Roulette is a table game where you bet on which numbered pocket a ball will land in on a spinning wheel. Every bet pays according to its odds, and every bet gives the casino a built-in edge. This guide explains the wheel types, the bets and payouts, and the mistakes that cost players the most.
- European roulette has one zero and a 2.70% house edge. American roulette has a zero and a double zero and a 5.26% edge.
- On a single-zero wheel every standard bet has the same house edge, so bets differ in volatility, not in long-run cost.
- No betting system can beat roulette, because each spin is independent.
How roulette works
You place chips on the layout, the dealer or software spins the wheel, and the ball lands in one pocket. Bets that match the result are paid at fixed odds. The two common wheels differ in the number of pockets:
| Wheel | Pockets | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| European (single zero) | 37 (numbers 1 to 36 plus 0) | 2.70% |
| American (double zero) | 38 (numbers 1 to 36 plus 0 and 00) | 5.26% |
Where both are offered, the single-zero wheel costs less in the long run. Check which wheel a table uses before you bet.
Bets and payouts
| Bet | What you pick | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight up | One number | 35 to 1 |
| Split | Two adjacent numbers | 17 to 1 |
| Street | Three numbers in a row | 11 to 1 |
| Corner | Four numbers | 8 to 1 |
| Dozen or column | Twelve numbers | 2 to 1 |
| Red or black, odd or even, high or low | Eighteen numbers | 1 to 1 |
Inside bets on specific numbers pay more but win less often. Outside bets win more often but pay less. On a European wheel the long-run edge is the same either way. Only the size of the swings changes.
What the edge costs you
This is an illustration only. If you bet ₱100 on 100 spins, you wager ₱10,000 in total. On a European wheel, the expected long-run loss is about ₱270. On an American wheel it is about ₱526. Real results vary above and below these figures, but the gap shows why the wheel type matters.
Check the table limits and the wheel type before your first spin, and choose a bet size that lets you play your full session inside your budget.
Live and digital roulette
Digital roulette uses a random number generator. Live roulette spins a physical wheel in a studio with a real dealer. The house edge depends on the wheel type, not on whether the table is live or digital. Play only where the operator appears on PAGCOR‘s records, and confirm that with how to tell if an online casino is legit.
Why betting systems do not work
Some players follow systems, such as raising the stake after each loss. These systems cannot change the odds, because every spin is independent and every bet keeps the same edge. They can also reach table limits or use up a budget very quickly. Treat any person or group selling a roulette “system” with suspicion. See how to avoid online casino scams.
Common mistakes
- Choosing an American wheel by accident: the extra zero roughly doubles the house edge.
- Believing numbers are “due”: past spins do not influence the next one.
- Chasing losses: bigger bets after a loss do not improve your chances.
- Using bonus funds without reading the terms: roulette often counts for little or nothing toward wagering. See wagering requirements explained.
- Playing with no limits: spins come quickly, so losses add up quickly.
Play within your limits
- Set deposit, loss and time limits before you start, and stop when you reach them.
- Only play with money you can afford to lose. Players must be 21 or older.
- Learn the warning signs of problem gambling in our responsible gambling guide.
To understand why a lower edge still means a long-run loss, read what RTP means in online casino games.
Related reading: baccarat guide, blackjack guide, slots guide and how to deposit at online casinos.
Need support? Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline (NPGH) at (02) 8248-9568 or PAGCOR at (02) 8527-9831 or visit pagcor.ph/regulatory/responsible-gaming.php.
Last verified: [publish date].
FAQ
What is the difference between European and American roulette?
European roulette has one zero and a 2.70% house edge, while American roulette has a zero and a double zero and a 5.26% edge. Where both wheels are available, the single-zero wheel costs less in the long run. Check the table rules before you bet.
What is the best roulette bet?
No roulette bet has a better edge than another on a single-zero wheel, because every standard bet carries the same 2.70% house edge. Bets differ in how often they win and how large payouts are, which changes volatility, not the long-run cost. Choose bets that fit your budget.
Can a roulette system beat the casino?
No betting system can beat roulette, because each spin is independent and every bet keeps the same house edge. Systems that raise stakes after losses can also hit table limits or empty your budget fast. Decide a loss limit before you start and stop when you reach it.
What do roulette bets pay?
Straight-up pays 35 to 1, split 17 to 1, street 11 to 1, and even-money bets such as red or black pay 1 to 1. Payouts are set so that the zero pockets give the house its edge. Always confirm the payout table at the table you play.
Is online roulette random?
Digital roulette at licensed operators uses random number generators, while live roulette spins a physical wheel with a real dealer. Both carry the same house edge for the wheel type. Play only where the operator appears on PAGCOR’s records, and ignore any site promising predictable results.
