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Roulette is built around a simple result: a ball finishes in one numbered wheel pocket, and the game settles the selections that cover that pocket. A player may choose one number, a small group of neighbouring layout numbers or a larger category such as red, black, odd or even.
This guide explains roulette rules and terminology, not a way to predict a spin. Game availability, adult eligibility and exact variant rules depend on location and operator. Check the table information, use an entertainment budget and time limit, and never assume earlier spins determine the next one.
How Roulette Works
A standard round follows a defined sequence:
1. Selections are placed on the layout or game interface. 2. The dealer or game closes betting. 3. The wheel spins and the ball comes to rest in a pocket. 4. The pocket number and its category determine the result. 5. Selections that cover that result are settled under the game’s paytable.
Digital roulette can present the process differently from a physical wheel, but its game rules and displayed paytable remain important. Live Casino vs RNG Games explains the difference in delivery format without changing the rule of checking the particular game’s information.
European vs American Roulette
Wheel type is one of the first rules to identify. European roulette has the numbers 0 through 36: 37 pockets in total and one zero pocket. American roulette has 0 through 36 plus 00: 38 pockets and two zero pockets.
| Feature | European roulette | American roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Numbered pockets | 0–36 | 0–36 plus 00 |
| Zero pockets | One: 0 | Two: 0 and 00 |
| Total pockets | 37 | 38 |
| Wheel format | Single-zero | Double-zero |
The extra 00 changes the wheel’s probability structure. It does not make previous results predictive, and it is not a reason to treat any result as guaranteed.
What Is Zero in Roulette?
Zero is its own wheel pocket. In the common layout, it is not red or black, odd or even, low (1–18) or high (19–36). That distinction matters when a selection covers one of those outside categories: a ball landing on 0 does not meet those category labels under standard rules.
The zero can be directly covered by a number-specific selection where the game permits it. Always read the displayed layout and paytable, especially when using a variant with additional rules.
What Is Double Zero?
Double zero, written 00, is an additional pocket associated with American roulette. It is separate from 0 and is not automatically part of European roulette. Like 0, 00 is normally outside the red/black, odd/even and low/high categories.
Inside Bets vs Outside Bets
Inside bets cover a specific number or a small group of numbers in the main numbered layout. Outside bets cover broader number categories, such as colour, parity, a dozen or a column. They differ in how many numbers they cover and in the payout structure shown by the individual game.
Neither label is a prediction or quality ranking. A game’s layout, wheel type and stated rules should be checked before interpreting any outcome.
Roulette Inside Bets Explained
Straight-Up Bet
A straight-up bet covers one specific number, for example 17. If the ball lands on that exact number, the selection is settled according to the game’s displayed straight-up payout.
Split Bet
A split bet covers two adjacent layout numbers. For example, 17 and 20 share a boundary on the standard three-column number grid. The selection refers to the layout adjacency, not merely two numbers chosen at random.
Street Bet
A street bet covers one horizontal row of three numbers. For example, 16, 17 and 18 form a street on the standard layout.
Corner Bet
A corner bet covers four numbers that meet at a layout intersection. For example, 16, 17, 19 and 20 form a four-number corner.
Six-Line Bet
A six-line bet covers two adjacent streets, or six numbers. It uses the shared edge between two three-number rows on the layout.
Roulette Outside Bets Explained
Red or Black
This selection covers the red or black numbers from 1 to 36. Zero pockets are normally not red or black, so a 0 or 00 result does not meet either colour category.
Odd or Even
Odd and even refer to the numbers 1 to 36. Zero pockets are not odd or even for ordinary outside-bet settlement.
Low or High
Low covers 1–18 and high covers 19–36. These labels do not include 0 or 00.
Dozens
The three dozen groups are 1–12, 13–24 and 25–36. Each covers twelve numbered pockets, excluding zero pockets.
Columns
The standard layout has three columns. Each column covers twelve of the numbers from 1 through 36; the layout itself identifies which numbers belong to a selected column.
Roulette Bet Types Comparison
| Bet type | Numbers covered | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | 1 | 17 |
| Split | 2 | 17 and 20 |
| Street | 3 | 16, 17 and 18 |
| Corner | 4 | 16, 17, 19 and 20 |
| Six line | 6 | Two adjacent streets |
| Red / Black | 18, excluding zero pockets | Red |
| Odd / Even | 18, excluding zero pockets | Odd |
| Dozen | 12 | 1st dozen: 1–12 |
| Column | 12 | One layout column |
The examples describe the conventional layout. Different variants may use additional bets or special placement rules.
What Happens When the Ball Lands on Zero?
If a ball lands on 0, a direct selection covering 0 may settle as a win under the paytable. Many outside categories — red, black, odd, even, low and high — do not include 0, so they are not met by that result. For an American wheel, the same distinction generally applies to 00.
Some versions add their own rules for particular outside selections. Read the game-specific help and settlement information instead of applying a rule from another wheel or provider.
What Is a Roulette Payout?
The displayed paytable states how a winning selection is paid. In a conventional single- or double-zero layout, commonly shown payout ratios are:
| Bet type | Common displayed payout ratio |
|---|---|
| Straight up | 35:1 |
| Split | 17:1 |
| Street | 11:1 |
| Corner | 8:1 |
| Six line | 5:1 |
| Dozen | 2:1 |
| Column | 2:1 |
| Red / Black, Odd / Even, Low / High | 1:1 |
These are conventional payout descriptions, not a promise that every variant uses the same table. The player should always rely on the active game’s stated rules and payout information.
European Roulette vs American Roulette: Why Wheel Type Matters
The main structural difference is the added 00 on an American wheel. That additional pocket changes the probability relationship for selections that do not cover it. A game’s RTP or house-edge information describes long-run design mathematics, not a forecast for a particular spin. For related terminology, see the site’s existing How Online Slots Work guide, which explains why random outcomes are not predictable from a short sequence.
Live Roulette vs Digital Roulette
Live roulette generally uses a live dealer and physical wheel where offered, while digital roulette is software-presented. The core bet categories may be familiar across formats, but interface design, timing, limits, wheel type and special rules can differ. Check the displayed version’s information rather than assuming all roulette products use one identical rule set.
Common Roulette Rule Mistakes
- Treating 0 as red, black, odd, even, low or high.
- Mixing up European single-zero and American double-zero wheels.
- Confusing a straight-up bet with a split or a street.
- Ignoring the number coverage shown by the layout.
- Assuming the previous colour or number changes the next spin.
- Treating a pattern as a guarantee or chasing losses.
Roulette Rules Checklist
- Check the wheel type.
- Confirm whether there is a single zero or double zero.
- Identify the exact bet type.
- Know how many numbers it covers.
- Read the visible payout table.
- Check game-specific terms and table limits.
- Understand how zero pockets are settled.
- Never assume previous spins determine the next result.
For a wider reminder about limits and controlled play, read the Responsible Gaming and Account Security Guide. For related casino-rule terminology, see the Blackjack Rules Explained guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does roulette work?
Selections are placed, the wheel is spun, the ball lands in one pocket and bets covering that result are settled under the game’s rules.
What is the difference between European and American roulette?
European roulette has one zero pocket and 37 pockets in total. American roulette adds 00, giving 38 pockets.
What is an inside bet in roulette?
An inside bet covers a specific number or small layout group, such as a straight-up, split, street, corner or six-line selection.
What is an outside bet?
An outside bet covers a broader category, such as red/black, odd/even, low/high, a dozen or a column.
Is zero red or black?
No. Zero is a separate pocket and is normally neither red nor black.
Is zero odd or even?
No. Zero is normally neither odd nor even for outside-bet settlement.
What is a straight-up bet?
It is a selection on one exact number, such as 17.
What is a split bet?
It covers two adjacent numbers on the standard layout.
What are roulette dozens?
They are the groups 1–12, 13–24 and 25–36.
What happens if roulette lands on zero?
Direct zero selections may qualify, while many outside categories do not. Check the active game’s settlement rules.
Does the previous roulette result affect the next spin?
No. Previous results do not guarantee or determine the outcome of the next spin.