Roulette Rules & Payouts: A Beginner's Guide
What is Roulette? – A Brief History & Overview
Roulette, a word derived from French meaning “little wheel,” is a captivating casino game of chance that has fascinated players for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to 17th-century France, with Blaise Pascal credited with creating a rudimentary version while attempting to invent a perpetual motion machine. Over time, the game evolved, spreading across Europe and eventually reaching the United States. Today, it remains a staple in casinos worldwide, and increasingly accessible online. Platforms like Bet9ja offer a convenient way to experience the thrill of the spin. You can even find a www.betnaija.com shop bet9ja near you to place your bets.
Types of Roulette: European, American, & French
While the core concept remains the same, variations of roulette exist. The three most common are European, American, and French roulette. European roulette features a wheel with 37 numbers (0-36), offering a lower house edge, making it favorable for players. American roulette adds a '00' to the mix, resulting in 38 numbers and a higher house edge. French roulette is similar to European roulette but includes additional betting options and rules like “La Partage” and “En Prison,” which can further reduce the house edge under specific circumstances.
Understanding the Roulette Wheel & Table Layout
The roulette wheel consists of numbered pockets, colored red or black, with the exception of the green '0' (and '00' in American roulette). The table layout displays these numbers and provides areas for players to place their bets. Understanding the arrangement of numbers on the wheel and table is crucial for making informed betting decisions.
Basic Roulette Rules: How to Play
The Betting Process: Placing Your Bets
Before the wheel is spun, players place their bets on the roulette table. You can wager on individual numbers, combinations of numbers, or broader categories like red/black. Chips representing different denominations are used to indicate your bets. Many people begin their roulette journey by visiting an 0ld mobile bet9ja shop for a more traditional experience.
The Spin & The Result
Once all bets are placed, the dealer (or croupier) spins the wheel in one direction and simultaneously spins a ball in the opposite direction. The ball eventually loses momentum and falls into one of the numbered pockets on the wheel. The winning number and color are then announced.
Inside Bets vs. Outside Bets – What’s the Difference?
Bets are broadly categorized as inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the table and offer higher payouts but lower odds of winning. Outside bets are placed on the areas surrounding the numbered section and offer lower payouts but higher odds. A fundamental understanding of what is roulette involves grasping this core distinction.
Inside Bets: Detailed Explanation
Straight-Up Bet – Rules & Payout
A straight-up bet involves wagering on a single number. If the ball lands on your chosen number, you win. The payout for a straight-up bet is typically 35 to 1.
Split Bet – Rules & Payout
A split bet covers two adjacent numbers. You place your chip on the line separating the two numbers. The payout for a split bet is 17 to 1.
Street Bet – Rules & Payout
A street bet covers a row of three numbers. You place your chip on the outer edge of the row. The payout for a street bet is 11 to 1.
Corner Bet – Rules & Payout
A corner bet (also known as a square bet) covers four numbers that form a square on the table. You place your chip at the intersection of the four numbers. The payout for a corner bet is 8 to 1.
Six Line Bet – Rules & Payout
A six-line bet covers two adjacent rows of three numbers. You place your chip on the outer edge where the two rows meet. The payout for a six-line bet is 5 to 1.
Outside Bets: Detailed Explanation
Red/Black Bet – Rules & Payout
You bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. The payout for a red/black bet is 1 to 1.
Even/Odd Bet – Rules & Payout
You bet on whether the winning number will be even or odd. The payout for an even/odd bet is 1 to 1.
High/Low Bet – Rules & Payout
You bet on whether the winning number will be high (19-36) or low (1-18). The payout for a high/low bet is 1 to 1.
Dozens Bet – Rules & Payout
You bet on one of three dozens of numbers: 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36. The payout for a dozens bet is 2 to 1.
Column Bet – Rules & Payout
You bet on one of three columns of numbers on the table. The payout for a column bet is 2 to 1.

Roulette Payouts: A Comprehensive Guide
Payout Chart: European vs. American Roulette – Comparison
Bet Type | European Payout | American Payout |
---|---|---|
Straight-Up | 35 to 1 | 35 to 1 |
Split | 17 to 1 | 17 to 1 |
Street | 11 to 1 | 11 to 1 |
Corner | 8 to 1 | 8 to 1 |
Six Line | 5 to 1 | 5 to 1 |
Red/Black | 1 to 1 | 1 to 1 |
Even/Odd | 1 to 1 | 1 to 1 |
Understanding House Edge – What It Means for Players
The house edge represents the casino’s advantage in any given game. In European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.7%, while in American roulette, it's 5.26%. This means that, on average, the casino will retain 2.7% (or 5.26%) of all bets placed over the long run. Learning roulette rules payout is essential, but understanding the house edge is equally important.
Calculating Potential Winnings: Examples
Let's say you bet 350 (10 x 35) plus your original 360. If you were using Bet9ja and placed the same bet, the calculation would be identical.

Advanced Roulette Concepts
Announced Bets – brief overview, mention complexity
Announced bets, also known as call bets, are verbal bets made to the croupier, typically covering sections of the wheel. These bets are more complex and require a good understanding of the wheel layout.
Understanding Probability in Roulette
Each number on the roulette wheel has an equal probability of being selected on any given spin. However, the payout odds are not always aligned with the actual probabilities, which is where the house edge comes into play.
Common Roulette Strategies
Various roulette strategies, such as the Martingale system, aim to increase your chances of winning. However, it's crucial to remember that roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee consistent wins.
Responsible Gambling & Resources
Setting Limits & Managing Your Bankroll
Before playing, set a budget for how much you're willing to spend and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and remember that roulette is meant to be a form of entertainment.
Identifying Problem Gambling & Where to Get Help
If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, seek help. Numerous resources are available, including support groups and helplines.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Roulette Rules
Roulette is a simple yet exciting game of chance. Remember the difference between inside and outside bets, understand the payouts, and always gamble responsibly.
Where to Play Roulette Online & Offline
Roulette is widely available in both brick-and-mortar casinos and online gambling platforms. You can find opportunities to play both locally and through online sites.