Roulette is arguably the most popular and electrifying casino game, the appeal of which is not limited to seasoned gamblers but also extends to those curious beginners. The spinning wheel and the bouncing ball create this unique blend of excitement and suspense because one never knows where it will fall.
To enjoy the game fully and hedge the chances of winning, one needs to understand the odds associated with online roulette. This guide will help you through the basics of roulette odds and thus facilitate you in making somewhat informed decisions to get the most out of your gameplay.
It therefore makes the game a no-brainer for those enthusiastic enough to try their hand at online roulette, which requires them to look for an established site.
You can play roulette on sites at Plainenglish.io, where you will find a collection of the best online casinos which deal in this classic game.
The Basics of Roulette
Before we get into odds, let’s briefly review how roulette works. In the game, there is a wheel with numbered pockets, typically from 1 to 36; a small white ball is spun around the wheel.
In addition to the numbers, the pockets are colored alternately red or black; one or two green pockets are reserved for the zero and double zero in American roulette.
Players place their bets on the table, which maps to both the number and color on the wheel. The range of bets runs from bets on one number up to bets on the color, odd or even numbers, or sets of numbers.
European versus American Roulette: The Difference in Odds
Perhaps one of the most critical differences in roulette is between European and American roulette, and it has to do with your odds of winning.
- European Roulette: The European roulette wheel contains 37 pockets- numbers 1 through 36 and a single zero. The house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, hence making it more favorable towards the player.
- American Roulette: In American roulette, there are 38 pockets because, in addition to the numbers 1 through 36, there is a single zero and a double zero. This additional zero increases the house advantage to 5.26%, which makes the odds not as good as those of European roulette.
If you have a choice, always go with European roulette because the odds will be better in your favor with the house edge being lower.
Inside Bets versus Outside Bets
Roulette bets can normally be classified into two kinds: inside bets and outside bets. Knowing the difference between these two can enable you to develop a strategy for playing it.
Inside Bets: These bets are placed on specific numbers or number combinations on the roulette table. Inside bets have higher pay but lower chances of winning. Examples include:
Straight Up: This is a bet on one single number. The payout is 35:1.
Split: A bet on two numbers that are adjacent to each other. This will have a payout of 17:1. Street: A bet on three numbers in a row. Pays 11:1. Corner:
A bet on four numbers that measure into a square on the table. Pays 8:1. Six Line: A bet on six numbers through two rows together. Pays 5:1.
Outside bets: These are larger groupings of numbers. The chances of winning are higher, but there are smaller payoffs outside the table. Examples include:
- Red/Black: A bet on which color the ball will land in. It pays 1:1.
- Odd/Even: A bet on whether the ball falls on an odd or even number. Payment is 1:1.
- High/Low: A bet on whether the ball would fall into a number between 1-18, Low, and 19-36, high. The payout is 1: 1.
- Dozens: This is a bet on one of three dozen groups: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36. The payout is 2: 1.
- Columns: This is a bet on one of three vertical columns of numbers on the table. The payout is 2: 1.
Understanding the House Edge
The house edge is one of the most important concepts in all casino games, and that relates to roulette as well. It denotes the statistical edge of the casino over the player within the long-term perspective. As has already been mentioned above, the house edge is 2.7% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette.
It follows, then, that the house edge is built into the design of the game, so that over time, the casino is set to make a profit off of players. This does not mean, though, that individual players cannot win; this simply means that on average, in one way or another, the odds slightly go to the house.
How to Take Advantage with the Odds
While roulette largely is a game of chance, knowing the odds will make wiser bets that can possibly yield more wins.
- Choose European Roulette: As earlier explained, the lesser house edge in European roulette means you have better chances; thus, always go with this version if available.
- Mix Inside and Outside Bets: This could be a strategy that married both inside and outside bets. For instance, you would make a small bet on one number for the massive payout that came with it, then cover that potential loss with more outside bets on red/black.
- Know when to fold them: like all casino games, roulette can be quite volatile at times. Determine the budget of the gaming session and stick to it. Knowing when to fold after a big win or a streak of losses is important bankroll management.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Most online casinos have ‘play for free’ roulette games that you can practice with, without putting your hard-earned cash at risk. Take these opportunities to get accustomed with the various betting options and work out your strategy.
Betting Systems: Do They Work?
There is a Martingale, Fibonacci, and D’Alembert system that players use while making bets in roulette. These systems will help you with the management of your bets and possibly even increase your chances of winning.
After all, no betting system can overcome the house advantage in the long run. These systems are fun to try, but don’t guarantee success.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the odds is the first step to complete enjoyment in online roulette.
Acquaintances with the various types of bets, the house edge, and the nuances between European and American roulette-all that helps a player to make better decisions that can increase one’s chances of winning.
As you progress and take your Roulette journey further, remember to play responsibly and have fun. Roulette is a game of chance, but knowing the odds gives you a decided advantage, and it’s the “spin” that keeps the players coming back for more.
