Roulette
- Provider
- Evolution Gaming
- Game Type
- Table Game
- RTP
- 97.3% (single-zero, straight bet)
Overview
Roulette is one of the most enduring table games in both land-based and live online casinos, built around a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a matching betting layout. Its appeal lies in its simplicity — players choose where they think a ball will land, place a corresponding bet, and watch the wheel resolve the round. Live-dealer roulette, streamed from a real studio table, has kept the game popular by preserving the physical, real-time feel of a traditional casino floor.
How It Works
A wheel with numbered pockets (0 to 36 on a European/single-zero wheel, or 0 and 00 plus 1 to 36 on an American/double-zero wheel) is spun by a live dealer, and a ball is released to land in one of the pockets. Before the spin, players place bets on the table layout, which can range from a single number (a straight-up bet) to broader categories such as red or black, odd or even, or groups of twelve numbers (dozens). Once the ball settles, winning bets are paid according to fixed odds tied to the probability of that outcome, and the round resets for the next spin.
RTP & House Edge
The house edge in Roulette comes from the extra “zero” pocket or pockets, which are not covered by even-money outside bets like red/black. On a single-zero European wheel, the house edge is generally around 2.7% (an RTP of roughly 97.3%) across most bet types. Double-zero American wheels carry a higher house edge, generally around 5.26%, due to the additional losing pocket. Because each spin resolves independently, the house edge applies consistently over time regardless of recent results.
Tips for Players
- Where available, prefer single-zero (European) wheels over double-zero (American) wheels for a lower house edge.
- Set a budget before playing and decide in advance how many spins or how much time you’ll commit to.
- Understand that no betting pattern or progression system changes the underlying odds of each spin.
- Avoid chasing losses by increasing bet size after a losing streak.
- Take breaks between sessions to keep play in perspective.
Play Responsibly
Set a budget before playing and treat it as entertainment, not income.
Strengths
- Wide range of bet types suited to different risk preferences
- Simple core concept: predict where the ball lands
- Single-zero variants offer a lower house edge than double-zero
- Widely available in live-dealer format with real wheels
Worth Noting
- Double-zero (American) wheels carry a noticeably higher house edge
- No player skill or decision-making affects the outcome once bets are placed
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between European and American Roulette?
European (single-zero) wheels have 37 pockets, while American (double-zero) wheels have 38, giving the American version a higher house edge because of the extra losing pocket.
What types of bets can you place?
Bets range from a single straight-up number to broader groupings like red/black, odd/even, columns, and dozens, each with a different payout and probability.
Does the house edge change depending on the bet type?
On a standard single-zero wheel, the house edge is generally the same (around 2.7%) across most bet types, with the exception of certain special bets like 'en prison' or 'la partage' rules where offered, which can lower it slightly on even-money bets.
Can betting systems overcome the house edge?
No. Systems that adjust bet size based on previous spins (such as progressive betting) do not change the underlying probabilities or the house edge, since each spin is an independent event.