The Art of Roulette: Understanding the Game and Its Strategies

We've all heard stories about players putting all their casino chips on red… only for the ball on the roulette wheel to land on black. It's an all or nothing bet if ever there was one.

Understanding how to play roulette is essential if you're going to try it, especially since there are all manner of bets you can choose from.

What is the smartest bet in roulette?

Even if you've never played the game before, you likely know about the opportunity to bet on red or black. You can also bet on odds or evens, along with high or low numbers. If you bet on black and the ball lands on black, you win. If it lands on red, you lose. It's a 50/50 chance. It offers the lowest payback, of course, but it's safer.

What are inside and outside bets in roulette?

These are bets relating to where they appear on the roulette table. The outside bets are odds and evens, red or black, low and high numbers. You can also bet on the first, second, or third set of 12 numbers on the roulette wheel.

Inside bets are those that appear on the inner portion of the table, covering specific numbers. The odds of betting on number two, for example, and landing it, are much longer. So, you're far less likely to win but if you do, you'll receive far more in winnings than you would for a simple 50/50 bet on, say, red or black.

Play for amusement and stay within your budget

It's tempting to bet on a number and hope for the best - but it is also a quick way to clear out your bankroll. Always know how much you can afford to lose and set your bankroll before you begin. Make sure you enjoy the game too, rather than betting to try and win some money. You must always be sensible - if you feel you're not in the right mindset to enjoy roulette, it's better that you don't play.

Can you play roulette using a strategy?

Yes, there are several strategies around that you can use. One of the more familiar to many players is the Martingale strategy. This works by using one of the 50/50 bets and doubling your wager if the bet loses. When you win a bet, you take the winnings and then go back to your initial bet amount.

Make sure you know the rules for the roulette game you want to play

There's American roulette and European roulette, with French roulette providing a third option at some casinos as well. Always read the rules for the game you decide to try and find a table that allows for demo play first as well. Avoid the live casino until you are ready to play there, and you understand the rules of roulette.