The Most Common Roulette Questions Answered by Experts

Based on the research from various sources, here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked roulette questions answered by experts.

This guide addresses some of the most common and crucial queries about the game:

How does the zero or double zero give the house an advantage in roulette?

The presence of zero (and double zero in American roulette) creates a house edge. This is because payouts are calculated as if these numbers don’t exist, but their presence on the wheel affects the odds of winning on other bets​​.

Are online roulette games fair?

Yes, as long as they are played at reputable casinos. These games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and unpredictable outcomes​​.

Do I have to pay taxes on my roulette winnings?

This depends on your location. In some places, like the UK, gambling winnings are not taxed, but in other areas, they may be subject to taxation​​.

What are the different types of roulette bets?

Roulette bets can be categorized into inside bets (like straight, split, street), outside bets (like red/black, odd/even, high/low), and announced bets. Each has different odds and payouts​​​​.

What are the odds and payouts in roulette?

Odds and payouts vary based on the type of bet. For instance, a straight-up bet pays 35 to 1, but the odds against winning are slightly higher due to the zero or double zero on the wheel​​​​.

Do betting systems work in roulette?

While there are many betting systems (like Martingale, Fibonacci, D’Alembert), they do not change the inherent house edge in roulette. These systems can be fun to use but should be approached with caution and the understanding that they don’t guarantee a win​​​​.

What is the highest RTP (Return to Player) roulette variant?

European roulette generally offers better payouts than American roulette due to having one fewer zero on the wheel. Online roulette games can have high RTPs, sometimes over 95%​​.

Can I win money playing roulette?

Yes, it’s possible to win money, but it’s equally possible to lose, as outcomes are random. It’s important to gamble only with money you can afford to lose​​.

What does zero (or double zero) pay out in roulette?

Betting directly on zero or double zero pays out at odds of 35/1. However, if you place an outside bet and the ball lands on zero or double zero, you lose your bet​​.

What are the differences between American, European, and French roulette?

The main difference is in the wheel layout. American roulette has both 0 and 00, leading to a higher house edge. European roulette has a single 0, and French roulette not only has a single 0 but also features rules like ‘la partage’ and ‘en prison’ that can reduce the house edge even further​​​​.

Is it possible to make a living playing roulette?

It’s not feasible to rely on roulette or any casino game for consistent income. The element of chance and house edge make it unsuitable for earning a living​​.

What are some common roulette betting systems?

Systems like Martingale, Reverse Martingale, Fibonacci, Labouchere, and others are popular. They involve different ways of adjusting bets based on wins or losses but don’t affect the game’s inherent odds​​​​.

What is the best bet in roulette?

The best bets in terms of lowest house edge are even-money outside bets (like red/black, odd/even) in European or French roulette, especially when ‘la partage’ or ‘en prison’ rules are in effect.

Can I use a roulette wheel bias to my advantage?

Wheel bias involves identifying imperfections in a roulette wheel that could affect the ball’s landing. While historically some players have exploited this, modern casinos regularly maintain their wheels to prevent such biases.

How does the ‘en prison’ rule work in roulette?

In French roulette, the ‘en prison’ is a roulette term for a rule that applies to even-money bets. If the ball lands on zero, the bet is ‘imprisoned’ and carried over to the next spin. If the next spin is a win, the player gets their initial bet back.

Is there any skill in roulette?

Roulette is predominantly a game of chance. The skill mainly involves money management and betting strategy, rather than influencing the outcome of the spin.

What are the odds of hitting a single number in roulette?

The odds of hitting a single number in European roulette are 1 in 37 (about 2.7%), and in American roulette, 1 in 38 (about 2.63%).

Can the dealer control where the ball lands?

In legitimate casinos, dealers cannot control where the ball lands. The outcome of each spin is random.

What is the minimum bet in roulette?

Minimum bets vary depending on the casino and the specific roulette table. It’s best to check with the casino for their minimum betting requirements.

Is online roulette less fair than physical casino roulette?

If you play at a reputable online casino with roulette, the fairness is equivalent to physical casinos. Online roulette uses RNGs to ensure random outcomes.

How fast does a roulette wheel spin?

The speed of a roulette wheel varies, but dealers are trained to maintain a consistent speed in each spin.

What is a roulette ball made of?

Traditionally, roulette balls were made of ivory, but most modern roulette balls are made of acetal, Teflon, or phenolic.

Is it better to play the same numbers every time in roulette?

Since each spin is independent, playing the same numbers every time has no effect on the chances of winning.

What is the biggest win ever recorded in roulette?

There have been several big wins in roulette history, with some players winning millions. The amounts can vary widely based on the bet and the casino.

Can I play roulette for free online?

Many online casinos offer free versions of roulette, allowing players to try the game without wagering real money.

Is American roulette different from European roulette?

Yes, the main difference is that American roulette has an extra double zero (00), increasing the house edge compared to European roulette. The roulette rules remain more or less the same.

What is the ‘la partage’ rule in roulette?

‘La partage’ is a rule in French roulette where players lose only half their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero.

Are there professional roulette players?

While there are players who specialize in roulette, it’s not typically considered a game for professional play due to its reliance on chance.

How often do casinos change roulette wheels?

Casinos may change or recalibrate roulette wheels regularly to ensure fairness and prevent wear and tear from affecting the outcomes.

What is a ‘corner’ bet in roulette?

A corner bet is a bet on four numbers that meet at one corner of the roulette layout.

Can I predict where the ball will land in roulette?

Predicting where the ball will land in roulette is nearly impossible due to the randomness of the spin.

What is the safest bet in roulette?

The safest bets are typically the even-money outside bets like red/black or odd/even, especially in versions of roulette with ‘la partage’ or ‘en prison’ rules.

What is the ‘Martingale’ betting system in roulette?

The Martingale system involves doubling your bet after every loss, with the aim of recovering all previous losses and gaining a profit equal to the original bet when you eventually win.

Is roulette played the same way in all casinos?

The basic gameplay of roulette is consistent across casinos, but rules and betting options may vary, especially between American, European, and French roulette.

What are ‘announced’ bets in roulette?

‘Announced’ bets are special betting combinations most commonly found in French and European roulette, involving specific sections of the roulette wheel.

How do I place a bet in roulette?

Bets in roulette are placed by putting chips on the corresponding spot on the table layout that represents your chosen bet.

What is the ‘Fibonacci’ betting system?

The Fibonacci system is a betting strategy where each bet is the sum of the two preceding ones, typically used on even-money bets.

Is there a way to practice roulette before playing for real money?

Many online casinos offer free versions of roulette, allowing players to practice without risking real money.

How do live dealer online roulette games work?

Live dealer roulette online is streamed in real-time, featuring a real roulette wheel and dealer. Players bet digitally, but the game is played like it’s in a physical casino.

What is a ‘street’ bet in roulette?

A street bet is a bet on a row of three consecutive numbers, like 1-2-3 or 4-5-6.

Can I use my mobile device to play roulette?

Yes, many online casinos offer mobile versions of roulette, accessible on smartphones and tablets.

What are the typical roulette table limits?

Table limits vary by casino and can range from a few dollars to several thousand for high-stakes tables.

How do I improve my chances of winning at roulette?

While you cannot influence the game’s outcome, understanding betting systems, choosing the right type of roulette game, and practicing good bankroll management can improve your overall experience and potentially your success at the table.