How Roulette Games Work – Roulette is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable casino games, known for its spinning wheel, bouncing ball, and wide variety of betting options. The game is popular in both land-based and online casinos because it is simple to understand, visually engaging, and based entirely on chance rather than complex strategy. The basic idea of roulette is to predict where a small ball will land on a numbered wheel after it is spun.
A standard roulette setup consists of two main elements: the wheel and the betting table. The roulette wheel is divided into numbered pockets, each colored either red, black, or green. In European roulette, the numbers run from 0 to 36, with a single green zero. American roulette includes an additional green double zero (00), which slightly changes the odds. The betting table displays all the numbers and betting areas where players place their chips.
Before each round begins, players place their bets on the table. Bets can be placed on specific numbers, groups of numbers, colors, or other characteristics. Once betting is closed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows down, the ball eventually drops into one of the numbered pockets, determining the winning outcome for that round.
Roulette bets are generally divided into two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, such as a single number, two numbers, or a row of numbers. These bets offer higher payouts because they are harder to win. Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, or high or low numbers. These bets have lower payouts but a higher chance of winning.
Once the ball lands in a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number and color. All losing bets are cleared from the table, and winning bets are paid out according to fixed payout rules. For example, a straight-up bet on a single number typically pays much more than a color bet because the probability of winning is lower. After payouts are completed, the next round begins.
In online roulette, the same principles apply, but the game is delivered digitally. Some versions use random number generators to determine outcomes, while live roulette features real dealers and physical wheels streamed in real time. Both formats follow the same rules and payout structures as traditional casino roulette.
One of the reasons roulette remains popular is its simplicity. Players do not need special skills or strategies to participate. Each spin is independent, meaning previous results do not influence future outcomes. This makes roulette a pure game of chance.