Roulette is one of the most popular and widespread casino games in existence. Played by people of all ages all around the world, the beauty of roulette is in its simplicity: anyone can play, regardless of casino experience, as the rules are so easy to understand. Just place your chips on a series of inside bets (numbers) or outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low), watch the ball spin around the wheel, and hope it lands on a winner!
However, while roulette is simple to play, there are still some important pieces of advice to follow that can help minimize losses and ensure you have plenty of fun at the wheel.
There is no guaranteed path to victory
Unlike poker, and to a lesser extent blackjack, roulette is entirely a game of luck. That is why there are plenty of people who have built millionaire careers as poker players, but only a very lucky (and brave) few who have claimed huge winnings playing roulette.
You have no control over the wheel or where the ball lands, so the best roulette strategy to win is to put the odds in your favor and play cautiously and carefully. Check out this guide on BetAmerica.com: https://extra.betamerica.com/casino/roulette/strategy/
However, there is no strategy that can guarantee victory on the roulette table, despite what many so-called ‘experts’ try to claim on their blogs.
Inside or Outside Bets?
As mentioned briefly above, there are two categories of bets on a roulette table: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets pertain to any bets placed on the inside options of the table. This can be a single number or a collection of connecting numbers.
Outside bets are any betting options that are housed outside the table. These include red or black; high or low; odd or even; dozen bets (blocks of 12 numbers – 1-12, 13-24, 25-36); and column bets (vertical or horizontal).
The big question is, should beginners play inside or outside bets? Or combine both? Most experienced roulette players and teachers agree that beginners should mainly focus on outside bets.
Outside bets have lower payouts than inside bets, but the odds mean they have a better chance of winning, making them more appealing for beginners who are still learning the ropes.
Then there is the zero. Depending which type of roulette table you are playing, there will either be a single zero (European Roulette) or a double zero (American Roulette). While it can be frustrating when a well-covered bet fails after the ball lands on a zero, beginners are encouraged to ignore zero altogether.
Only play with what you can afford to lose
This is a golden rule for all types of casino games, but perhaps none more important than when playing roulette. Because the game is so fast with a quick turnover, there is often less time to compose your thoughts and emotions when playing roulette. And when emotions are not under control, it becomes very easy to get reckless.
This works both ways: when you are losing, there can become an over-riding desire to chase in order to claim back your losses; and when you are winning, there can be an over-confidence that the good fortune will last forever.
The best way to counter the inevitable rush of emotions is to set out clear budgets before you even place your first bet. For example, if you set a total budget of $100, then if you lose it all, then you stop for the day – no excuses.
Similarly, you will want to set a limit on your winnings. For instance, if you reach $500 then cash out and walk away. If you don’t set a maximum limit, then you will eventually lose your hard-earned winnings.
Take your time and have fun
The fact money is involved can often lead players to take roulette too seriously, spending hours at the table while going through an emotional rollercoaster. Don’t be that person! Roulette is a game and it’s meant to be fun, so treat it as such.
Meanwhile, it’s important to know that you don’t have to play every single spin. This not only helps to control composure, but also will make the game last longer.
However, having a break from the table for a few spins can cause a major case of FOMO (fear of missing out). It will no doubt happen that one of your favourite bets comes in the one time you decide to take a break. That’s just the nature of the game! Just brush it off and keep having fun.
