Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Roulette Game
- Steps to Playing Roulette Online
- How We Rate the Best Online Roulette Casinos in the UK
- Understanding the Roulette House Edge
- Roulette Odds and Payouts
- Top Tips for Playing at Roulette Casinos
- Some Popular Roulette Variants
- Start Playing at the Best Roulette Casinos
- Roulette Casinos FAQ
Introduction to the Roulette Game
Roulette is one of the three casino classic games alongside blackjack and baccarat. Unlike the other two, roulette is a non-card game and has been around since the 18th century. The primitive form of the game was introduced by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century, but roulette as we know it started appearing in gambling houses in France around 1796.
Roulette comes from the French word meaning ‘little wheel,’ as the game is played on a numbered wheel with a table of betting options. The objective is to predict where a roulette ball dropped onto the spinning wheel will land. Roulette famously has three variations – American, European, and French roulette. Many software providers have created their own versions of the game that introduce new ways to play and win, but the game’s fundamental rules remain the same.
Steps to Playing Roulette Online
From fast-paced single-player games to live dealer options, roulette boasts thrilling gameplay and several winning opportunities. Playing online allows you to do it all from the comfort of your home. The online casino setting makes roulette even easier to play. Pop open your desktop, phone or tablet, and you can begin betting on this game with little or no prior knowledge. Just follow the steps below:
- Sign up at a roulette casino online.
- Make your first deposit and claim the welcome offer
- Browse the online lobby and select your preferred online roulette game
- Launch the game and place your bets
- Tap the relevant button to spin the wheel
- Receive your payout if your bet wins.
How We Rate the Best Online Roulette Casinos in the UK
We know the importance of playing at a quality casino, and that’s why we prioritise our selection of the top roulette sites. Given how famous this game is, there’s hardly an online gambling site that doesn’t offer a roulette game or two. So, roulette casinos are numerous. When sorting through the myriad of sites, there are several qualities we look out for before awarding our highest ratings. The major aspects we use in rating the best online roulette casinos are given below:
Selection of Roulette Games
Since roulette has plenty of variants, the best sites should provide multiple options for players to try. We’re happy to see titles from leading roulette software providers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt and Evolution. These game companies tend to provide quality games with high RTPs and wide betting limits.
Bonus Offers Valid for Roulette
A casino with generous bonus offers is always a fantastic find. However, some bonuses are specific to selected games and may restrict gameplay on others. This means that if you’re joining a site to play roulette, you’ll want to be able to use your bonus on your preferred game. For this reason, we check that the online casino bonuses offered are valid for roulette gaming. Of course, the quality of the bonus is crucial, so we assess the terms and conditions to ensure they’re reasonable and fair.
Real Money and Free Gaming
Real money gaming is the heart of the casino experience, offering the thrill of betting and the chance to win cash. However, free online roulette gaming is in high demand nowadays, as it allows players to try out different roulette variations, practise their strategies, and enjoy the game without the risk. A top-tier online roulette casino should provide both gameplay modes to enable a more flexible and accessible experience for players.
Live Dealer Roulette Options
Live dealer games are essential for a truly immersive roulette experience. These games stream a live croupier who spins the roulette wheel in real-time, allowing players to bet and interact like in a land-based casino. We rate casinos with robust live dealer roulette options highly, as they provide a genuine and engaging atmosphere.
Mobile Roulette
With the rise of mobile gaming, having a strong mobile platform has become indispensable. The best casinos ensure their roulette games are optimised for smartphones and tablets, offering a seamless experience on iOS and Android devices. This includes easy-to-use interfaces, full game features, and stable performance. High marks go to casinos that make their full roster of games available on mobile devices without compromising quality or playability.
Understanding the Roulette House Edge
| Variant | House Edge | Expected Loss/£100 worth of spins |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 2.70% | £2.70 |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | £5.26 |
| French Roulette | 1.35% | £1.35 |
The house edge is the mathematical advantage that casinos have over players. In roulette, this edge comes from the presence of the zero pockets. European roulette has a single zero with a 2.70 % house edge, while American Roulette, with its additional double zero, has a higher house edge of 5.26%. Some other roulette variants have special rules that can also affect the house edge. For instance, French Roulette has “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules that can further reduce the house edge to as low as 1.35%.
The house edge doesn’t impact the short-term outcome of a few spins. Instead, it becomes more apparent the longer you play. This is why it’s often said that the house always wins in the long run. Suppose you play 100 spins on European Roulette worth £1 per spin. Based on the house edge, the casino claims roughly £2.70 per £100 wagered.
Roulette Odds and Payouts
Unlike the house edge, roulette odds reveal your chances of winning in the short term. And the odds are determined by the type of bet placed. Riskier bets have lower odds, and safer bets have higher odds of winning.
For example, the odds of winning on a straight-up bet is 1 in 37 in European roulette or 1 in 38 in American roulette, reflecting the number of pockets on the wheel. On the other hand, a red/black bet offers 18 in 37 odds (almost a 50% chance of winning), hence the reason why they’re called even bets.
Odds also determine payouts. The higher the odds of winning, the lower the payout; the riskier the bet, the higher the payout. Due to the house edge, the payouts provided by the casino are slightly less than the true odds. For instance, a split bet (betting on two numbers) has true odds of 17.5 to 1 in European Roulette, but the payout is only 17 to 1. In the same way, the 35:1 payout given for a straight-up bet is slightly less than the true chances as explained in the earlier paragraph.
This game has plenty of betting options. You can check our how to play roulette guide to learn all of them, alongside their odds and payouts.
Top Tips for Playing at Roulette Casinos
As simple a game as roulette is, going in with the wrong approach can limit your winning potential. If you’re looking to cheat your way into a greater chance of success, we’ve got some legit ways to do so. Simply apply our top tips for playing at roulette casinos.
- Choose the Right Roulette Variant – European roulette has a single zero and a lower house edge compared to the American version, which includes a double zero. Lower house edge games can increase your winning chances in the long term. As a new player, start by channelling your bets to European roulette tables.
- Understand the Odds – Each roulette bet has its odds, and understanding these can help you make informed decisions. Remember that betting on a single number has a low chance of winning but offers a high payout, whereas bets on red/black, odd/even or high/low offers better odds of winning but lower payouts.
- Play Free Games First – If you’re new to roulette or trying out a new variation, start with free games. This allows you to get comfortable with the gameplay and rules without risking your bankroll.
- Set a Budget and Stick to It – Decide on a bankroll for your gaming session and stick to it. Only bet amounts you can afford to lose, and avoid the temptation to chase losses.
- Combine Bets – If you enjoy placing risky bets, combining them with a safer bet can cushion your losses. If one loses, you stand a chance to win from the other.
- Use Betting Strategies – Although roulette outcomes are heavily dependent on chance, it’s still a game where strategy works. Many roulette betting strategies exist, like the Martingale or Fibonacci. You can use these to structure your betting and potentially increase your chances of winning.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses – Look out for bonuses and promotions that can extend your playtime and provide extra funds or free spins. Make sure to read the terms and conditions to understand the wagering requirements.
Some Popular Roulette Variants
European Roulette
European roulette is the go-to choice for many players because of its straightforward layout and favourable odds. The wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, evenly split between red and black colours, and a single green pocket marked 0. The house edge is lower compared to the American version, sitting at 2.70%. This version is widely available and is the standard against which other variants are often compared.
American Roulette
This variant is easily identified by its wheel, which includes both a single zero (0) and a double zero (00), totalling 38 pockets. The double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it a less favourable option statistically for players. However, it remains a staple at online casinos and offers a different dynamic with the extra pocket in play.
French Roulette
French roulette mirrors the European version in terms of the wheel layout having only one green pocket for the single zero. However, this one has special rules and bets that can reduce the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%. The ‘La Partage’ rule allows players to recover half of their even-money bet, while the ‘En Prison’ rule gives players a second chance to win back their bet on the next spin.
Multi-Wheel Roulette
In Multi-Wheel Roulette, players have the opportunity to bet on the outcomes of multiple wheels simultaneously, usually up to six or eight wheels. This increases the chances of winning in each round. However, it requires a separate bet for each wheel, which can quickly multiply the total bet amount. It’s still an exciting option for players looking to maximise their gaming experience.
Mini Roulette
This is a scaled-down version of the traditional game, featuring a wheel with only 13 pockets numbered 1 to 12 with a single zero. While it offers a simpler gaming experience, it’s important to note that the house edge is significantly higher in this variant. This is largely due to the proportionally greater impact of the single zero on a smaller wheel.
Live Dealer Roulette
Live Dealer Roulette combines online play with the authenticity of a live croupier. Players join a game streamed in real-time from a casino studio and can interact with the dealer and other players, making it a more social experience. The rules are typically the same as standard European or American roulette, depending on the game.
Double Ball Roulette
As the name suggests, this variant is played with two balls instead of one. This offers new betting opportunities and larger potential payouts. For inside bets to win, both balls must land on a number that satisfies the bet. There are also unique bets, such as betting that both balls will land on the same number, which can yield a substantial payout.
Start Playing at the Best Roulette Casinos
There you have it! Roulette is a straightforward game that’s great for newbies. It also has plenty of variations and a wide range of betting options, making it equally thrilling for experienced players. The excitement of the game is evergreen. You simply have to choose the best roulette casinos to begin placing your bets. Apply our expert tips spotlighted above, and you’ll be able to get more out of your roulette betting experience.
Roulette Casinos FAQ
What is the best online roulette casino?
The best casinos for online roulette must be safe, fair and boast multiple game variants with generous bonuses. The best site for you will depend on your personal preferences, but our top list of highly ranked sites will provide all these features and more.
Can I play roulette for free at online casinos?
Yes, many of the top online casinos offer free play versions of roulette for practice or entertainment. Playing free demos allows you to try the game without risking real money. The only difference is the absence of the real money element. All other aspects of the game are identical, whether you play for free or for real stakes.
What is live dealer roulette, and how does it differ from regular online roulette?
Live dealer roulette refers to games that are streamed live with real dealers spinning an actual roulette wheel. In comparison, regular online roulette is based on a random number generator.
What is the house edge in roulette?
The house edge is the casino’s advantage over players’ bets in the long run, and it varies depending on the roulette variant. European roulette comes with a 2.70% edge, while in American roulette, it is 5.26% due to the extra double zero pocket. French roulette has special rules that take the house edge as low as 1.35% on some bets.
Can I play roulette games on my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, most online roulette casinos are optimised for mobile devices. Many of the games themselves are designed with HTML5 and will allow you to enjoy roulette seamlessly on iOS and Android platforms. They adjust to fit various screen sizes.
Are there bonuses specific to roulette at online casinos?
Yes, some casinos offer bonuses and promotions specific to roulette. These are commonly given as bonus cash to use at the roulette table or cashback on losses.