In roulette, you bet on where you think the ball will land after the wheel stops spinning. The payout depends on the type of bet you place and if your prediction is correct.
The rules are simple enough. It is the wheel that makes all the difference. There is only one zero in European roulette. But there is an extra 00 in American roulette. And this small difference can change the mathematical house edge.
How Does Online Roulette Work?
European roulette has numbers 1-36 and 0. But American roulette has 38 pockets. It includes both 0 and 00. Before each spin, you need to place chips on the betting layout. Bets usually have two main categories –
- Inside bets: Cover individual numbers or small groups of numbers and offer higher payouts.
- Outside bets: Cover larger groups, including red/black, odd/even, and 1-18/19-36, with lower payouts.
Each spin is independent. So, the previous results can’t decide where the ball will land next.
What Are the Main Roulette Bets?
This roulette online rules and bets guide will compare the common wagers –
| Bet Type | Numbers Covered | Standard Payout |
| Straight | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner | 4 | 8:1 |
| Six Line | 6 | 5:1 |
| Red/Black | 18 | 1:1 |
The payout alone can’t tell if a bet is worth it. A bet on one number can pay 35:1. But red or black can pay 1:1, as it covers 18 numbers.
European vs. American Roulette
Here’s the difference between the two –
| Feature | European Roulette | American Roulette |
| Total Pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Numbered Pockets | 1-36 | 1-36 |
| Zero Pockets | One: 0 | Two: 0 and 00 |
| Straight-Up Win Probability | 1 in 37 (2.70%) | 1 in 38 (2.63%) |
| Red/Black Win Probability | 18 in 37 (48.65%) | 18 in 38 (47.37%) |
| Straight-Up Payout | 35:1 | 35:1 |
| Standard House Edge | 2.70% | 5.26% |
| Effect of Zero | Single zero creates a lower standard house edge. | Additional 00 increases the standard house edge. |
| Player Comparison | More favorable mathematically under standard rules. | Higher house edge because of the additional 00 pocket. |
European roulette has a lower mathematical house edge as it has a single zero. When rules and payouts are equal, European roulette is the more favorable of the two.
What Are La Partage and En Prison Rules?
Certain European and French roulettes have rules for even-money bets such as red/black, odd/even, and high/low. In the case of the La Partage rule, if the ball lands on zero, the player is paid half of his even-money bet.
En Prison can hold an eligible even-money bet for the next spin when zero lands. These rules are not available in every online roulette game, so you need to check the game information before placing a bet.
Where Can You Play Roulette Online?
Roulette is available on online casino platforms. But the versions, betting limits, and live-dealer options change from one game to another. Before choosing a casino, you need to first check if the operator is legally authorized to offer online casino games in your state. Some of the best casino brands include –
| Casino | Best For | Why You Might Choose It |
| Wild Casino | Roulette plus wider casino variety | Suitable for players who want roulette with slots, blackjack, specialty games, and live-dealer options |
| Bovada | Table-game players | A better fit for players interested in roulette as part of a broader selection of traditional table games |
| BetOnline | Variety across game categories | Worth considering if you want roulette with a wider range of casino and online games |
| SuperSlots | Slots and roulette in one place | May suit players who primarily want slots but also want access to roulette and other casino games |
When selecting where to play roulette, you need to refer to the game library. You should look for European, American, or live roulette and compare the wheel rules, betting limits, and applicable bonuses before playing.
How to Choose an Online Casino for Roulette
Rather than selecting a casino based solely on its promotion of roulette, you need to check its licensing, security systems, rules of play, and financial transactions.
| What to Check | Why It is Important |
| Valid state license | Confirms that the operator is authorized by the relevant gaming regulator |
| Secure connection | Look for HTTPS and appropriate security measures protecting account and payment information |
| Roulette selection | Check for European, American, and live-dealer roulette, depending on your preference |
| Game information | Review wheel rules, betting limits, payouts, and available bet types |
| Transparent T&Cs | Check withdrawal rules, wagering requirements, fees, and account restrictions |
| Responsible gaming tools | Look for deposit, spending, or time limits and self-exclusion options |
| Payment options | Check available deposit and withdrawal methods, limits, and processing terms |
Is Online Roulette Legal in the U.S.?
Different states have their own regulations. As per the American Gaming Association, there were only seven states that allowed online casinos in the year 2025 –
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
For instance, in Connecticut, one has to be at least 21 years old and physically present in the state in order to play in an online casino. Its regulations also require electronic wagering platforms to verify player eligibility and protect wagering and confidential information.
Prior to playing for real cash, you should first verify the latest list of casinos sanctioned by your state’s gambling regulator, instead of just believing that casinos accepting registrations are legitimate in your state.
Final Thoughts
Roulette becomes easy once you understand the wheel, bets, and payouts. European roulette gives a lower standard house edge than American roulette, but neither guarantees a win. Set limits and play for fun, not money.
FAQs
Which roulette bet pays the most?
Normally, a straight bet on one number pays 35:1. But it also has a lower probability of winning than bets covering multiple numbers.
Is European roulette better than American roulette?
European roulette has a lower standard house edge: 2.70% compared with 5.26% for American roulette.
Can bonuses be used for online roulette?
Sometimes. Casino bonuses may exclude roulette or give it a different value toward wagering requirements, as per the rules.