Online Roulette: Rules, Strategy & Where to Play
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned gambler, our online roulette guide will help you understand the game’s fundamentals. We’ll cover everything from basic rules and different table layouts to the various bets you can place. This will give you a solid head start, making your experience more enjoyable and hopefully rewarding.
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What is Online Roulette?
Online roulette is the digital version of the classic casino game. Basically, you interact with a few key visual elements on your screen. First, there’s the virtual roulette wheel itself, featuring numbered pockets typically ranging from 0 to 36. American Roulette wheels have an extra pocket marked “00”, in addition to the single zero found on European Roulette wheels.
You’ll also see a small virtual ball that spins around the wheel and eventually settles into one of the pockets. Finally, you have the digital betting layout, a virtual representation of the betting table where you place your chips to wager on your predicted outcome. Correctly guessing the winning number results in a payout, with different bets offering different odds and rewards.
How to Play Online Roulette
Online roulette games are designed to be player-friendly, even for beginners. The digital interface guides you through the process, making it easy to find your way around and place your bets. To simplify things even further, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of a typical online roulette round:
- Select your game: Online casinos usually offer several options, including European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette, each with subtle rule differences that impact gameplay and odds, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
- Place your bets: Open the game and use the digital interface to place your bets. Select your desired chip value and then click on the corresponding area on the virtual betting layout that represents your chosen bet. You can bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers (like columns or dozens), or outside bets like red or black, odd or even.
- Spin the wheel: After placing your bets, click the “Spin” button. The virtual wheel will spin, and the ball will bounce around before landing in a numbered pocket. In RNG-based online roulette, the outcome is determined the instant you hit “Spin,” thanks to the RNG.
- Check the results and payouts: Once the ball lands, the winning number is displayed on the screen. The game software automatically processes your bets. Losing bets are removed from the layout while winning bets are paid out to your account balance according to the game’s paytable, which shows the payout for each type of bet.
Online Roulette Rules
Online roulette follows a simple sequence of play. First, you place your bets on the virtual betting layout. Then, the wheel is spun, and the ball ends up landing in one of the pockets, determining the winning number. Finally, bets are settled, with winning bets paid out and losing bets collected.
Roulette bets fall into two main categories – inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed directly on the numbers within the main grid of the layout. These include single numbers, splits (two adjacent numbers), streets (rows of three numbers), corners (four numbers meeting at a point), and more.
Outside bets are placed on the sections outside the main number grid and cover larger groups of numbers. They include red/black, odd/even, high/low (1-18 or 19-36), columns (vertical groups of 12 numbers), and dozens (groups of 12 numbers like 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36).
The zero pocket (and the double zero “00” in American Roulette) plays a crucial role. Its presence is the primary reason the casino has a mathematical advantage known as the “house edge”. These green pockets are generally not included in standard outside bets like red/black or odd/even.
Online Roulette Bets and Payouts
Online roulette offers a variety of bet types, each with its own payout ratio. Understanding them is crucial for making informed wagering decisions. The following table provides a clear overview of common online roulette bets and their standard payouts, reflecting the odds against winning each bet:
| Bet Name | Description | Payout Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | Bet on a single number (e.g., 7) | 35:1 |
| Split | Bet on the line between two adjacent numbers (e.g., 8/9 or 8/11) | 17:1 |
| Street | Bet on a row of three numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3) | 11:1 |
| Corner/Square | Bet on the corner where four numbers meet (e.g., 11, 12, 14, 15) | 8:1 |
| Six Line/Double Street | Bet on the line between two rows of three numbers (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) | 5:1 |
| Column | Bet on one of the three vertical columns (12 numbers) | 2:1 |
| Dozen | Bet on a group of 12 numbers (1st 12, 2nd 12, 3rd 12) | 2:1 |
| Red/Black | Bet on the color of the winning number (18 numbers) | 1:1 |
| Odd/Even | Bet on whether the winning number is odd or even (18 numbers) | 1:1 |
| High/Low | Bet on whether the winning number is low (1-18) or high (19-36) (18 numbers) | 1:1 |
Online Roulette Strategy and Betting Systems
Whether played in land-based casinos or online, roulette is predominantly a game of chance. That means that no betting strategy can definitively guarantee wins or overcome the game’s inherent probabilities in the long term. The casino maintains an advantage known as the house edge, which is mathematically embedded into the online roulette rules and payout structures.
The edge varies depending on the roulette variant – typically lower in European Roulette (single zero, ~2.7% edge) and higher in American Roulette (double zero, ~5.26% edge). French Roulette offers the lowest house edge on even money bets due to rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison.”
While an online roulette strategy or a betting system can provide a structured approach to wagering and bankroll management, it can’t alter the underlying odds or eliminate the house edge. Strategies focus on managing bet sizes and potentially optimizing short-term results, not on influencing the random outcome of each spin.
Bet Selection in Online Roulette
Choosing where to place your chips on the roulette layout is a key part of any player’s approach. Your bet selection should align with your personal risk tolerance, available bankroll, and desired gameplay style. As already mentioned, bets are broadly categorized into inside, outside, and announced/call bets:
- Inside bets: Placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main betting grid. Examples include straight up, split, street, corner, and six line. They offer higher potential payouts but a lower probability of hitting on any single spin, leading to higher variance gameplay.
- Outside bets: These cover larger sections of the wheel and are placed on the areas outside the main number grid. Examples include red/black, odd/even, and high/low, known as even-money bets. Other outside bets are dozens and columns. They all have a higher probability of winning (nearly 50% for even-money bets on a European wheel) but offer lower payouts, resulting in lower variance gameplay.
- Announced/call bets: Some variants, particularly French Roulette, offer complex betting patterns covering specific wheel sections, like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins.
Effective risk management involves choosing bets that suit your financial limits. Whether you prefer placing inside bets or aiming for smaller, more frequent payouts with outside bets, you have to stick to responsible gambling at all times.
Common Betting Systems in Online Roulette
Our online roulette guide continues with betting systems or progressions. Many players utilize them to systematically determine their wager amounts from one spin to the next. Remember that they don’t influence the outcome of the wheel spin or negate the long-term house edge.
The primary function of an online roulette strategy is to structure betting patterns and manage the player’s bankroll, often based on the outcomes of previous spins. Here are some well-known betting systems you can consider applying to the game you’re playing:
- Martingale system: This is perhaps the most famous roulette betting strategy. After every loss, you double your bet, typically on even-money bets like red/black or odd/even. The idea is that the first win will recoup all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. However, this system carries the risk of rapid losses if you encounter a losing streak.
- Fibonacci system: This system uses the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…) to determine bet sizes. After a loss, you move to the next number in the sequence for your next bet. After a win, you move back two numbers. It’s generally considered a less aggressive progression than the Martingale.
- D’Alembert system: The D’Alembert system involves increasing your bet by one unit after a loss and decreasing it by one unit after a win, often used on even-money bets. It’s based on the gambler’s fallacy, the incorrect belief that past results influence future outcomes. This system is generally considered a flatter, lower-risk progression compared to Martingale or Fibonacci.
Remember, responsible gambling practices, such as setting strict win and loss limits and never betting more than you can afford to lose, are far more important than relying on any betting system. Always stay vigilant and cautious when playing roulette and all other online casino games.
Influence of RNGs on Online Roulette Strategies
The outcome of each spin in virtual roulette games without a live dealer is determined by a sophisticated algorithm known as Random Number Generator (RNG). This technology ensures the result is statistically random and independent of all previous or future spins.
All reliable online roulette sites in Pennsylvania use RNGs that are certified for fairness by independent third-party auditing agencies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI. The use of certified RNGs has significant implications for traditional roulette strategies, explained below:
- Independence of spins: RNGs guarantee that past results have absolutely no influence on future outcomes. This fundamentally invalidates strategies based on pattern spotting, identifying “hot” or “cold” numbers, or exploiting perceived biases.
- Ineffectiveness of wheel tracking: Techniques like “wheel clocking” (predicting where the ball might land based on wheel imperfections or dealer habits) are impossible in RNG-based online roulette, as there is no physical wheel or ball dynamics involved.
- Game pace and exposure: RNG roulette often proceeds at a much faster pace than live dealer roulette or games in land-based casinos. This means players experience more spins within a given timeframe, increasing their exposure to the house edge. Disciplined bankroll management and adherence to betting limits become even more crucial due to this increased frequency of play.
While betting systems can structure your play in RNG roulette, their effectiveness is limited to bankroll management and potentially managing short-term variance. They cannot predict or influence the fundamentally random outcomes generated by the RNG.
Online Roulette Variations
While the core objective of online roulette games remains the same, some versions have different rules, wheel layouts, betting options, and, consequently, different odds and house edges. Understanding these differences is important as they can significantly impact your playing experience and potential returns. Here are some of the most common variations you’ll find online:
- European Roulette: This is a popular variation known for its single-zero wheel (numbers 1-36 and a single 0). The single zero gives it a lower house edge (approximately 2.7%) compared to American Roulette, making it a favorite among players looking for better odds.
- American Roulette: The game features a wheel with 38 pockets, including numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). This extra “00” pocket increases the house edge to approximately 5.26%, making it less favorable for players than European Roulette.
- French Roulette: French Roulette is similar to European Roulette, using a single-zero wheel. However, it often includes special rules like “La Partage” or “En Prison”, reducing the house edge on even-money bets to approximately 1.35%. If the ball lands on zero, even-money bets either return half the stake (“La Partage”) or are “imprisoned” for the next spin (“En Prison”).
- Multi-Wheel Roulette: Multi-Wheel Roulette allows you to bet on a single layout with outcomes determined across multiple virtual wheels (often up to 8) spinning simultaneously. The same bet applies to all active wheels, increasing the pace of the game and potential wins or losses.
- Mini Roulette: This is a simplified version with a smaller wheel, typically featuring 13 pockets (numbers 1-12 and a single zero). Payouts are adjusted to reflect the reduced number of outcomes. The house edge varies depending on the rules applied when the ball lands on zero.
- Progressive Jackpot Roulette: An optional side bet usually qualifies you for a jackpot, which grows over time as players contribute. The progressive jackpot is typically won under specific, often rare, conditions. The base game usually follows standard European or American rules.
Online Roulette Odds and House Edge
Understanding the probability, odds, and house edge are also crucial, so our online roulette guide continues with that. Probability refers to the likelihood of a specific outcome occurring. Odds represent the ratio of favorable to unfavorable outcomes. Finally, the house edge is the casino’s built-in mathematical advantage, ensuring its profit over the long tun.
The house edge is expressed as a percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep. In roulette, it primarily stems from the zero and double zero pockets. This means that, statistically, the casino will always have a slight advantage, regardless of the betting system used. Here is a comparison of house edges for European, American, and French Roulette games:
| Game Variation | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| French Roulette (with La Partage/En Prison) | Single Zero (0) | 1.35% |
| European Roulette | Single Zero (0) | 2.70% |
| American Roulette | Double Zero (0, 00) | 5.26% |
Prefer a More Immersive Experience? Explore Live Roulette
If you’re looking for more immersive and interactive gameplay, consider trying live dealer roulette. This format, offered by many online casinos, brings a truly authentic atmosphere to your screen. Real croupiers operate physical wheels and tables, streamed live via video, providing a social and engaging experience.
Where to Play Online Roulette
When choosing where to play, always verify that the casino uses certified RNGs and holds a valid operating license. Check the user interface for ease of use and mobile compatibility if you plan to play on your smartphone or tablet. Also make sure the site offers the games you prefer to play.
Based on extensive testing and comprehensive evaluations, we’ve identified and included the best PA casino for online roulette games below. This is a reputable platform with years of experience and multiple industry awards.
Before playing at the best online roulette sites in Pennsylvania, understanding the odds, payouts, and, especially, the house edge of different roulette versions is essential. Remember to gamble responsibly, set limits, play within your means, and treat the game as a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed way to make money.