How to Play American Roulette for Beginners

Roulette is one of the most popular and exciting casino games, loved for its simplicity and element of luck. New to American roulette? This guide will break down the basics, provide top tips, and help you feel confident about stepping up to the table. Remember, roulette is not just a game of chance; it's also about having fun.

How to Play Roulette

Understanding the Basics

American roulette features a wheel with 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). Players place bets on where they think the ball will land after the wheel is spun.

The Betting Layout

The roulette table has various betting options, including:

Inside Bets:
These are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. Examples include:

• Straight Up: Betting on a single number.
• Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers.
• Street: Betting on three numbers in a row.
• Corner: Betting on four numbers that form a square.
• Line: Betting on six numbers in two rows.

Outside Bets:
These cover larger groups of numbers and offer better odds but lower payouts. Examples include:

• Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number.
• Odd or Even: Betting on whether the number will be odd or even.
• High or Low: Betting on numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
• Dozens: Betting on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
• Columns: Betting on one of the three vertical columns of numbers.

Place Your Bets

Once you’ve decided what you want to bet on, you’ll need to place your chips on the relevant area of the betting mat. The dealer will then spin the wheel in one direction and the small white ball in the other. After the ball comes to rest in one of the pockets, the dealer will announce the winning number and payouts are made.

Best Tips for Beginners

1. Know the Odds

There are different types of bets in roulette, and it pays to know the odds of each. For example, inside bets offer higher payouts but low odds of winning while outside bets offer high odds of winning but smaller payouts. There are many roulette strategy pages that can guide you through the types of bets you can place and increase your chances of winning, which should also increase the fun you have at the tables.

2. Set Yourself a Budget

Before sitting down to play, set yourself a budget and don’t exceed it. Roulette is a fun game, but you must always play within your means.

3. Start Off with Outside Bets

As a beginner to the game, we recommend starting off with outside bets such as red/black or odd/even as they carry a lower house edge and are a safer bet than the inside bets.

4. Observe Before Betting

If you’re feeling nervous, spend some time observing the game and how it flows before placing any bets. This will give you a better perspective on when and how to act and bet during the game.

5. Avoid the Five Number Bet

The five number bet in American roulette (0, 00, 1, 2, 3) carries the worst odds of any bet.

6. Take Advantage of Free Spins

Many casinos offer new players the chance to play for free a set number of times. Make the most of this as it lets you get a feel for the game without having to risk your own money. - DO WE DO THIS?

7. Practice

If possible, try playing online to get a good handle on the game before you consider playing for real money in the casino. You can try playing American roulette online for as long as you want from the comfort of your own home.

Playing in a Casino

Playing roulette in a bricks and mortar casino is a completely different experience to playing online. It’s fast paced, exciting and very immersive. Here at The Sportsman Casino, you can enjoy our vibrant atmosphere and live gaming action. Here are some things to remember when playing;

Atmosphere and Etiquette

The Sportsman Casino is a lively and vibrant place. The sounds of the wheel spinning and the balls bouncing the calls from the dealer and the shouts of excitement from other players all add to the atmosphere. When playing though, there are some basic rules of etiquette to follow, and these include:

• Time it Right: Bets are placed before the dealer calls “no more bets.” After the ball is spun, do not touch the chips on the table layout until the result is announced. The dealer will recognise bets that have been placed and will collect any losing bets before awarding any winnings.
• Respect the Dealer and Other Players: The dealer is just doing their job but it’s always nice to be on good terms with them as they can remember favourable customers. The same goes for other players at the table, just be patient and polite and everyone will have a good experience.
• Cash Chips: If you win, the dealer will stack your winnings alongside your original bet. You should then use your hands to gather in your chips when the dealer has swept the losing bets away.

Engaging with the Dealer

The dealers at The Sportsman Casino are there to help you. If you're unsure about the rules or how to place a bet, don't hesitate to ask. Our dealers are friendly and knowledgeable, and they can provide guidance to ensure you understand the game.