Learn how to play roulette online at the best US online casinos. Most roulette sites have several versions of roulette: American, European, and French Roulette. The same casino feature at least two types of live baccarat: Live American Roulette and Live European Roulette.
Read below for our full guide to online roulette for real money. We explain how to sign up and play roulette online, the difference between inside and outside bets, and the various French Roulette bets. Finally, we give players roulette tips to increase your enjoyment of the game.
Table of Contents
How to Play a Round of Roulette
- Buy Chips or Make a Deposit: To start playing roulette, you’ll need to buy chips at the cashier’s cage. For online roulette, deposit to your online casino account using the Cashier page.
- Choose a Roulette Game: Next, choose a roulette table in a land-based casino. At a roulette online casino, choose the variant you wish to play. Most online casinos offer several different versions of roulette, including European, American, and French Roulette.
- Place a Bet: Place your bet by clicking on the corresponding section of the betting layout. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, or even on the color of the number (red or black). Learn which are inside and outside bets to make it easier.
- Watch the Roulette Spin: Once bets are placed, the dealer spins the roulette wheel spin and drops the ball onto the spinning wheel. In online roulette, this is simulated with software that includes an RNG and simulated graphics. Live roulette online uses a real-life dealer in a real-time livestream.
- Determine the Winning Bets: Eventually, the ball falls into a numbered pocket, which determines the winning number. Any bets that match the winning number or category will be paid out according to the payout schedule of that game.
- Collect Your Winnings: If your bet wins, the dealer moves the chips to your stack. In online roulette, the casino software automatically moves your winnings to your account balance.
- Start a New Hand: Once the winning bets have been paid out, you can start a new hand by placing new bets again and repeating the process.
Roulette Bets: House Edge and Payouts
Before playing online roulette, it helps to know the house edge and payouts of the many roulette bets. Below is a table for the common bets in European Roulette and American Roulette. Notice the difference in the house edge of both games.
The payout is how much money you win when the ball lands on your number or group of numbers. The true odds are the chances that the ball lands on your number (or group of numbers) on any given spin. The house edge is your expected loss when you play a roulette session.
Online European Roulette
European Roulette is the version of roulette played in Monte Carlo since the 19th Century. It is played in most casinos around the world (outside of North America). The European Roulette wheel has 37 number pockets, including the single-zero (0) pocket. This is a losing number on most bets, giving the game its 2.70% house edge.
Roulette players can choose online European Roulette using an RNG or live European Roulette played with live dealers. Either way, always choose this game over American Roulette.
European Roulette Bet Table
| BET TYPE | HOUSE EDGE | TRUE ODDS | PAYOUT |
| Straight Up Bet | 2.70% | 1 in 37 | 35:1 |
| Split Bet | 2.70% | 1 in 18.5 | 17:1 |
| Street Bet | 2.70% | 1 in 12.3 | 11:1 |
| Corner Bet | 2.70% | 1 in 9.25 | 8:1 |
| Six Line Bet | 2.70% | 1 in 6.17 | 6:1 |
| Dozen Bets | 2.70% | 32.40% | 2:1 |
| Column Bets | 2.70% | 32.40% | 2:1 |
| Red / Black Bet | 2.70% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
| Even / Odd Bet | 2.70% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
| Hi / Lo Bet | 2.70% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
| Snake Bet | 2.70% | 48.60% | 1:1 |
Online American Roulette
American Roulette is the game played in Las Vegas casinos and most of the land-based casinos in North America. It has 38 number pockets, including two zero pockets: 0 and 00. This presents two losing options on the wheel, so American Roulette has a much higher house edge (5.26%) than European Roulette.
Roulette players can choose either online American Roulette using simulation software and RNGs or live American Roulette played with live dealers.
American Roulette Bet Table
| BET TYPE | HOUSE EDGE | TRUE ODDS | PAYOUT |
| Straight Up Bet | 5.26% | 1 in 38 | 35:1 |
| Split Bet | 5.26% | 1 in 19 | 17:1 |
| Street Bet | 5.26% | 1 in 12.67 | 11:1 |
| Corner Bet | 5.26% | 1 in 9.50 | 8:1 |
| 5-Number Bet | 7.89% | 1 in 7.58 | 6:1 |
| Six Line Bet | 5.26% | 1 in 6.33 | 6:1 |
| Dozen Bets | 5.26% | 31.60% | 2:1 |
| Column Bets | 5.26% | 31.60% | 2:1 |
| Red / Black Bet | 5.26% | 47.40% | 1:1 |
| Even / Odd Bet | 5.26% | 47.40% | 1:1 |
| Hi / Lo Bet | 5.26% | 47.40% | 1:1 |
| Snake Bet | 5.26% | 47.40% | 1:1 |
Online Roulette Bets Explained
Roulette bets are grouped into two major categories: inside bets and outside bets. In most versions of roulette, the house edge is the same for most or all bets: 2.70% in European Roulette and 5.26% in American Roulette. The main difference is the payout and yours odds of winning on any given spin.
- Inside Bets: These bets are placed on specific numbers or groups of numbers on the inside part of the betting layout. The payouts for winning an inside bet are generally higher, but the odds of winning are lower.
- Straight-up Bet: This is a bet placed on a single number, and the payout is 35:1. For example, you could place a straight-up bet on number 17 in online roulette and win 35 times your original bet if the ball lands on that number.
- Split Bet: This is a bet placed on two adjacent numbers, and the payout is 17:1. For example, you could place a split bet on numbers 14 and 15 in roulette online and win 17 times your original bet if the ball lands on either of those numbers.
- Street Bet: This is a bet placed on three numbers in a row on the betting layout, and the payout is 11:1. For example, you could place a street bet on numbers 16, 17, and 18 in play live roulette online and win 11 times your original bet if the ball lands on any of those numbers.
- Corner Bet: This is a bet placed on four numbers that form a square on the betting layout, and the payout is 8:1. For example, you could place a corner bet on numbers 19, 20, 22, and 23 in roulette online and win 8 times your original bet if the ball lands on any of those numbers.
- Five-Number Bet: This is a bet placed on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 in online roulette, and the payout is 6:1. This bet is only available in American Roulette, and the odds of winning are lower than other inside bets.
- Six-Line Bet: This is a bet placed on two adjacent rows of numbers, and the payout is 5:1. For example, you could place a six-line bet on numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 in roulette online and win 5 times your original bet if the ball lands on any of those numbers.
Outside Bets in Roulette
These bets are placed on the outside part of the betting layout and cover larger groups of numbers. The payouts for winning an outside bet are generally lower, but the odds of winning are higher.
- Red or Black Bet: A bet on whether the ball lands on a red number or black number. If it lands on a zero, the bet loses. The payout is 1:1. If you make a $10 bet and win, you receive the bet back plus an additional $10.
- Even or Odd Bet: A bet on whether the ball lands on an even number or odd number. If it lands on a zero, the bet loses. The payout is 1:1. If you make a $20 bet and win, you receive the bet back plus an additional $20.
- High or Low Bet: Place a bet on Hi/Low, or whether the ball lands on a low number (1-18) or high number (19-36). The payout is 1:1. If you make a $30 bet and win, you receive the bet back plus an additional $30.
- Dozen Bet: Place a bet on one of a set of three dozens: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. The payout is 2:1. If you make a $10 bet and win, you receive the bet back plus an additional $20.
- Column Bet: Place a bet on one of three columns of numbers: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. The payout is 2:1. If you make a $20 bet and win, you receive the bet back plus an additional $40.
- Snake Bet: Another way to bet on a set of 12 numbers. In this case, it’s a set of numbers that zig-zag across the layout: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. The payout is 2:1. If you bet $30 an win, you receive the bet plus an additional $60.
Online Roulette Tips
Whether you play roulette online or in a land casino, roulette is a game of chance. Certain roulette tips either increase your odds of winning or help you cash out when luck is on your side. Follow the tips below to have the best roulette experience.
- Avoid the 5-Number Bet: In American Roulette, the 5-number bet covers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3, has the worst odds of any bet on the table. Avoid it at all costs.
- Look for House Rules: Seek out “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules in European Roulette. These house rules cut the house edge in half on even-money bets. Look for games that offer these rules if you’re playing European Roulette.
- Even-Money Bets: Make even-money bets only when you find “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules. The even-money bets are red/black, odd/even, and high/low (or hi-lo). When you use “La Partage” or “En Prison” rules in effect, the house edge lowers to 1.35% instead of 2.70%.
- Be Skeptical of Betting Patterns: Each spin in roulette is separate from previous spins. Whether you use a spinning wheel or RNG, roulette is a game of chance. No surefire way to predict the results exist, and the law of averages is an illusion. Hot streak and cold streaks don’t exist, so don’t worry about lucky numbers and enjoy the game.
- Avoid Progressive Betting Systems: Progressive betting systems like the Martingale scheme, which involves doubling your bet after each loss, should be avoided. Computer simulations show that flat betting, which involves betting the same amount on each spin, is a better strategy.
- Practice Roulette Money Management: Set a loss limit and a win goal before you start playing, and stick to them. Walk away from the table when you reach either limit.
- Don’t Chase Losses: If you’re on a losing streak, resist the urge to keep betting in the hopes of recouping your losses. Stick to your loss limit and walk away if you hit it.
How to Play French Roulette
French Roulette is the third game most players encounter at online roulette casinos. While it uses a European Roulette wheel, the game features a different set of wagers that have French names. In a live roulette setting, the game allows players to make announced bets after chips have been placed on the table. This continues until the croupier calls “No More Bets” to the table.
Below is a description of the French bets. Keep in mind that standard European Roulette bets are available. The house edge for both games is 2.70%.
- Le Tiers du Cylinder / Thirds of the Wheel: This bet covers one-third of the wheel, specifically the numbers between 27 and 33 inclusive. There are 12 numbers included in this bet: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33.
- Jue Zero / Zero Game: This bet covers the numbers closest to the green zero on the wheel. The bet covers the numbers 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15, using a total of 4 chips.
- Voisins due Zero / Neighbors of Zero: This bet covers 17 numbers on the wheel, including the zero and the numbers on either side of it, from 22 to 25. There are a total of 9 chips used in this bet, covering the following numbers: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25.
- Finales: This is a series of bets that cover numbers that end in a specific digit. For example, a “Final 4” bet would cover the numbers 4, 14, 24, and 34. The number of chips used depends on the specific bet.
- Complete / Maximum Bet: With 30 chips, you make a bet on every inside bet related to a single number. High rollers love this bet because it lets them max out the bet limit with one single wager. Billionaire Mike Ashley once won a £1.3 million payout on a maximum bet.
- Orphelins / Orphans: This bet covers the remaining numbers on the wheel that are not included in the other special bets. There are a total of 8 numbers included in this bet, covered by a total of 5 chips: 17, 34, 6, 1, 20, 14, 31, and 9.
Online Roulette Real Money FAQ
Can I play roulette for real money online?
Yes. Try online casinos like Wild Casino, Las Atlantis Casino, Slots of Vegas, or Planet 7 Casino. Each is reputable and each has bonuses for players that include roulette gaming. Sign up for an account, then make a deposit to play roulette for real money. When you click on the roulette game icon, you’ll be asked whether you want to play roulette for real money or free (“practice”). Choose the real money option and you’ll be playing within minutes.
Is online roulette legal in the USA?
Yes, it is. Most US states don’t have regulated online roulette casinos. In those states, you’ll play at offshore online casinos without consumer protections. It’s incumbent on you to read honest casino reviews and choose online casinos with a reputation for safety and fairness. If you pick reputable online casinos, you’ll have no legal problems. While Americans can’t launch real money online casinos in their states, state and federal authorities have never prosecuted US residents for playing roulette online in the privacy of their homes.
Do online roulette casinos feature mobile roulette apps?
Yes. The best online casinos are also mobile casinos. Typically, online casino sites have a mobile casino page where you can download an Android casino app and an iPhone casino app. Each year, more online casinos offer browser games that don’t require a downloadable app. In almost every case, online casinos offer some form of mobile roulette.
What is the most trustworthy online roulette?
Our top three recommended roulette casinos are Wild Casino, Slots of Vegas, and Planet 7 Casino. Hundreds of real-money online casinos offer roulette gaming. Most have their versions of European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette. The key is picking casino sites that are safe, fair, and entertaining.
Though random number generators have determined results in Las Vegas slots for over 40 years, some players still don’t trust RNGs. If you are one of those players, find an online casino with Live Roulette. Live casinos allow players to enjoy casino table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette via live streaming. These are real croupiers spinning real roulette wheels. The game is filmed from several angles and you can replay spins on video, so you know the game is fair.