Roulette is considered to be one of the more "ritzy" table games, especially in a land-based casino, played predominantly by the aristocratic society. This need not be the case however, as it is quite simple to learn and very exciting to play roulette games online.
The game varies slightly by it's origin. For instance, American Roulette uses 38 numbers (1 - 36, 0 and 00), where European roulette uses only 37 numbers, omitting the 00. For this tutorial I will assume play on a European Roulette table, as it offers slightly better odds to the player, therefore should be the game of choice. The rules for both European and American Roulette are exactly the same.
OBJECTIVE
The object of the game is simple - place a bet on the table that matches the attributes of the winning number. Bets can be placed on everything from Black/Red, Even/Odd and 1-18/19-36, to specific numbers or combinations thereof. The more complicated the wager, the higher the payout becomes. By this I mean bet on 8, and if 8 hits you win 35 to 1 - bet on black, 8 hits, you win even money)
ROULETTE WHEEL
The Roulette Wheel consists of 37 numbers; 1 - 36 and 0. The numbers are placed in such a manner as to offer no favoritism to red or black, neither high or low. Red and black slots are consistently back and forth, as do the high and low numbers.
ROULETTE TABLE
The roulette Table consists of all the numbers located on the Roulette Wheel, with two betting sections - Inside Bets and Outside Bets. Inside Bets are those located within the diagram of numbers. Outside Bets are those beyond the number diagram, such as Black, Red, 1st 12, 2nd 12, etc.
INSIDE BETS
There are 6 Inside Bets on a Roulette Table. Inside Bets are considered more complicated as they have less odds of winning, but offer better payouts.
One Number Bet - Pays 35 to 1: This is a bet on a single number, placed directly on the number (0-36). If the chosen number hits, you win.
Two Number Bet - Pays 17 to 1: This is a bet on two adjacent numbers, made by placing the chips on the line that joins the two numbers. If any of the chosen numbers hit, you win.
Three Number Bet - Pays 11 to 1: This is a bet on 3 numbers in a row, such as 1-2-3. The bet is made by placing your chips on the line between the inside and outside betting areas in relation to the desired row of numbers. If any of the 3 numbers hit, you win.
Four Number Bet - Pays 8 to 1: This is a bet on 4 adjacent numbers, made by placing your chips on the intersecting lines of the 4 numbers. If any of the 4 numbers hits, you win.
Five Number Bet: This bet may only be placed in American Roulette. Is it a bet on numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3, placed on the intersecting lines of the 1-2-3 row and the 0-00. This is considered the worst bet to make in Roulette, giving the house an additional 2.5% advantage, so don't do it.
Six Number Bet - Pays 5 to 1: This is a bet on 6 numbers in two adjacent rows of 3 (example: row 7-8-9 and row 10-11-12. Much like the 'Three Number Bet', it is placed on the line between the inside and outside betting areas, but placed on the intersection of the two rows.
OUTSIDE BETS
These are generally called safe or simple bets, offering lower payouts but better odds. There are 5 outside bets available.
Column Bet - Pays 2 to 1: This is a bet on a column of 12 numbers, made by placing chips in the desired column's "2-1" box at the far end of the table, opposite the 0. Example: 3-6-9-12-15-18-21-24-27-30-33-36
Consecutive 12-Number Bet - Pays 2 to 1: This is a bet on a group of 12 ordered numbers 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36. Make this bet by placing your chips on the box labeled 1st 12, 2nd 12 or 3rd 12.
Red / Black Bet - Pays 1 to 1: This is a bet on either Red or Black, made by placing your chips on the red or black at the center, outside edge of the table.
Odd / Even Bet - Pays 1 to 1: This is a bet that the winning number will be either Odd or Even, made by placing your chips on the respectively labeled boxes. Note that 0 is NOT considered Even or Odd.
High / Low Bet - Pays 1 to 1: This is a bet that the winning number will be either 19 or higher, or 18 or lower. Make this wager by placing your chips in the box labeled 1-18 or 19-36. Note that 0 is NOT considered a High or Low number.
ROULETTE GAMEPLAY
Once all bets are placed, the wheel is spun. A small ball is dropped into the spinning wheel, and pops around the numbers until finally falling into one slot. The eventual destination of the ball determines the winning number. At this point winning payouts are made and losing bets are removed from the table. Rinse and repeat...
Live Roulette is also available at a few online casinos offering live dealers.
