A-Z of Online Roulette for Beginners

Home » A-Z of Online Roulette for Beginners

Roulette remains one of the best casino games available to US players. The high level of entertainment it brings, a chance to land fair payouts, and simple gameplay have given rise to subsets of the exciting title. 

Since the abolishment of the PASPA law in 2018, all US states have the power to determine if online gambling is legal. Hence, the chance to wager at real-money roulette tables is now a reality in several states. The benefits of playing this game are high, especially for beginners of casino roulette. Besides the simple play style, it is easy to learn strategies and build a plan. 

In this guide, we will discuss all you need to get the basics of online roulette. There are no major differences from the land-based edition. However, minor deviations could be all you need to have a great time and build high winning chances. If you’re set, let’s set the ivory ball in motion. We start with the basics, a roadmap to placing your first bet, then move on to our top recommendations for the best online casino roulette sites to wager at, and top strategies. 

Understanding Online Roulette Basics

Players who want to play roulette online need the basics to succeed. One of the most fundamental things to know is that roulette gambling has several variants. Since its introduction in the 1990s, random number generators have controlled the outcome of spins. Displays also became a feature, allowing players to generate a winning plan. 

With increasing technological innovations, a new type of roulette play has become dominant. This is live roulette that works via streaming. A real-life table with a croupier is in a studio, and all players take their seats at home. They play against each other and engage with the croupier, offering an almost real-life experience. 

The Roulette Wheel and its Numbers

The online roulette wheel represents the physical wheel you’ll find at land-based casinos. The basic view includes numbered pockets with values ranging between 0 and 36 or 00 and 36, depending on which variant you’re playing. Roulette gambling tables come in different colors, providing more excitement. 

Here are some key concepts to note about the wheel:

  • Single zero or double zero: Playing roulette online for real money means you will find different variants to bet on. Options exist with either a single zero or double zero format. We will discuss the popular formats at the best US online roulette casinos soon. 
  • Number distribution: All numbers at the wheel are spread into a specific pattern format, encouraging fairness. The pattern varies by roulette type. Some of the best strategies also depend on the arrangement, so it’s vital to understand this aspect.

Variants are similar since they follow the same general principles. Yet, there are notable differences that determine the payout. 

Online roulette’s popularity has given rise to the development of several different types. You will find some of the best options at top sites, including the less famous options. Each comes with tweaks to the rules, odds, and payouts. Knowing these features means better decision making when deciding whether a particular casino game is for you. 

American Roulette

Players who use this table type can only place single bets rather than multiple per round. If you’re unsure of starting out with betting on all numbers, then it’s best not to use this variant. The American online roulette wheel has numbered pockets from 0 and 00 up to 36.  

American roulette has a house edge figure of 5.3% and a payback percentage of 94.7%. 

European Roulette

European roulette features a single zero pocket on the wheel, with numbered pockets from 0 to 36. You’ll have to place the bets before the spin begins, as the croupier won’t allow modifications once the ball is in motion.

Online European roulette carries a house edge of 2.7% and a 97.3 payback percentage. 

Live Dealer

Live dealer games have become more popular in recent times thanks to technological innovation. Live streaming allows players to compete directly against humans without a computer algorithm. The experience brings the ambiance of a land-based roulette gaming floor to screens. The rules of classic roulette usually apply here, although there are other varieties available. This version is the best if you want to play roulette without learning new rules and you love playing against fellow humans.  

French Roulette

The French online roulette focuses more on the European style, although it is less common than tEuropean or American roulette. It has the single zero pocket format and adds a few rules – notably the La Partage and En Prison rules.  If you want to enjoy roulette online casino titles with lower house edge values, then French roulette is for you. 

There are several other varieties available at additional real money online casinos. You should consider the game portfolio before registering on a site. 

How to Start Playing Online Roulette for Real Money

The online roulette format is popular largely because it is so simple. Place bets on one or different numbers by using your chips. You’ll have to depend on lady luck and your skill to get a win. This makes roulette one of the most popular games in US online casinos. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you ready to start. 

  1. Choose a reliable online casino

Depending on the state where you reside, many online casinos are available. Before signing up to a site, you should research what games are available and the wagering conditions that apply. We will discuss the main features to consider when selecting a great online casino to play below. 

  1. Create an account

The next step is registering an account. While there are different formats, the principle remains the same. You’ll be required to provide personal and contact information on the registration page. 

Next will be to confirm your identity. This shows you’re human and not a bot. It’s also a great way to show the operator is concerned about providing a safe gaming environment for everyone. Steps include submitting government-issued IDs and proof of address. You will also need to confirm your email address and/or mobile number. 

  1. Make a real-money deposit

Most US online casinos require you to fund your account before accessing the games. Simply log into your account and click the “Deposit” or “Cashier” button. Find a convenient payment method from the list of options and follow the instructions. 

  1. Claim all welcome bonuses

Next, land all the rewards available on the bonuses and promotions page. Some operators will process the bonuses automatically, while others require customers to contact customer support first. These bonuses come with terms and conditions, which you will need to fulfill before withdrawing the cash.

Alternatively, you can forfeit the bonuses and only proceed with your real-money bankroll. You may not get the bonuses later if you do not claim them when starting out. 

  1. Choose a roulette table

Once the operator credits your account with the deposit, choosing which real-money roulette game you want to play. Go through the games library and find what options are available for you. Remember to research the odds, payouts, and house edge values that each carries. 

  1. Place your bets

Study the roulette game table you have chosen and the betting options available. Now, place a wager using your chips and tap the relevant areas available. Depending on which table you choose, it’s possible to place bets by color and number, whether multiple or single. 

  1. Spin the wheel

Tap the “Spin” or “Play” button, which you will find on the game’s screen. The croupier will accept all bets and launch a ball into the wheel for live dealer roulette online tables. 

  1. Collect all cash prizes

You win if the ball lands on the pocket you chose in your bet. All cash wins depend on the payout and odds that the bet carries. The casino automatically credits your account with your wins. 

  1. Withdraw Your Winnings 

Once ready to get your cash prizes, proceed to the cashier page and find “Withdrawal.” Select the payment method you prefer and follow the instructions to request a payout. Remember that payouts require you to complete the wagering and withdrawal conditions the casino sets. 

Since the layout of online roulette tables differs between US online casinos, we recommend studying them first before placing bets. This will help you choose the right strategy to help you increase your winning chances. Furthermore, knowing the rules of each table is essential. 

Top Betting Types for Roulette Game Online Tables

Top US online casinos offer different betting varieties for players to select from. They differ in the odds and payouts, providing space to customize your strategy. While several betting types exist, they fall under two main classes: inside and outside bets.  Here are some of the most famous betting types to choose from. 

Inside Bets

The inside betting types offer higher payouts with smaller winning odds. They focus on offering single numbers or a small class of similar figures. Studying the odds and potential payouts for inside bets is essential. This is the first step to developing a top strategy and building your risk level. Here are some of the most popular inside bets available at US online casinos.

Split Bet

The split bet covers the line between two numbers adjacent to each other. It offers a payout of between 17 to 1 when either of the numbers hits. 

Straight Bet

The straight bet focuses on a particular number. All wagers will be directly on the number you hope the ball lands on. Payout is around 35 to 1. This betting type is commonly known as the single bet. 

Street Bet

The street bet covers a longer range, typically three numbers on a horizontal row. You will need to place the chips at a row’s end. The payout for such a bet stands at 11 to 1. 

Corner Bet

All wagers for this bet type cover up to four numbers in a group, forming a square. Hence, its other name is square bet. Players who choose this wager must place all chips in the middle of four numbers. Payouts ideally stand at 8 to 1. 

Line Bet

The line bet covers up to two rows having three numbers each. This bet type will require you to place chips on the corner both rows share. If the ball lands on any numbers, you will get a payout of 5 to 1. 

Basket Bet

The Basket bet offers a wager of 0, 00, 1, 2, 3, available only on the American roulette table. You can use this offer by placing the chips on a corner of the 00 and 3 or 0 and 1 shares. Payouts for this win usually vary between 6 and 1. 

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers or colors. When you compare them to inside bets, they offer lower payout cuts and carry higher winning odds. Here are the top outside betting types you will find at online casinos. 

Red/Black

This betting type focuses on the winning number’s color. It could be black or red, without including the green pockets (0 and 00). Payouts are ideally 1 to 1, meaning you get double your stake if it wins. 

High/Low

The high/low wager allows you to bet on whether the ball lands on a high range (19-36) or low range (1-18). Like the Red/Black betting type, it excludes the green numbers and pays double your stake. 

Even/Odd

Even/odd bets involve wagering if the ball lands on an odd or even number. Payouts stand at 1 to 1 and exclude 0 and 00. 

Announced Bets

The announced bets cover some special wagers on French or European roulette tables. You will find them at specific areas of the online roulette wheel, and they only become available when announced to the croupier. Top examples include Tiers du Cylindre, Voisins du Zéro, and Orphelins. 

Column Bet

The column bet rotates around three columns at different parts of the layout. Players can either wager at the first column (1, 4, 7), second (2, 5, 8), or third (3, 6, 9). Payouts are ideally 2 to 1 if the ball lands at any part of the area.

Snake Bet

This special outside bet allows you to wager across a zigzag cross area of the table layout. Numbers include 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. The payout is similar to the column bet type – 2 to 1. 

How to Choose the Best Online Casino Roulette Site

Choosing a reliable online casino can be challenging. Thanks to thousands of available options, finding a reliable operator to wager on is essential. Here are some top tips to use when searching for a trustworthy site. 

Security and License

The first step to finding a reliable site is confirming a site’s authenticity. Unlicensed online casinos are not regulated and do not guarantee you have a good time. Always confirm whether a license and security encryptions are available on the site. 

All US states that have legalized online gambling have a regulatory body that controls all gambling activities. Hence, we recommend looking through these platforms to confirm that the site has a license of operation. Furthermore, ensure it has stable encryption networks that ensure you don’t have to worry about security leaks. 

Bonuses and Promotions

The top casino roulette sites in the US offer excellent rewards for all customers. You should find generous welcome bonuses after completing the registration process. The specifics may differ from one operator to another, but the idea remains the same. Top bonus offers for roulette include deposit match, no deposit, bonus credits, free bets, etc. 

Always confirm what the rewards are about and understand the wagering requirements. All online casinos attach these terms and conditions to protect their investments. Understanding what they are will help you to protect your investment and build a good strategy. 

Availability of Different Roulette Varieties

Another important aspect to consider is what games are available. Thanks to the exciting gameplay, new editions of roulette are always coming out.  

The higher the number of varieties available, the better the options you get to select from. You can now select if you want to select for higher winning chances with low odds and vice versa. Remember that each change from the classic online roulette has different rules. Hence, choose the title you’re comfortable with. 

Banking Options

Another important tip is to confirm the availability of different payment methods. This includes checking that there are reputable banking options that allow easy deposits and withdrawals. Settling for an online casino with one or two options is a huge deal breaker, especially when they are unpopular. 

Choose options that provide you with convenience and are trustworthy. In addition, confirm the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. Don’t forget to consider the transaction times and if there is a fee. 

These specifics determine how long you will have to wait before getting confirmation for deposits and whether you’ll have to budget higher to cover transaction fees. 

The Best Strategies for Beginners to Play Roulette Online

Starting out when playing roulette online is exciting. Several varieties are available to check out, and they come with a simple style of play. The payouts are usually fair, depending on which online casino roulette wheel you choose. However, you will need a working plan to build your winning chances. 

Use Randomness to Your Benefit

The best US online casinos use a random number generator (RNG) to generate their results. This shows the games are fair and without human manipulation. There are some strategies you can use here to control your winning outcome. 

Martingale Strategy

The Martingale strategy is a common tactic many US players use. It’s a negative tool where you bet higher for each bet lost. Hence, you lose and double the wager. Win, and reduce the next wager by half. In theory, this is an excellent tool for getting higher wins. 

Practically, there are several roadblocks to how successful it could be. First, you will need a large bankroll to finance the plan, especially since online roulette games do not have a predictable outcome. 

Reverse Martingale Strategy

The reverse Martingale strategy, or Paroli system, allows players to double their bets after a win. It helps to capitalize on the winning streak and limit losses by returning to the initial bet sum you started with. This tactic has a low risk, especially when compared to the Martingale system. Rather than use your real-money deposit, you depend on the prizes from previous wins. 

Fibonacci Strategy

This progressive strategy is specific to online roulette and also works successfully in other games. It’s based on the Fibonacci sequence, where a number is the sum of two other preceding values. (for instance, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc). 

The primary aim is to recover losses, although with slower progress when you compare it to the reverse martingale tactic. Here, you start with one bet, use the Fibonacci sequence to move a step forward if it loses. Win, and take two steps back according to the sequence to determine the next round. 

There are other common strategies available. However, remember that no one tactic guarantees a 100% win, and you also need luck to win well. Setting good goals, including limits, will allow you to play online roulette excellently. 

FAQ About Online Roulette

Can I play online roulette in the United States?

Yes. However, playing online roulette depends on the state where you reside. While most states now allow online gambling, in others it is illegal. Study the state legislation to know if casino roulette sites are legal. 

Can I win real money online roulette games?

Yes. Several roulette gambling sites in the US accept real-money bets from players. They will cash out the wins to your personal bank account if you win. 

Are all online roulette games fair?

All online roulette games at the best US online casinos are fair. They use RNG technology to provide random outcomes for all games. In addition, reputable game testing labs audit these algorithms to confirm they are not tampered with. 

What are the types of online roulette games available?

The top types of online roulette games available at US online casinos include American roulette, European roulette, French roulette, and live dealer roulette. There are several others available, but these top the list. 

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