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October 16th, 2025
The rules of casino roulette: understanding the game step by step
Roulette is one of the iconic games in landbased and online casinos. Its principle seems simple: one wheel, one ball and one bet, but its rules contain more nuances than meets the eye.
To play effectively, it is essential to understand how the game works, the types of bets possible and the differences between variants such as European, French and American roulette. Here is a clear and comprehensive guide to learning the rules of casino roulette without changing the fundamentals.
How does a roulette game work?
In the most played variants, such as European or French roulette, a game starts when players place their bets on the numbered mat, which corresponds to the pockets on the wheel. These versions have 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36, with a single zero. Each number is associated with a color (red or black), except zero which is always green.
In American roulette, a 38th pocket (the double zero, 00) is added, which changes the odds and increases the casino's advantage.
A game takes place in three phases:
- Placing the bets: each player chooses their chips and places them in the desired places.
- Throwing the ball: the croupier spins the wheel and throws the ball in the opposite direction.
- Result and payment: when the ball stops on a number, the winning bets are paid and the others are withdrawn.
The types of bets in roulette: inside and outside
To fully understand the rules, you need to know the difference between inside bets (on numbers) and outside bets (on groups).
Inside bets
They are placed directly on the numbered squares on the mat and offer the highest payouts.
- Straight: you bet on a single number (winnings 35:1)
- Split: two adjacent numbers (win 17:1)
- Street: line of three numbers (win 11:1)
- Square/Corner: four numbers forming a block (win 8:1)
- Double street/Six line: two lines of three numbers (win 5:1)
These bets are riskier but more rewarding.
Outside bets
They cover a larger part of the table and offer more frequent wins.
- Red or black
- Even or odd
- Low (1-18) or High (19-36)
- Dozen (1-12, 13-24, 25-36)
- Column (12 numbers in a line)
Simple odds like red/black or even/odd are the most accessible to start with as they cover almost half of the possible outcomes.
Example with a simple bet:
If you bet €5 on red in European roulette and the ball stops on a red number, you cash out 2x your bet, or €10 in total. If the zero comes out, the bet is lost in most variants, except in French roulette where a game can be kept according to the rule applied (La Partage or En Prison).
The main variants and their rules
Even though the base is the same, some rules change depending on the roulette version.
European roulette
This is the most common version, with only one zero. The casino advantage is reduced in this version.
French roulette
It is similar to the European version, but with two specific rules:
- La Partage: if the ball hits zero, you get half of your bet back on simple odds.
- En Prison: your bet may remain in play for the next round instead of being lost.
American roulette
It has two green pockets: 0 and 00. This increases the house edge and therefore makes this version riskier. It is mostly played by those looking for more variance.
Full walk through of a roulette round
Here are the exact phases of a round:
- Players place their bets on one or more areas.
- The dealer announces, “The bets are placed”
- A few moments later: “No more bets”, which means the bets are closed.
- The ball stops on a number.
- Winning bets are paid according to the rules of the table. The others are removed.
This mechanism never changes, whether you play live or on mobile with an online casino.
House edge and probabilities
Even if chance dominates, understanding the rules allows you to know what to expect.
- European roulette: house edge ≈ 2.70%
- French roulette: reduced house advantage with La Partage and En Prison
- American roulette: house edge ≈ 5.26% due to double zero
The more favorable the rules (single zero, La Partage), the more balanced your probabilities are.
Play legally and safely in Belgium
For the rules to be respected, it is essential to play on a website approved by the Belgian Gaming Commission. A legal platform guarantees fair draws, data protection, deposit security, responsible gaming limits, and access to self-control tools. Circus Casino complies with this framework and applies the official rules for each variant.
Mastering the rules of roulette allows you to play with more confidence and without confusion when betting or interpreting a result. The choice of the variant directly influences your odds and your pace of play. Whether you're playing online, live, or on mobile, understanding the rules is the best place to start.
FAQ — Understanding the rules of roulette
All you have to do is pick a number, a combination, or a simple chance on the game table.
It depends on the variant: zero loses most bets in European and American roulette, but can reduce the loss in French roulette.
Yes, but knowing the rules and the bets influence how you play and how you control your budget.
