Roulette Guide 2026
Roulette is the iconic casino game — a spinning wheel, a bouncing ball, and the anticipation of where it lands. This guide explains every variant, every bet type with exact odds and payouts, and the most popular strategies players use at the table.
European vs American vs French Roulette
| Feature | European | American | French |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pockets | 37 (0–36) | 38 (0, 00, 1–36) | 37 (0–36) |
| House Edge | 2.7% | 5.26% | 1.35%* |
| Special Rules | None | Five-number bet | La Partage / En Prison |
* 1.35% house edge applies to even-money bets with La Partage or En Prison rules.
Roulette Bet Types
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner part of the table layout. They offer higher payouts but lower probability of winning.
| Bet | Covers | Payout | European Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.7% |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 5.4% |
| Street | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 8.1% |
| Corner | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 10.8% |
| Six Line | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 16.2% |
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer better odds of winning with smaller payouts. These are ideal for beginners and conservative players.
| Bet | Covers | Payout | European Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Odd / Even | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| High / Low | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Dozens | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Columns | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.4% |
Roulette Strategies
No roulette strategy can overcome the house edge in the long run, but these systems help structure your betting and manage your bankroll. Use them for entertainment, not as guaranteed profit methods.
Martingale
Risk: HighDouble your bet after every loss. When you eventually win, you recover all losses plus a one-unit profit. Risk: exponential bet growth and table limits.
D'Alembert
Risk: MediumIncrease your bet by one unit after a loss, decrease by one after a win. Gentler progression than Martingale with slower loss recovery.
Fibonacci
Risk: MediumFollow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...) for bet sizing. Move forward after losses, back two steps after wins. Moderate risk progression.
James Bond
Risk: Medium-HighFlat bet covering 25 numbers: 70% on high (19–36), 25% on six-line (13–18), 5% on zero. Covers most of the table but loses big when 1–12 hits.
Roulette Tips
Always play European or French roulette over American. The single zero cuts the house edge nearly in half.
If available, choose tables with La Partage or En Prison rules for the lowest possible house edge (1.35%).
Set a bankroll limit before playing and divide it into session amounts. Leave the table when your session budget is spent.
Avoid the five-number bet (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) in American roulette — it has the worst odds at 7.89% house edge.
Combine inside and outside bets to balance risk and potential reward within the same spin.
No spin is connected to previous spins. The wheel has no memory — ignore gambler's fallacy thinking.
Best Casinos for Roulette
Top-rated online casinos with European and French roulette, live dealer tables, and fair betting limits.
