Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games — simple to play, yet rich with betting options that directly affect your odds. Choosing the right version and bet type is the foundation of smart roulette play.
Roulette Types: Which to Play
| Type | Zeros | House Edge | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Roulette | 1 | 1.35% | Best choice |
| European Roulette | 1 | 2.7% | Good choice |
| American Roulette | 2 (0 + 00) | 5.26% | Avoid |
Outside Bets (Near 50/50)
- Red/Black — pays 1:1, probability 48.6%
- Even/Odd — pays 1:1
- High/Low (1-18/19-36) — pays 1:1
- Dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) — pays 2:1, probability 32.4%
- Columns — pays 2:1
Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)
- Straight Up (1 number) — pays 35:1
- Split (2 numbers) — pays 17:1
- Street (3 numbers) — pays 11:1
- Corner (4 numbers) — pays 8:1
- Six Line (6 numbers) — pays 5:1
Popular Strategies
Martingale
Double your bet after every loss. In theory, you eventually recover — but a long losing streak (8+ losses) requires a huge bankroll and hits table limits. Best for short sessions only.
Fibonacci
Follow the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13... — increase by one step after a loss, go back two steps after a win. More conservative than Martingale.
D'Alembert
Add 1 unit after a loss, subtract 1 after a win. Gentle progression, lowest risk, most sustainable long-term.
James Bond (Flat Betting)
Bet the same amount each round — the mathematically correct approach. No system beats the house edge over the long run.
La Partage Rule (French Roulette)
If you bet on even-money positions (Red/Black, Even/Odd, High/Low) and the ball lands on zero, you get half your bet back. This halves the house edge from 2.7% to 1.35%. Always choose French Roulette when available.
Key Rules to Remember
- Never play American Roulette — the extra 00 doubles the house edge
- Inside bets have the same house edge as outside bets — just different variance
- No strategy eliminates the house edge; only flat betting or La Partage come close