A true casino mainstay, roulette has dominated gambling halls worldwide for centuries. Today, the game is available to players with the click of a mouse at hundreds of online casinos, where you can find it in a variety of enticing variations – some traditional, others new and unconventional.
This is why we at BonusInsider have created this page. Here, we share our knowledge of the game of roulette, including its rules and the bet types it supports. We also introduce our readers to the top software vendors that supply roulette games to trusted online casinos.
On this page, you’ll discover the best variations of this iconic game available online. Additionally, we provide explanations of the most popular betting systems that apply to both online and land-based roulette tables. Let’s get started with a brief walkthrough of roulette’s key rules.
How to Play Roulette
1Place Your Bets
Roulette is a classic game of chance in which players have no influence over the outcome of any given coup. The game is played on a wheel with 37 or 38 pockets, numbered 0 through 36 (plus 00 in double-zero games). The player’s goal is simple: predict where the small white ball will come to rest.
A round begins with players placing their chips in the corresponding betting boxes on the layout. In roulette, you can wager on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or characteristics such as color and parity.
2Spin The Wheel
Once bets are placed, the croupier determines the winning number and its color by tossing the ball in a direction opposite to that of the spinning wheel. Some wheels are spun manually by the croupier, while others use rotors designed to ensure complete randomization of the results.
3The Outcome
However, several additional factors further randomize the outcomes in this game of chance. A roulette wheel features alternating red and black pockets. The numbers are not arranged from lowest to highest; instead, they are randomly distributed, and the sequence differs between single-zero and double-zero wheels.
Additionally, deflectors (called diamonds) on the inner rim of the wheel cause the ball to bounce unpredictably, further randomizing each coup’s outcome. The ball gradually loses momentum due to friction and finally settles in one of the 37 (or 38) pockets. This determines the result.
The croupier then settles the bets, paying the winners and removing the losers’ chips from the table layout. A new coup can now begin.
Roulette Bets
Before we proceed any further, we would like to warn you that there is no way to change the odds of winning in this game. The odds of any given number hitting always remain the same – 1 to 35 on single-zero wheels – because roulette is based on independent trials; that is, the past does not impact the future, and previous results have no effect on the outcomes of subsequent spins.
With that out of the way, let’s look at the main categories of roulette bets. Check them out below, along with the payouts they offer when luck smiles upon you.

Outside Bets
The chips for outside bets are placed outside the main betting area on the cloth-covered layout. This category comprises several wagers that cover entire groups of numbers or number properties such as parity and color. These bets offer higher chances of winning, but at the expense of lower payouts.
- Bets on number properties such as red/black, odd/even, and high (19 through 36)/low (1 through 18) return even money (1 to 1) but lose when the ball lands in the green zero pocket, unless the La Partage or En Prison rules apply.
- Column bets comprise three groups of 12 numbers each, which are positioned in the vertical columns on the table layout. For example, a bet on the middle column covers numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35. A winning column bet pays 2 to 1. It loses when zero hits, as neither 0 nor 00 belongs to any of the three columns.
- Dozen bets cover 12 numbers, as the layout is divided into three dozens. The first dozen contains numbers 1 through 12, the second spans 13 through 24, and the third covers 25 through 36. Under each dozen, there is a betting box where you place your chips. The betting boxes are labeled 1st 12, 2nd 12, and 3rd 12, respectively. These bets pay 2 to 1 but also lose when zero hits.
- The snake bet comprises the following 12 numbers: 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 34. It takes its name from the zigzagging pattern these numbers create on the layout. This wager is not available at all roulette tables, but when it wins, it pays 2 to 1.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed either on individual numbers or on combinations of several numbers. The chips are set in the center field of the layout, which contains the numbers 0 through 36. You place your bet either in the box corresponding to an individual number or at the intersections of your chosen numbers. Inside bet combinations can cover anywhere from two to six numbers.
- The straight-up bet is the highest-paying wager in roulette. It is made on any individual number from 0 through 36. If your number hits, you collect 35 chips for every chip you have staked.
- A split bet covers two numbers of your choice. Chips for split bets are placed on the line that divides two adjacent numbers on the table layout, for example, 6/5, 6/9, or 8/11. A winning split bet pays 17 to 1.
- A street bet covers three horizontal numbers like 1, 2, and 3; 4, 5, and 6; or 7, 8, and 9. The chips are placed on the border of the first number in your chosen row. When the ball lands on any of the three numbers, your street bet wins at odds of 11 to 1.
- The double street bet covers six consecutive numbers positioned in two neighboring rows on the layout, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. With this bet, the player places their chips at the intersection of the two rows. It pays 5 to 1.
- The corner bet covers four numbers whose boxes on the layout share a common corner, such as 1, 2, 4, and 5. You place the chips in the center where the horizontal and vertical lines of the betting boxes intersect. You receive a payout of 8 to 1 if any of your four numbers hits.
- The basket bet covers zero and numbers 1, 2, and 3 on single-zero wheels. With this wager, you place the chips at the intersection between 0 and 3 or 0 and 1. This bet offers the same payout as the corner bet, 8 to 1, and wins if the ball lands on 0, 1, 2, or 3. A similar bet appears on double-zero tables, where it covers five numbers: 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3.
- High Stakes Roulette
- Low Limit Roulette
- Fibonacci Roulette System
- Parlay Roulette System
- Martingale Roulette System
- Inside Bets
- Outside Bets
- Roulette Rules
- Roulette Strategies
- American Roulette
- French Roulette
- European Roulette
- American and European Wheel Sequences
- Roulette – From a Perpetual Motion Machine to a Casino Landmark
- Roulette Basics and Rules of Table Conduct
- Roulette's Bet Types
- The French Roulette Layout
- Independent Trials, Odds, and Casino Edge in Roulette
- En Prison and La Partage
- Taking Your Roulette Game to the Next Level with Call Bets
- The Many Faces of Roulette – Interesting Variations to Try
- Progressive Roulette Systems
- Reading Biased Wheels and Other Predictive Methods
- The Master of the Wheel Gonzalo Garcia Pelayo
- Improving Your Roulette Game
- Dispelling Roulette Myths
- How to Protect a Roulette Bankroll
- Software Providers of Online Roulette
- Roulette Games with Progressive Jackpots
- Live Dealer Roulette
- Roulette Goes Mobile
- Roulette in Literature, Film, and Television
Popular Roulette Games
















Roulette Software
Industry frontrunners, such as the software studios listed below, all offer online versions of the legendary game of chance. The roulette games supplied by these vendors are visually striking and boast a number of extra features to further enhance online players’ experience. The graphics are sharp, and many of the variants are optimized for play on both desktop and mobile.




Playtech
Playtech leads the industry in providing authentic online roulette variations. To date, the studio has created a wide variety of roulette games that use single-zero and double-zero wheels; some of the most prominent examples include New AR Roulette, Diamond Bet Roulette, Spread Bet Roulette, and 101 Roulette. The studio has also launched live HTML5 roulette, giving players instant, in-browser access to its sophisticated live tables.
Microgaming
Microgaming is yet another reputable studio that boasts a versatile catalog of online roulette variants. Established in 1994, it is one of the most experienced software vendors in the world. The expertise of its developers truly shines in games like Multi-Player Roulette, Multi-Wheel Roulette, and Premier Roulette. You can play against Microgaming’s dealers at the branded Playboy live tables.
NetEnt
NetEnt is a leading Swedish software studio founded in 1996. This vendor may not offer as extensive a range of roulette options as the previous two suppliers on our list, but it compensates with superior gameplay, compatibility, and graphics. The most popular variants on NetEnt’s roster include American, European, and French Roulette, as well as Roulette Advanced.
Betsoft
Betsoft is a major European online casino software developer that specializes primarily in 3D slots. Nevertheless, the studio has launched several bespoke roulette variations that deserve attention because of their playability, attractive visuals, and intuitive interface. Check out Betsoft’s Zoom Roulette and Common Draw Roulette. Chances are, you won’t regret it if you’re a fan of this casino staple.
Roulette Variations
There are dozens upon dozens of roulette variations available online for both real-money play and practice. This can make it difficult for anyone to separate the wheat from the chaff, especially if they lack experience playing the game online. We have tested virtually every roulette variant imaginable, so trust us when we say these are the six must-try variations every die-hard fan should play.






Multi-Wheel Roulette
Multi-Wheel Roulette is one of the less conventional versions of roulette available online. There are two variants, though. The version supplied by Microgaming lets you activate and play up to eight wheels simultaneously, while the Playtech version features a total of six wheels. Each wheel you activate requires an additional bet, so keep that in mind.
Progressive Roulette
Progressive jackpots are no longer reserved exclusively for slot players. Roulette fans can now snag a pooled jackpot prize thanks to the progressive roulette variations developed by Microgaming and Playtech. Huge pots can be won in Roulette Royale, Frankie Dettori’s Jackpot Roulette, Dragon Jackpot Roulette, and Age of the Gods Roulette. Some variants require you to place a small optional side bet to qualify for the pot.
Double Ball Roulette
Double Ball Roulette offers twice the fun and excitement, as it is played with two balls instead of one. Software supplier Felt has produced a variant in which even-money bets pay when both balls land on the same outcome. The game also supports unconventional wagers such as Red and Black, where you win even money if one ball lands on each of the two colors. If both balls land on the same color, you win at odds of 3 to 1.
Spread Bet Roulette
Playtech’s Spread Bet Roulette is particularly intriguing because it offers a wider range of betting options. This is made possible by the addition of a gilded inner wheel, which lets you experiment with side bets and win up to 400x your initial stake.
Mini Roulette
Mini Roulette is another Playtech creation that deviates from the conventional version of the game. It follows the same rules but is played on a smaller table layout and uses a wheel that contains only the numbers 0 through 12. The payouts for straight-up, split, corner, and dozen bets are reduced to reflect this variation.
Common Draw Roulette
Software supplier Betsoft has added a social element to online gaming with the introduction of Common Draw Roulette. This multiplayer version features a chat box that lets you converse with other players. Because of this feature, you have 32 seconds to place a new bet between spins.
Roulette Strategies
Тhe Martingale
The Fibonacci
The D'Alembert
The Labouchere
The Parlay
The Martingale is easily the most widely used system at roulette tables. Also applicable online, this negative betting progression requires you to double your wager after each loss and return to your base unit when you register a win. It relies on the premise that the losses you incur during a bad streak can be completely recouped with a single win. The bottom line is that you always end up with a profit of one base unit when the losing streak ends.
View more...The Fibonacci system relies on the same principle as the Martingale, but it involves a steeper negative progression, which, needless to say, exposes your roulette bankroll to significant risk. Here, you increase your wagers after a loss, following the famed Fibonacci sequence, in which each consecutive number equals the sum of the previous two numbers, like so: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc. Both systems are predominantly used for outside bets that pay even money.
View more...The D’Alembert system is another negative progression designed for even-money bets. Its progression is flatter and, therefore, less dangerous to your bankroll. You start with a base bet of your choice and increase your stake by one unit after each loss. Consequently, recouping your losses during longer losing streaks is a much slower process with this system.
View more...The Labouchere is one of the more complex systems and is therefore unsuitable for roulette rookies. Also called the cancellation system, this strategy, too, is recommended for even-money wagers. First, you decide on a win goal and convert this sum into base units. Suppose your goal is $100, which corresponds to ten base units of $10 each. Then you write a sequence of numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 3.
Your first stake is the sum of the first and last numbers, or $40 in this case. If you win, cross out these numbers in the sequence and place a $60 bet next. If you lose, append the stake to the end of the sequence and wager that amount on the next spin. When you reach your win goal, all the numbers in your sequence are crossed off.
View more...The Parlay system requires you to first decide how much you want to win. Each time you win, you wager both your profit and original stake on the next coup. For example, if you start with $10 on red and it hits, you would bet $20 on the next spin. This process continues until you eventually reach your target for the session. If you lose a coup, return to flat betting until you score another win.
View more...Oscar’s Grind is considered one of the greatest systems devised for roulette. This system employs a progression that is neither positive nor negative. The idea is to keep your bets low when you lose and increase them significantly once a favorable streak begins.
View more...FAQ
How is randomness ensured in online variations of roulette?
We already discussed how casinos ensure randomness in land-based variants, but what about online roulette? Well, the outcomes are governed by a Random Number Generator (RNG). It generates multi-digit numbers that are then reduced to one of the 37 (or 38) numbers on the wheel. The RNG ensures that online games are fair and deliver the long-term theoretical return players expect.
This is my first time playing roulette online. Can I first try the games without risking my money?
Yes, most online casinos that offer the game give customers the option to play in practice mode with free demo credits. If you exhaust your “demo” bankroll, simply reload the game and you’ll start with the same amount. UK players who want to try roulette for free at UKGC-licensed casinos must first sign up and verify their accounts before practice mode becomes available.
Should I play single-zero or double-zero roulette?
Seasoned roulette buffs favor single-zero tables because they face a smaller house edge in such games. In roulette, the house gets its edge through the addition of the zero pocket. If it weren’t for the zero, you would be playing a game of even chances, or at least placing bets based on number properties. The house’s take on single-zero tables is 2.70% (1.36% with La Partage and En Prison). Adding the 00 pocket to the double-zero wheel almost doubles the house edge, boosting it to 5.26%.