either the Odd or Even box. | 1 to 1 | 48.65% |
| 1-18 | 1-18 | Place a chip in the 1-18 box. | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
| 19-36 | 19-36 | Place a chip in the 19-36 box. | 1 to 1 | 47.37% |
Key Points When Betting on Online Roulette:
- Multiple Bets Are Allowed: You can place multiple bets simultaneously. Many players enjoy placing single-number bets (e.g., betting on 20 numbers). If they win, they receive a payout of 35:1, and after deducting their 20 bets, they still profit by 15 times their wager.
- Understand the Difference Between Inside and Outside Bets: Inside bets involve numbers, while outside bets are placed on sections outside the number grid. Inside bets have lower winning probabilities compared to outside bets.
Why is It So Popular?
Roulette is one of the oldest and most widely played casino games. Its popularity stems from several advantages:
- Ease of Play: The game is straightforward. Players typically understand how it works after just a few rounds.
- Exciting Betting Options: With a variety of bets, Roulette offers a level of excitement similar to online games like Sic Bo (Hi-Lo).
- High Payout Potential: The game features substantial payouts, especially for inside bets like the Straight Bet (betting on a single number), which pays 35:1. Studies show that Roulette has a return to player (RTP) rate of 97.3%, with a house edge of only 2.7%. This makes it relatively easy for players to win, especially when betting on outcomes with higher probabilities.
How to Choose a Reliable Roulette Casino
When participating in online Roulette games, selecting a safe and trustworthy platform is crucial. Here are some important criteria to consider:
Licensing and Reputation
The first and most essential factor to consider when choosing a Roulette casino is its legal operating license. A reputable casino should have licenses issued by well-known regulatory authorities such as:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Curacao Gaming Control Board
- Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
In addition to licensing, online casinos with a long track record and strong brand presence are generally more reliable.
Roulette Tables from Trusted Providers
The quality of software and Roulette tables significantly impacts your gaming experience. Players should opt for casinos that use services from top developers such as Evolution Gaming, Phwin, Phjoy, and Microgaming. These developers are frequently audited by reputable organizations like eCOGRA to ensure fairness and randomness in game outcomes.
Live Dealer Options
Roulette games with live dealers provide the most authentic experience for players. When choosing a casino, prioritize those that meet these standards:
- Professional Dealers: Friendly, clear communicators who handle situations skillfully.
- Multiple Camera Angles: Allowing players to observe the Roulette table from different perspectives.
Pragmatic Play even offers Roulette tables tailored to Filipino players, featuring Vietnamese female dealers who interact with players.
Fast Payouts
Payment speed is a critical factor when selecting a Roulette casino. A reliable platform should have efficient deposit and withdrawal processes with the following features:
- Multiple Payment Options: Including credit cards, MasterCard, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.
- Processing Time: Transactions should be completed within 24 hours.
- Withdrawal Limits: High limits with the flexibility for multiple daily withdrawals are preferable.
- Low Withdrawal Fees: Preferably free or less than 3% per transaction.
Free Play or Preview Options
A good Roulette casino should provide free trial options or allow players to preview game interfaces without registration. This helps players familiarize themselves with the game layout and rules before betting real money. Additionally, this allows players to evaluate the software quality and loading speed. If free play isn’t available, the casino should at least provide demo videos of its games on its website.
Mobile Compatibility
In today’s era, a high-quality Roulette casino must have an optimized mobile version, as mobile devices are the most commonly used for gaming. Casinos should offer apps compatible with iOS and Android, and the mobile browser version should load in under 5 seconds, providing a smooth experience comparable to the desktop version.
Roulette Playing Tips
Understand the Rules and Play Practice Rounds
Although Roulette seems simple, it’s essential to play practice rounds and place small bets to understand the probability of different outcomes fully. Experience shows that players who place random bets without understanding the game struggle to win.
Remember Bet Probabilities
Earlier, we provided the probabilities and payouts for different inside and outside bets. Try to memorize these and use a strategy of “small wins building to larger wins”. Bet on high-probability but low-payout options and use the winnings to bet on low-probability but high-payout options. For instance, combine even/odd, red/black, or high/low bets with corner or column bets.
Apply Betting Strategies
- Martingale Strategy: This involves doubling your bet after every loss to recover previous losses and make a profit on a win. While commonly used, it requires a large bankroll and can lead to rapid losses during a losing streak.
- Paroli Strategy: The opposite of Martingale, this strategy involves doubling your bet after a win and reverting to the original bet after a loss.
FAQ
Is Roulette More Luck-Based or Skill-Based?
Roulette outcomes are entirely random, making it a high-luck game. However, skill plays a role in increasing your chances of winning. Understanding the rules, types of bets, applying strategies, observing trends, and managing your budget are all important.
Can You Beat the Roulette Casino?
Theoretically, players can win against the casino in the short term, but this is unlikely over the long term. Casinos have algorithms to control win frequencies. Therefore, it’s wise to set loss limits and withdraw winnings quickly to protect your profits.
Should You Use the Martingale Strategy?
The principle of this strategy is to double your bet after each loss to recover losses and gain a profit upon winning. However, it has a significant drawback: it requires a large bankroll to withstand a losing streak. Additionally, many casinos have maximum bet limits, making this strategy challenging to execute effectively.
What is the Player’s Winning Percentage in Roulette?
For bets like red/black, high/low, or odd/even, the winning percentage is 47.37% in American Roulette and 48.65% in European Roulette. For corner bets, the win probability is around 10%, while column and dozen bets have a winning chance of approximately 30%. Naturally, lower-probability bets come with higher payouts.
