10 Tips For Playing Roulette More Effectively
Roulette is a game of chance, but smart play goes a long way when selecting your approach to the game. Knowing how to make bets, choose tables and manage your bankroll is key. Here are 10 roulette tips to develop a more effective approach.
Look Out for Roulette Wheels With One Zero
The zero pocket is where the house edge is. On European roulette wheels, there’s only one zero, which means that there’s a 2.7% house edge. American roulette has two zero pockets, which is a 5.26% house edge.
Choosing European Roulette will provide you with better odds before you start playing. One of the best roulette game tips is to always check the wheel before you play to see which version of the game you’ll be playing.
Avoid Inside Bets Such as Straight-Up Numbers
Straight-up bets are the first option that beginners try because they focus on one number. Even though these bets pay out one of the highest amounts if you win, they do have bad odds. To be precise, these bets have a 2.7% chance of winning on European wheels.
Instead, go for outside bets such as red/black or odd/even. These bet types cover a wider range of numbers/outcomes, therefore improving the chances that a bet will result in a successful outcome.
Make Use of Betting Strategies
Sometimes, the best way to play roulette is to use a strategy that will help you manage your betting balance. First, you need to find one strategy that matches the approach you would like to take with playing the game. For example, if you choose to try the Fibonacci system or the D’Alembert system, it will give your bets structure.
Keep in mind that these strategies don’t guarantee a win but they help you to control your budget and stakes. You’ll find them helpful if you have a small balance or you are playing on a specific budget.
Spread Your Bets
Next on the list of tips for playing roulette is to spread your bets. If you place an individual bet, it will only cover a small portion of the roulette wheel. Of course, wins are all dependent on chance, but spreading bets can improve the odds of hitting a winning number.
For example, instead of a straight-up bet, try splits or corners. These cover more numbers without requiring huge stakes. Despite covering more of the roulette numbers, be cautious about how much you are betting when spreading the bets.
Opt for Smaller Stakes
Before you start playing, set a budget and play for lower stakes. High stakes can burn through a bankroll when playing a game of chance.
For example, instead of betting £50 on one number, you can bet £5 across multiple outside bets. This covers more numbers and reduces the risk of losing it all on one spin. Lower stakes make it easier to manage your losses, keeping track of how this impacts your bankroll.
Lower stakes can also work well with certain systems, such as D'Alembert, where you increase/decrease bets by increments. High stakes can get out of hand and put too much stress on your game.
Look for Games With La Partage and En Prison Rules
If you’re playing roulette, finding tables with La Partage or En Prison rules can work in your favour. These rules apply to even-money bets such as red/black or odd/even, helping to reduce the house edge.
With La Partage, you get half your stake back if the ball lands on zero. For example, if you place a £20 bet on red and the ball lands on zero, you’ll receive £10 back. Similarly, En Prison keeps your bet ‘in prison’ for the next spin, giving you another chance to win.
Both rules significantly lower the house edge, often dropping it to 1.35% for even-money bets. This makes European roulette tables with these rules some of the best options for players.
Always check the game’s rules before sitting down to understand what rules are available within that game.
Avoid Progressive Betting Systems
Progressive betting systems such as the Martingale look good but can get out of hand quickly. The Martingale, in particular, requires you to double up after every loss, which means potential stakes increase quickly. For example, £10 can become £640 after six losses.
The other challenge with this is that most tables have betting limits, so you can hit the limit before you even recover the losses, which is what the system is designed around. The Martingale system and others like it require perfect conditions, assuming that a win will occur, which of course, is not always the case.
Instead, a flat betting system could be a better approach so that you bet the same amount every time. This way, your losses are more controlled, and you don’t need to face increasing stake amounts based on the outcome of a round. If you’re using a strategy, make sure that it’s one that fits your approach to playing.
Explore Different Types of Roulette Games
Roulette isn’t just European or American. Modern versions such as Lightning Roulette add extra features such as multipliers. For example, Lightning Roulette includes multipliers with values of up to 500x, providing different ways to create improved wins.
Other versions, such as Double Ball Roulette, have unique rules that give you more ways to win. These alternatives blend traditional gameplay with new mechanics for players who want something new.
Trying different roulette games can also help you find rules or features that add variety to the traditional game you are familiar with.
To know how to play roulette effectively with these innovative versions, always check the in-game rules which will help you to understand the bonus features.
Practice Before Playing
Practising roulette in a game that doesn’t require a bet will sharpen your skills and improve your understanding of the bet types that are available. You can also use these games to try new systems before employing them in a game with real stakes.
For example, you can try out betting systems such as D’Alembert or test how outside bets perform in European roulette.
Practising will also allow you to get used to different bet types. Understanding the difference between inside and outside bets, splits and corners will help you to understand how these bets work.
Be Wary of Betting Limits at Roulette Tables
Every roulette table has limits, and these can affect your strategy. For example, if you’re using the Martingale system and doubling up after each loss, you can quickly reach the table limit. This means that you’ll be unable to continue the system.
Low limits can also affect your game. If you like to spread your bets or play with smaller stakes, make sure that the table allows for this. Check the limits before you sit down, and you’ll be able to choose a table that suits your budget.
To avoid problems, lower your stakes if you’re using systems that require incremental increases. Knowing the limits will allow you to adjust your strategy accordingly.