How to Play Roulette (Vegas-style)
Roulette is the simplest casino game to understand: you place chips on a layout, the ball lands on a number, and bets pay out by a fixed schedule. The catch is that the wheel type (especially American 0+00) sets your long-run disadvantage.
1) Start Playing in 2 Minutes
Exactly what to do at the table.
Step-by-step: your first roulette spin
| Step | What you do | What to say (optional) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watch one spin. Find the minimum bet sign and confirm the wheel type (0 only vs 0+00). | “Is this single-zero?” |
| 2 | Buy in: place cash flat on the table (not in the dealer’s hand). | “Change, please.” |
| 3 | You’ll get color chips (your own color). Only you can use them. | — |
| 4 | Place chips on the layout while betting is open. If unsure, start with outside bets (Red/Black). | “Is betting open?” |
| 5 | When the dealer says “No more bets,” hands off chips. The wheel spins. | — |
| 6 | If you win, dealer pays. Keep your chips on the table for the next spin or change your bet. | — |
| 7 | To leave, ask to color up and cash out. (Dealer swaps color chips to regular chips.) | “Can I color up?” |
Roulette in one sentence
You’re betting on where the ball will land. The more specific your bet, the higher the payout — and the lower the chance.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Inside | Number-area bets (specific). |
| Outside | Big-area bets (red/black, dozens, columns). |
| 0 / 00 | House “extra” numbers that create the edge. |
2) Table Layout (What You’re Looking At)
This is the map where you place chips.
Text map (standard American layout)
Your table may look slightly different, but the logic is the same. Numbers run 1–36 in three columns. 0 and 00 are separate.
What are “columns” and “2-to-1”?
The three vertical number columns (top-to-bottom) each cover 12 numbers. Betting a column pays 2:1. The “2-to-1” boxes on the side correspond to those columns.
3) Bets & Payouts
Inside bets (specific) vs outside bets (broad).
Outside bets (beginner friendly)
Outside bets are simple and keep your wins/losses smoother. Payouts are lower, but hit more often.
| Bet | How many numbers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Black | 18 each (not counting 0/00) | 1:1 |
| Even / Odd | 18 each (not counting 0/00) | 1:1 |
| 1–18 / 19–36 | 18 each | 1:1 |
| Dozens (1st/2nd/3rd 12) | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
| Columns (2-to-1) | 12 numbers | 2:1 |
Inside bets (specific + higher payouts)
Inside bets aim at fewer numbers. They pay more, but you’ll miss more often.
| Bet | How many numbers | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (single number) | 1 | 35:1 |
| Split (line between 2 numbers) | 2 | 17:1 |
| Street (row of 3) | 3 | 11:1 |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 4 | 8:1 |
| Six Line (two rows of 3) | 6 | 5:1 |
What happens on 0 / 00?
In American roulette, 0 and 00 are the “extra” outcomes that create the house edge. Most outside bets lose when 0/00 hits (some tables have special rules like “la partage” or “en prison” — rare in Vegas).
4) Odds & House Edge (Wheel Types)
The wheel choice matters more than any “strategy.”
American vs European roulette
| Wheel | Slots | What’s special | House edge (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 38 (1–36, 0, 00) | Most common in Las Vegas | 5.26% |
| European | 37 (1–36, 0) | Single zero only | 2.70% |
Why the edge is the same across most roulette bets
Roulette payouts are designed so that, over time, the extra 0/00 outcomes keep a fixed percentage for the house. Your bet type changes volatility (how swingy it feels), but the built-in disadvantage stays similar.
5) “Systems” Myth-Busting
This is where people lose the most money.
Martingale (double after a loss)
The story: keep doubling until you win, then you’re up 1 unit. The reality: table limits and your bankroll stop you. One long losing streak can wipe out hours of “small wins.”
“Hot” and “cold” numbers
Players track past spins and “feel” a number is due. On a fair wheel, each spin is independent. The wheel has no memory.
But what about biased wheels?
In modern casinos, wheels are maintained and monitored. If a wheel is genuinely biased, the casino fixes or replaces it. Don’t build your night around the fantasy that you found a “broken” wheel.
The only “strategy” that works
| Goal | What actually helps |
|---|---|
| Play longer (same budget) | Lower bet size, prefer outside bets, avoid raising bets emotionally. |
| Reduce disadvantage | Find single-zero roulette or accept roulette as pure entertainment. |
| Have a better night | Set a time limit and stop on schedule, win or lose. |
6) Etiquette & Tipping
Roulette has one big etiquette rule: hands off after “No more bets.”
Table etiquette
- Place bets only while betting is open.
- When the dealer calls “No more bets,” hands off chips.
- Don’t reach across the layout. Ask the dealer to place inside bets if needed.
- Use your color chips only at your table; color up when leaving.
Tipping
Roulette dealers manage the flow and chip colors. Tips are appreciated, but keep it simple.
7) Responsible Gaming
Roulette’s danger is “just one more spin.”
| Before | During | After |
|---|---|---|
| Pick a max loss and a stop time. | Keep bets steady. Avoid doubling patterns. | Color up, cash out, and leave the table. |
| Decide if you’re here for fun or for “winning.” | If emotions rise, step away for 10 minutes. | Do something else in Vegas. |