Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Roulette is one of the most famous casino games in Las Vegas. Its spinning wheel, numbered pockets, and straightforward bets appeal to both new and seasoned players. Unlike poker or blackjack, you don’t need advanced skills to play—just a basic grasp of probability, bet types, and risk. Still, to really get the most out of roulette in Vegas, you need to know the odds, the house edge, and some smart betting strategies.
If you want to learn how to bet on roulette effectively, understand what are the odds of winning in roulette, and discover the best way to make money on roulette, this guide breaks it all down using verified mathematical data and real probability principles.
Roulette is a game of chance. Players put chips on the table to guess where the ball will land on the spinning wheel. Each spin is separate, so past results don’t affect future ones. Thinking otherwise is called the gambler’s fallacy.
There are three main types of roulette you’ll encounter:
American Roulette – 38 pockets (1–36, 0, 00)
European Roulette – 37 pockets (1–36, 0)
French Roulette – Same as European but with special rules
The number of zero pockets changes your odds. American roulette has a bigger house edge because it adds a double zero.
Picking the right table is the most important choice when you’re learning to play roulette in Vegas.
American roulette house edge: 5.26%
European roulette house edge: 2.70%
This difference might look small, but in reality, players lose money nearly twice as fast on American wheels.
French roulette can do even better. Rules like La Partage lower the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35%. It gives the best odds.
Tip: If you want the best value, always pick European or French tables when you can.
Roulette bets fall into two categories:
These bets target specific numbers or small groups.
Examples:
Straight-up number → pays 35:1
Split → 17:1
Corner → 8:1
These payouts don’t change because they’re set by probability. For example, in European roulette, a single number has a 1 in 37 chance to win.
These cover broader outcomes:
Red/Black
Odd/Even
Dozens
Columns
They pay 1:1 or 2:1 but win more often. Many experts say these are the best bets for lasting longer at the table because they have less risk.
Knowing roulette odds is key if you want to play smart or at least keep your losses small.
Here’s a simplified probability breakdown (European wheel):
|
Single number |
2.7% |
35:1 |
|
Red/Black |
48.6% |
1:1 |
|
Dozen/Column |
32.4% |
2:1 |
The house edge is there because payouts are a bit less than the true odds. For example, a fair single-number bet would pay 36:1, but casinos pay 35:1. That’s how casinos make money over time.
Many players look for systems that promise to beat roulette. The truth is more complicated.
Academic research shows that in a mathematically perfect roulette game, the casino always has the advantage unless physical wheel imperfections exist.
Betting systems like Martingale or Labouchère might seem to work for a while, but over time, they usually break even or lose money. They can also lead to big losses during losing streaks.
The main point: No betting system gets rid of the house edge. The best you can do is manage your risk and pick good tables.
Players often wonder about the best or “hot” numbers in roulette. But the truth is that every number has the same chance on each win because the wheel doesn’t remember the past results.
For example:
Each number on a European wheel = 1/37 chance
Each number on an American wheel = 1/38 chance
Keeping track of past results won’t help you win. Thinking a number is “due” is just another gambler’s fallacy.
However, some players prefer betting patterns such as:
Neighbor bets (wheel sections)
Sector bets
Repeating last-winning numbers
These ways of betting don’t change your odds, but they can make the game feel more exciting or change how often you win or lose.
There’s no sure way to win, but you can make the game more enjoyable and maybe make your money last longer.
Always pick European or French wheels whenever possible.
The American “five-number bet” carries a house edge of about 7.89%, making it statistically the worst wager.
Set your limits before you play and don’t go overboard.
These bets win more often and have fewer ups and downs, so you can play longer.
Many guides suggest practicing with free games first. This helps you learn the bets and odds before you risk real money.
Here are the most common betting systems you’ll encounter in Vegas or online:
Martingale – Double your bet after losses.
Fibonacci – Increase bets using the Fibonacci sequence.
Paroli – Increase bets after wins.
D’Alembert – Raise bets gradually after losses.
James Bond – Cover multiple sections simultaneously.
These strategies change how much you bet, but they don’t change your chances of winning. They’re mostly ways to manage your money, not ways to guarantee a win.
Roulette is designed to be pRoulette is made to be exciting and keep you interested:excitement.
Streaks give illusion of patterns.
Chips and colors distract from real money values.
Casinos depend on probability, not luck. As long as the house edge is there, the casino will make money in the long run.
Knowing how the game affects your mind is important if you want to play with discipline instead of just following your emotions.
Las Vegas casinos give you a lively atmosphere and social fun, but online roulette has its own benefits:
Vegas Casinos
Authentic experience
Social interaction
Physical chips
Online Roulette
Lower minimum bets
More table variations
Faster gameplay
Many experienced players like online tables because it’s easy to pick games with better odds and play at your own speed.
If you want to take your strategy past the basics, try these expert tips:
Track table rules before playing
Avoid crowded tables to maintain control
Bet consistent amounts rather than chasing losses
Walk away after reaching profit targets
Treat roulette as entertainment, not income
Even the pros say discipline matters more than risky betting systems.
Roulette is a game of chance at its core. No strategy can promise you a win, and you can always lose. Only play with money you’re okay losing, and remember to take breaks. Playing responsibly is always the best choice.
Learning to play roulette in Vegas is more about knowing the odds, managing your risk, and picking the right table than about luck. The best players don’t chase “hot numbers” or secret tricks—they understand the math behind each spin.
Remember these core principles:
Choose European or French wheels for better odds
Use outside bets for stability
Ignore myths about lucky numbers
Manage your bankroll carefully
If you want to try these strategies, Dimebit has a top online sportsbook and casino with safe play, many roulette options, and greater, not harder.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
