Roulette is a popular casino game where a small ball spins around a numbered wheel. In the European version the wheel has 37 pockets (numbers 0–36), while the American wheel adds a “00” pocket. The table in front of the wheel displays all those numbers plus special areas for broader bets (red/black, odd/even, etc.).
New players should note that inside bets (on specific numbers) pay higher but are harder to win, while outside bets (like red/black or odd/even) cover many numbers with roughly even-money payouts. By understanding this layout, even absolute beginners can quickly learn the fundamentals of how to play roulette online.
Basics of the Roulette Wheel and Table
The roulette wheel and betting table work together. A typical online roulette guide will emphasize that each spin begins with players placing bets on the table layout. Inside the table you see all individual numbers; outside, you see larger categories. For example, red/black and odd/even bets cover 18 numbers each and pay even money (1:1).
Inside the wheel, you’ll find numbered slots: 1–36 (alternating red and black) plus a green 0 (and green 00 in American roulette). The single-zero version (European/French) has 37 pockets, while double-zero (American) has 38. A straight-up bet on one number wins 35 times your stake. reflecting the 36-to-1 odds on a 37-number wheel.
Understanding the table layout is key. Bets on red or black, odd or even, or 1–18 (low) vs. 19–36 (high) are all outside bets and cover half the numbers (apart from the green 0/00). These outside bets have the lowest payout but the highest chance to win (about 48.6% in European roulette).
Inside bets include straight-up (single number), split (two numbers), street (three numbers), corner (four), and line (six). As a rule, larger combinations mean higher payouts but lower odds. A beginner’s roulette strategy is to start simple: place chips on big sections first and learn the layout.
Differences: European vs American Roulette
The two most common roulette styles differ mainly in wheel pockets and odds. European roulette uses one green zero; American uses both 0 and 00. Because of that extra double-zero, American roulette’s house edge is about 5.26%, while European roulette’s edge is only 2.70%.
In practical terms, this means you have nearly twice the chance of winning (and losing half as much over time) in European roulette compared to American. All else is similar: payouts (35:1 for a single number, 17:1 for a split, etc.) remain the same, but the extra green slot tilts the math against the player in American tables. For beginners, sticking to single-zero (European) roulette when available is generally a safer choice.
In addition to the odds, you may notice minor layout differences. The sequence of numbers around the wheel differs, and some casinos use special rules (like En Prison or La Partage) on even-money bets in French-style tables, which further lower the edge. But the key takeaway is: one zero = better odds.
Beginner Tips
Start with outside bets: For newcomers, the safest bets are on large sections (red/black, odd/even, high/low). Each of these covers 18 numbers, so you win roughly half the time (minus the zero green). The reward is small (you double your bet) but it’s a good way to build confidence and stretch your bankroll. In fact, outside bets “have the lowest payouts, but the highest probabilities of success”. Focus on these until you feel comfortable with the game pace.
