Online Roulette Strategy: Maximising Your Chances of Winning

In this article, we will explore various aspects of online roulette strategy, including playing strategies, understanding probability and odds, the house edge, and tips on how to win online roulette. There will be a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section at the end of the article as you may have some questions.

Let’s get into it.

Strategy for Playing Roulette

Firstly, let’s discuss the basics of roulette. The game is named after the French word meaning “little wheel,” which accurately describes its main feature—a spinning wheel with numbered compartments. The basics of roulette are relatively straightforward, making it easy for both novice and experienced players to understand and participate.

At the heart of the game is the roulette wheel, which is divided into numbered compartments, typically ranging from 0 to 36. These numbers are alternately coloured in red and black, except for the zero(s), which are usually green. The wheel is spun in one direction, while a small ball is spun in the opposite direction around the edge of the wheel. Eventually, the ball loses momentum and falls into one of the numbered compartments, determining the winning number. There are two main types of bets in roulette: inside bets and outside bets (we will discuss these later). Once all bets have been placed, the wheel is spun and the small ball is released.

Players place bets on the roulette table or online, the table is laid out with a grid that corresponds to the numbers on the wheel. If the ball lands on the selection, you win.

There are many different strategies that players employ to enhance their chances of winning in roulettes. While none of these strategies can guarantee wins consistently, they help optimise how you play and can give you a plan.

One commonly used strategy is the Martingale system, which involves doubling your bet after each loss. For example, let’s say you placed €5 on the number 28 and it lost. On the next spin, you bet €10 on the number (or a different selection). The idea behind this strategy is that eventually, you will win and recoup your previous losses. However, it’s important to note that this strategy can be risky, as it requires substantial deposits to sustain increasing bets.

Another popular strategy is the Fibonacci system, which is based on the Fibonacci sequence. Essentially, the Fibonacci sequence is where the next number is found by adding the previous two numbers in the sequence together. In roulette betting, you start with the lowest possible bet and move up the sequence after each loss. Let’s say you start with €1 and then €2, your third bet is €3 and it carries on to €5 and so on. The idea is to recover losses gradually rather than through large bets. However, like the Martingale system, it is not foolproof and requires careful management of deposits.

Below is a table of the two strategies, simplified with examples.

The Martingale and Fibonacci Systems

 

Name	Sequence	Example	Name	Sequence	Example
Martingale	Doubling bets	€20, €40, €80	Fibonacci	Add two previous stakes together	€8, €9, €17

 

Probability in Roulette

What are the chances of actually winning in roulette, then?

A lot of it comes from the type of wheel you’re playing with. There are two variations of roulette, namely European and American. European roulette is a wheel containing 37 numbered compartments, ranging from 0 to 36, whereas American roulette boasts an extra pocket labelled 00, thereby totalling 38 compartments. Consequently, European roulette holds greater value. Each compartment holds an equal probability of being the final resting place after each spin.

To determine the likelihood of winning, you must divide the number of favourable outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. As an illustration, in European roulette, the probability of winning a straight-up bet (a bet placed on a single number) amounts to 1/35 (equivalent to 2.85%), given that only one out of 37 possible outcomes leads to victory.

Displayed below is a table presenting the probability of winning various popular roulette wagers.

Probability in roulette table (European)

 

Bets	Probability
Single-number (1 number)	2.85%
Split (2 numbers)	5.9%
Odd or Even	48.65%
Red or Black	48.65%
High or Low	48.65%

 

Odds in Roulette

The odds in roulette determine the payout you receive if your bet is successful. The payout depends on the type of bet and the probability of winning. Bets with lower odds have higher payouts, while bets with higher odds have lower payouts.

For instance, a straight-up bet (betting on a single number) has the highest payout of 35 to 1, as it has the lowest probability of winning. On the other hand, outside bets such as red or black, odd or even, or high or low, have the highest probability of winning but pay out at even odds (1 to 1).

There are some other outside odds, for example, column or dozens and they pay out at 2 to 1 each (which is a 32.4% chance in European and a 31.6% chance in American).

We already discussed two inside bets (single-number and split), but there are others too. Street is selecting three numbers that cover a horizontal row on the roulette board, an example could be 10, 11, and 12. If the ball lands on any of the three numbers you selected, the payout is 11 to 1. Corner betting is selecting one of the four numbers on one of the corners of the board (for example 10, 11, 13, and 14) and the payout is 8 to 1. Finally, there is double street betting with a low payout at just 5 to 1, you bet on two rows of three numbers (for example 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36).

To simplify it, here is a comparison of outside and inside bet odds for roulette.

Inside and outside bet odds for roulette: comparison

 

Inside Bet	Odds	Outside Bet	Odds
Single-number	35:1	Red or Black	1:1
Split	17:1	Odd or Even	1:1
Street	11:1	Low or High	1:1
Corner	8:1	Column	2:1
Double Street	5:1	Dozens	2:1

 

Roulette House Edge

The house edge in roulette is the built-in advantage that casinos have in every casino game, including roulette. It represents the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to win on average over the long run. In European roulette, the house edge is approximately 2.7%, while in American roulette, it increases to around 5.26% due to the extra 00 pocket.

The house edge is important to understand because it affects your long-term profitability. The higher the house edge, the more you can expect to lose over time. While strategies can help improve your odds in the short term, the house edge ultimately determines the casino’s profitability.

How to Win at Online Roulette

Despite there not being a guaranteed method or strategy for winning in roulette, there are some tips that can increase your overall chances of winning at the wheel.

Let’s go through some.

Choose European Roulette, If You Can: Whenever possible, play European roulette instead of the American version. The absence of the double zero pocket in European roulette reduces the house edge and improves your overall odds by 2.5%. It doesn’t sound like much, but over time it is.

Practice with Free Games: This tip is especially for newer roulette users and is typical of online casino sites. Upon signing up, many online casinos offer free versions of roulette, or “free spins” as it’s usually labelled. Take advantage of these opportunities to practice your strategy without risking real money. This allows you to refine your approach and get familiar with the game’s mechanics. You can still win money, too! Check the terms and conditions of the online bookmaker to make sure.

Set a Budget and Stick to It: It’s always important to budget, in everything you do. Before you start playing, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Roulette can be an exciting game, but it’s important to gamble responsibly and not chase losses, especially if you’re on a losing streak.

Manage Your Stakes: Don’t throw everything on a single bet. Develop a stake management strategy that allows you to play for an extended period. Avoid placing large bets that can deplete your funds quickly. Instead, consider smaller bets that can help prolong your gameplay. While winning will be lower, it’s better to play for longer.

Mix Bets: Instead of focusing on a single type of bet, consider diversifying your bets to cover a broader range of numbers. This approach can increase your chances of winning but may also reduce the potential payouts.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. That was a comprehensive guide to online roulette strategy.

Online roulette has revolutionised the betting market as it allows you to spin the wheel from the comfort of your own home. It offers an interactive experience both on an app and website, replicating how it would be at a casino and allows you to make decisions based on real-time information. Use the free spins to practice some of the strategies and see if your luck is in, but always check and compare bookmakers for the best sign-up deal. They all want you to sign up, and will usually have an incentive for doing so.

As mentioned, there is no strategy that guarantees wins in online roulette, but there are ways to improve your chances of winning – especially with the pesky 2.7% (European) house edge that gives the casino a built-in advantage, something you just can’t get away from. Understand the different probabilities and odds attached to the selections, perhaps use some of the strategies listed like the Martingale or Fibonacci systems and be disciplined with your stakes. Luck may or may not be on your side, and ride with that luck when it is.

If you are prepared to start out roulette betting online, hopefully you feel confident with some of the strategies listed and the pragmatic understanding of the different odds and probabilities. If you are experienced and looking for tips, maybe try out the strategies and different selections that you may not have used before.

Online Roulette Strategy FAQ: