The spin of the wheel. The clatter of the ball. The anticipation as it settles into a pocket. Rulett—known globally as Roulette—is one of the most iconic and thrilling casino games ever invented. Its elegant simplicity masks a game with depth, various betting options, and a rich history.

Whether you're a complete beginner curious about Rulett or a seasoned player looking to refine your strategy, this guide covers everything you need to know. We'll break down the rules, explore the different versions, explain the betting options, and discuss the strategies and odds to help you play smarter.

What is Rulett? The Basics of the Game

Rulett is a classic casino game where players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, and a corresponding betting layout is used to place chips.

The core gameplay is simple:

1. Players place their bets on the table layout.

2. The croupier (dealer) spins the wheel in one direction and rolls the ball in the opposite direction.

3. Players must place all bets before the dealer announces, "No more bets."

4. The ball eventually loses momentum and lands in one of the numbered pockets.

5. The dealer marks the winning number, clears away losing bets, and pays out the winners.

The Two Main Types of Rulett Wheels

Understanding the difference between these two wheels is the most critical aspect of Rulett, as it drastically affects the odds.

1. European Roulette (The Player's Choice)

• The Wheel: Has 37 pockets numbered 1 to 36, alternating in red and black, plus a single green zero (0).

• The House Edge: The single zero gives the house a low edge of 2.7%. This is the most common and recommended version for players due to its better odds.

2. American Roulette

• The Wheel: Has 38 pockets numbered 1 to 36, alternating in red and black, plus two green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).

• The House Edge: The extra double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it significantly less favorable for the player.

Pro Tip: Always choose European Roulette whenever possible. The reduced house edge greatly improves your long-term chances.

Understanding Rulett Bets: Inside vs. Outside

Rulett bets are divided into two main categories: "Inside" and "Outside" bets.

Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)

These are bets placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the inner section of the layout.

• Straight Up: Betting on a single number. Pays 35:1.

• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing a chip on the line between them. Pays 17:1.

• Street: Betting on three numbers in a horizontal row. Pays 11:1.

• Corner (Square): Betting on a block of four numbers. Pays 8:1.

• Line (Double Street): Betting on two adjacent rows (six numbers). Pays 5:1.

Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Reward)

These are bets placed on larger groupings of numbers or colors on the outer section of the layout.

• Red/Black: Betting on the color of the winning number. Pays 1:1.

• Odd/Even: Betting on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1:1.

• High/Low: Betting on whether the number will be low (1-18) or high (19-36). Pays 1:1.

• Dozens: Betting on one of three groups of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). Pays 2:1.

• Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns of twelve numbers. Pays 2:1.

Popular Rulett Strategies (And What to Know About Them)

Many players use betting systems to manage their bankroll. It's vital to remember that no strategy can overcome the house edge in the long run. These systems manage how you bet, not what the outcome will be.

• The Martingale System: A simple strategy where you double your bet after every loss. When you win, you recover all previous losses plus a small profit. The obvious risk is that a long losing streak can quickly exceed your bankroll or the table limit.

• The Fibonacci System: A more gradual progression based on the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...). You move one step forward in the sequence after a loss and back two steps after a win. It's less aggressive than the Martingale.

• The D'Alembert System: A very conservative strategy where you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. It's designed for even-money bets (like Red/Black).

Important: These strategies are designed for fun and can help structure your play, but they do not guarantee wins. The house edge always remains.