Understanding online Roulette and the different bet types

The spinning wheel of Roulette remains one of the most recognised components in casino gaming today, in both land-based casino venues and online casino platforms. The structure of the online game is similar to the classic table variation – you need to predict where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel.

Despite this simplicity, online Roulette has some modern mechanics that are important to understand, as well as a wide range of betting options that can significantly affect how the game is played. These updates reflect broader changes in how users are playing online casino games, with faster gameplay, mobile compatibility, and immersive visual features becoming increasingly common.

Read on for a complete overview of how online Roulette works and the main types of bets you can place.

How online Roulette works

Online Roulette replicates the gameplay of the traditional table game, except in the online version, the game operates with digital interfaces and random number generators (RNGs).

This means that the game is managed by software instead of a real-life dealer and wheel. The RNG system ensures fair outcomes for every spin, since every result is entirely random and uninfluenced by any previous results.

There are two primary variants of online Roulette – European and American Roulette. The difference in these versions comes down to the numbered pockets on the wheel. European Roulette has 37 numbered pockets (1–36 and a single zero), while American Roulette includes an additional double zero (00), bringing the total to 38. This difference impacts the house edge, with the European version generally offering better odds. Make sure you understand the specific rules of each variation before deciding which to play.

Let’s take a closer look at the betting options available – inside and outside bets.

Inside bets

Inside bets are wagers placed on the numbered section of the betting layout. These bet types tend to offer higher payouts due to their lower probability of matching where the ball lands. The main types include:

Straight up: A bet on a single number.
Split bet: A wager placed between two adjacent numbers on the layout.
Street bet: Covers three consecutive numbers in a horizontal line (e.g. 1, 2, 3).
Corner (or square) bet: A bet on four numbers that meet at a corner.
Six line (or double street): Covers two adjacent rows of numbers, totalling six.

Outside Bets

Outside bets are made on the broader groupings of numbers found around the edge of the layout. These bets offer smaller payouts, due to a higher probability of matching where the ball lands. This bet type includes:

Red or black: A wager on whether the matching number will be red or black.
Odd or even: Predicts whether the number will be odd or even.
Low or high: A bet on whether the number will fall within the low (1–18) or high (19–36) range.
Dozens: Covers 12 numbers in one of three groups (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
Columns: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers.

Having a clear understanding of online Roulette is essential for a safe and responsible time gaming. Knowing the structure and terminology of the game, including the rules and meanings of each bet type, is key to making informed decisions.

Be sure to always play online Roulette on a licensed platform and consider setting limits to manage your gameplay responsibly.