How to Play Roulette Like a Pro
Posted on: June 16, 2025 in Gaming
Roulette is a thrilling part of any casino visit, from romantic date nights to solo gambling adventures and team-building company retreats. This guide explains everything you need to know before you approach the table.
Roulette Rules by Game Type
Each roulette type follows slightly different rules.
European Roulette
In European roulette, there are 36 red and black numbers on the roulette wheel in addition to one green zero. Simply place your bet, spin the wheel and see if you win.
The house advantage for European roulette is approximately 2.70%, which is significantly lower than in the American version. While it’s a popular option in the United States, it’s more common in European and high-end U.S. casinos. When you are gaming at Apache Casino in Lawton, Oklahoma, you can enjoy the increased odds of a “European” roulette table!
American Roulette
While American roulette follows the same basic rules as European roulette, it raises the house edge to 5.26% by adding a double zero (00) to both the wheel and the betting table. The house advantage increases further to 7.89% when you place a “basket” bet, which is unique to American roulette.
It’s the most common roulette type found in U.S. and Caribbean casinos, though European roulette is still quite popular in America due to the lower house edge.
French Roulette
French roulette is a variant of European roulette with two additional rules:
- En Prison: If you place an even-money (outside) bet and the outcome is zero, you can either reclaim half your bet or leave your chip on the table (“in prison”) for an all-or-nothing gamble on the next spin.
- La Partage: If you place an outside bet, you lose half your bet. There is no prison option when La Partage is in play.
These rules reduce the house edge to 1.35%. While they’re always used in French roulette, they’re also used in some European roulette tables. Always check the rules to make sure you know what kind of game you’re in for.
While French roulette is rare in the U.S., you might find it in some European or online casinos.
How to Bet on Roulette Numbers
To bet on a number, position your chip on the layout to indicate which numbers you want.The roulette payout rules depend on the odds that the ball will land on one of your numbers.
Inside Bets
Inside bets include single numbers or small groups of numbers located “inside” the roulette layout. Types of inside bets include:
- Straight up: You bet on one number.
- Split: You bet on two adjacent numbers.
- Street: You bet on a row of three numbers.
- Corner: You bet on four numbers that form a square. This is also known as a square bet.
- Double street: You bet on six numbers forming two horizontal rows. Also known as a six-line bet.
- Trio: You bet on three numbers that include 0, 00 or both.
- Basket: You bet on 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously. This bet is unique to American roulette and raises the house edge.
Outside Bets
An outside bet includes a larger group of numbers or layout properties, such as color. These spaces are located on the “outside” of the main layout and clearly marked by bet type:
- Red or black: You bet that the outcome will be either red or black.
- Odd or even: You bet that the outcome will be an odd or an even number.
- Halves: You bet on a sequential group of half the board’s numbers, which can be either 1-18 or 19-36.
- Dozens: You bet on a group of 12, such as 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36.
- Columns: You bet on a vertical column of 12 numbers.
Roulette Payout Chart
Roulette rounds pay out based on the odds of your bet. Inside bets are less likely to hit, so they pay out more depending on how many numbers you choose. Outside bets are more likely to hit, which is why they pay out less than inside bets.
Here’s what roulette payouts typically look like for each bet type:
| Straight Up | Pays 35 to 1 |
|---|---|
| Split | Pays 17 to 1 |
| Street | Pays 11 to 1 |
| Square | Pays 8 to 1 |
| Double Street | Pays 5 to 1 |
| Trio | Pays 11 to 1 |
| Basket | Pays 6 to 1 with a higher house advantage |
| Red or Black | Pays 1 to 1 |
| Odd or Even | Pays 1 to 1 |
| 1-18 or 19-36 | Pays 1 to 1 |
| Dozens | Pays 2 to 1 |
| Columns | Pays 2 to 1 |
Roulette Betting Strategies
You can use these established strategies to help you manage your bankroll and decide how much you want to wager each round.
D’Alembert System
This progressive roulette betting strategy involves increasing your bet by one unit, such as $1, after every losing spin and decreasing your bet by one unit after every win.
For example, if you were to bet $10 on your first round and win, you’d decrease your next bet to $9. You’d bet $11 on your next round if you lost. This strategy can theoretically even out your bets, though in practice, this outcome is unlikely.
Fibonacci
This strategy uses the Fibonacci sequence to progressively increase your wager. After every losing spin, you add the two previous wagers together to determine your next bet. After a win, you either go back two places or you begin the sequence again at one.
The Fibonacci betting strategy is most effective for outside bets, as inside bets are more risky with higher wagers.
Martingale
The goal of this strategy is to recoup your losses and gain a small profit. It works by doubling your wager after every losing spin.
For example, if you bet $1 on your first round and lose, you’d bet $2 on your second round to double your potential winnings. This strategy is popular among gamblers, though it can quickly bankrupt players who have trouble managing their bankrolls.
Roulette FAQ
Check out the answers to some frequently asked roulette questions.
What Is the 3/2 Rule?
You can use this strategy on European roulette tables. It involves simultaneously placing two types of bets with five chips, which increases your chances of winning at least once. The 3/2 Rule works by placing three chips on an even-money bet, such as black/red or even/odd, and two chips on a vertical column.
How Many Numbers Are on a Roulette Wheel?
In American roulette, there are 36 numbers and two zeroes. In European and French roulette, there are 36 numbers and one zero.
Can the Casino Kick You Out for Winning Too Much in Roulette?
If you’re playing honestly and respecting the croupier, the casino won’t kick you out. You may be asked to leave the table to give others a better chance of a payout, though.
What Is the Surrender Rule?
The Surrender Rule is an Atlantic City adaptation of the La Partage rule for American roulette. Like the La Partage rule, the Surrender Rule applies only to outside bets. When the ball lands on 0 or 00, anyone who has placed an even-money bet can take back half their bet. The house edge drops from 5.26% to 2.63% when this rule is in play.
What Is the Zero Rule?
While not a formally defined rule, this represents the impact of landing on zero in American, European and French roulette.
What Are the Best Numbers to Bet on in Roulette?
There are no magic numbers in roulette, though more superstitious players will tell you otherwise. Each number has the same probability of winning each round, so your chances of winning are the same whether you bet on your lucky number or you track “hot” and “cold” numbers.
What Would Happen if You Bet on Every Number in Roulette?
While your chances of winning at least once may increase slightly, you’re more likely to hit your table maximum or empty your bankroll before you can offset your losses. It’s better to make thoughtful bets and manage your bankroll than to bet on everything at once.
What’s the Trick to Roulette?
Technically, there is no trick to roulette. The odds of all outcomes are totally random for each round. Understanding how the game works and how to manage your bankroll are the best ways to maximize your chances of winning.
Roulette Not Your Speed?
Read our other comprehensive guides to casino games to find the perfect fit for you:
Play Roulette at Apache Casino Hotel
Looking for a thrilling getaway in Oklahoma? Apache Casino has live single zero roulette tables for you to enjoy along with blackjack, craps and other table games on Apache Casino Hotel’s casino floor. We also offer luxurious guest rooms, exquisite on-site restaurants, exciting live entertainment and much more to make your experience here unforgettable.
Book your stay with us today!
