The roulette wheel is spinning, the ball is bouncing and everyone is holding their breath. That’s the magic of playing roulette, a game that mixes chance, excitement and a little bit of strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to play roulette at a casino, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most popular games on the floor, and the good news? It’s also one of the easiest to learn.
Whether you’re new to casinos or just curious about trying something other than the slots, roulette is a great starting point. With simple rules, multiple betting options and an energy that’s contagious, learning how to play casino roulette can be a fun way to level up your night out.
Let’s walk through the basics — from understanding the layout to placing bets — so you can walk up to that table with confidence.
Understanding the Roulette Table Layout
Before the wheel spins, it helps to know what you’re looking at. The roulette table has two main parts: the wheel and the betting board.
The roulette wheel is where the action happens. It has numbered pockets from 1 to 36, alternating red and black, plus one (or two) green zeros depending on the version you’re playing. The betting layout is where you place your chips — it’s a grid that mirrors the numbers on the wheel and includes outside areas for group bets.
There’s also a dealer — or “croupier” — who spins the wheel, drops the ball and manages the bets. Players place chips directly on numbers, lines or in the sections of the table that correspond to the bets they want to make.
How to Play Roulette at the Casino
So, you’re at the table and ready to jump in. Here’s how to play roulette in a casino, step-by-step:
Step 1: Buy Your Chips
Roulette chips are different from regular casino chips — each player gets their own color. Let the dealer know how much you want to buy in with, and they’ll assign you a color.
Step 2: Place Your Bets
Before the dealer spins the wheel, you’ll have time to place your chips on the betting layout. You can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, a color or odd/even — the options are wide open.
Wondering how do you bet on roulette? Just place your chips on the desired spot on the layout. The dealer will announce “no more bets” before the spin, so be quick!
Step 3: Watch the Spin
Once bets are closed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and sends a small ball spinning the other way. It’s all up to chance now.
Step 4: Payouts and Reset
When the ball lands in a numbered pocket, the dealer calls out the winning number and color. Then they sweep away losing bets and pay out the winners based on the odds of each bet type.
You’ll then be invited to bet again for the next round. It’s that easy.
Placing Bets in Roulette
Roulette is all about placing the right bets at the right time — and knowing what you’re betting on before the wheel spins. It might feel a little fast-paced the first time you play, but once you understand the rhythm, it becomes second nature.
Step One: Get Your Chips
Before you can place any bets, you’ll need to buy roulette chips directly at the table. These chips are not the same as regular casino chips — they don’t have dollar values printed on them and are color-coded so the dealer can keep track of each player’s bets.
Here’s how it works:
- Walk up to the table and wait for a pause between rounds.
- Hand your cash (or standard chips) to the dealer and let them know how much you want to exchange.
- The dealer will give you a stack of chips in a specific color that’s unique to you.
- You choose the value — for example, you might ask for $1 chips or $5 chips depending on your comfort level.
Once you’ve got your chips, you’re ready to play.
Step Two: Placing Your Bets
Now it’s time to put those chips on the board. The dealer will call out when it’s time to place bets. You can place your chips anywhere on the betting layout, depending on the kind of bet you want to make — a single number, red or black, a corner, a column — the table is open.
Here are a few things to remember:
- You can place more than one bet at a time. For example, you might put one chip on red and another on the number 7.
- There’s a betting window before each spin. When the dealer spins the wheel, they’ll give a few seconds for everyone to finish betting. Then you’ll hear, “No more bets.” After that, chips can’t be moved.
- Stacking is allowed. Multiple players can bet on the same spot, so it’s okay if your chip lands on top of someone else’s.
- Ask if you’re unsure. Dealers are used to beginners and will usually explain if you ask politely — just don’t do it mid-spin.
Roulette gives you a lot of flexibility in how you play. You can go all-in on a single number for a high payout or spread your chips across multiple outside bets for a safer approach. The beauty of the game is that you control the risk and reward — you decide how aggressive or cautious you want to be.
Inside vs. Outside Bets
- Inside bets go on the numbered part of the board — specific numbers or small groups.
- Outside bets are broader — like betting on red or black, odd or even or entire sections like “1 to 18.”
You can place multiple bets in one round. Want to bet on red and a single number? Go for it. Roulette rewards creativity — and luck.
Common Types of Roulette Bets
When you’re new to roulette, the betting layout can look like a confusing grid of numbers and boxes. But once you know the basics, it’s not nearly as complicated as it seems. All bets fall into two main groups: inside bets and outside bets. Each type comes with different risk levels, payout odds and strategies.
Let’s break down what these bets actually mean and how you’d place them at a real table.
Inside Bets
Straight-Up Bet
This is a bet on a single number. You place your chip directly on one number — say, 17. If the ball lands on that exact number, you win 35 to 1. So if you bet $10, you get $350 in winnings plus your $10 back. This is the highest payout, but it’s also the hardest to hit.
Split Bet
This is when you place your chip on the line between two adjacent numbers on the layout — like 8 and 11. If either number hits, you win. The payout is 17 to 1.
Street Bet
A street bet covers three numbers in a row. You place your chip on the outer edge of the row. For example, a chip on the edge of the 19–20–21 row covers all three. If any of them hit, the payout is 11 to 1.
Corner Bet
This covers four numbers that form a square on the board — for example, 1, 2, 4 and 5. You place your chip at the intersection of those numbers. If any of the four hit, you win 8 to 1.
Line Bet
A line bet covers six numbers in two adjacent rows — like 13–14–15 and 16–17–18. Place your chip where the two rows meet at the edge. If any of those six numbers win, the payout is 5 to 1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets are on the edges of the layout and cover larger groups of numbers. These bets are easier to win but offer smaller payouts. They’re a great starting point for beginners because they give you almost a 50/50 shot in some cases.
Red or Black
Bet on whether the winning number will be red or black. That’s it. This bet pays 1 to 1 — so a $20 bet wins you $20. Simple and popular.
Odd or Even
Similar to red/black, you’re betting on whether the number will be odd or even. Also pays 1 to 1. Keep in mind: 0 and 00 aren’t included in either.
High or Low
You’re betting on whether the number will be in the lower half (1–18) or the higher half (19–36). Pays 1 to 1.
Dozens
The numbers 1 through 36 are split into three groups: 1–12, 13–24 and 25–36. You can bet on any of these dozens, and if a number in your group hits, you win 2 to 1.
Columns
The board has three vertical columns of numbers. You can bet on one full column, and if the winning number is anywhere in it, you win 2 to 1.
Understanding these will help you mix low-risk and high-reward strategies based on your comfort level.
How Roulette Payouts Work
So, how do roulette payouts work? It depends on the bet type.
- A straight-up single-number roulette payout is 35 to 1.
- Red/black, odd/even, and high/low pay just 1 to 1.
- More complex bets — like splits, corners and dozens — have varying payouts in between.
It’s important to remember the difference between odds on roulette payout and the actual probability. A high payout usually means a lower chance of hitting it.
Types of Roulette Games You’ll See at a Casino
Not all roulette wheels are created equal. Most casinos offer a few versions of the game. Here’s what to know:
- American Roulette: Has 38 pockets — numbers 1–36, 0 and 00. The extra 00 increases the house edge. It’s fun, but not the best for your odds.
- European Roulette: Has 37 pockets — just one 0. This makes for better odds and is generally more favorable to beginners.
- French Roulette: Similar to European, but includes unique rules like “La Partage” which can refund part of your bet if the ball lands on 0.
If you’re new, start with European or French — the odds are simply better.
Tips for Playing Roulette for Beginners
If you’re new, start simple. Here are a few beginner-friendly tips:
- Stick to outside bets: They offer the best chances of winning, even if payouts are smaller.
- Set a budget before you start. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment.
- Avoid systems that claim to “beat the game.” Roulette is luck-based, and no strategy changes that.
What Is the Smartest Bet in Roulette?
Let’s get real — there’s no bet that’s guaranteed. But the smartest bet in roulette for beginners is typically an even-money outside bet.
Why? You’ve got close to a 50/50 chance. You might not win big, but you’ll stay in the game longer.
Riskier bets like single numbers are tempting because of the single number roulette payouts, but they come with lower odds. Think of it like fishing with a net vs. a spear — one gives you wider coverage, the other is riskier but more rewarding.
How Roulette Differs from Other Casino Games
Roulette is pure chance. There’s no card counting like in blackjack or dice strategies like in craps. It’s you, the wheel and fate.
That’s why many people find it less intimidating. You don’t have to memorize anything complicated. And the social vibe? It’s great. Everyone cheers together or groans together. That shared energy makes roulette one of the most enjoyable games on the floor.
Get Ready to Spin the Wheel
Now that you know how roulette works, you’re ready to give it a try. Whether you’re playing it safe or chasing a big win, the key is to enjoy the moment.
WinStar World Casino has everything you need to put your new skills to use — real tables, real excitement and real chances to win. Come spin the wheel and see where it lands.
