Roulette Strategies to Improve Your Chances
Here are a few strategies to improve your chances. These strategies are the result of my experience with casino games, such as roulette.
The House Edge is Your True Opponent
The house edge is the built-in advantage the casino has on every bet. In American roulette, with its double zero (“00”), the house edge is a significant 5.26%. It means for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose $5.26 over the long run.
European roulette, with a single zero (“0”), reduces that edge to nearly half, at 2.7%.
Why French Roulette Offers the Best Odds
For the most favorable odds, always choose French Roulette when available. It uses a single-zero wheel, similar to European roulette, but incorporates player-friendly rules that further reduce the house edge.
- La Partage: If you make an even-money bet (like Red/Black or Odd/Even) and the ball lands on zero, you get half of your stake back. Thus, this cuts the house edge on those bets to a mere 1.35%.
- En Prison: Similar to La Partage, if the ball lands on zero on an even-money bet, your stake is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back. Therefore, this also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.
A Look at Betting Strategies
Numerous betting systems exist, but none can overcome the house edge. They can, however, provide structure to your play and help manage your bankroll.
| Strategy | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
| Martingale | Double your bet after every loss. | Simple to learn; offers the potential for quick recovery of losses. | Extremely risky; can lead to massive losses quickly and may hit table limits. |
| Fibonacci | Increase your bet after a loss according to the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). | Less aggressive than Martingale; slower loss progression. | You can still accumulate significant losses during a losing streak. |
| D’Alembert | Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. | Low risk and simple, designed for even-money bets. | Slow to generate profits; ineffective against long losing streaks. |
What Do I Think: Treat these systems as money management tools, not as ways to beat the game. The best strategy is to set a budget, stick to it, and know when to walk away. So, this is one of the best secrets of roulette – just don’t overspend.
Are Side Bets Worth the Risk?
Side bets, or inside bets on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, offer high payouts but have a lower probability of winning. While a single number bet pays 35 to 1, your chances of hitting it are just 2.7% on a European wheel.
On the other hand, outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even have a nearly 50% chance of winning but pay only 1 to 1. These bets are less risky and allow for longer play sessions. For sustained play, focusing on outside bets is the more prudent approach.
How To Find the Best and Fairest Roulette Games Online
A trustworthy online casino is the foundation of a safe roulette experience. Here is what to look for:
- Licensing and Regulation: The site should be licensed by a reputable authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. This information is usually found in the website’s footer.
- Game Fairness Certification: Look for certification from independent auditors, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. These organizations test the Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure the game outcomes are truly random and not manipulated.
- Game Selection: A good site will offer multiple roulette variations, including French, European, and American roulette. Having access to French roulette is a clear sign that the casino is player-focused.
Learn About Game Fairness and RNGs
Online roulette uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the winning number. This is a complex algorithm that produces a sequence of numbers that is statistically random. Certified RNGs ensure that every spin is independent and has the same probability of occurring as any other spin. Thus, this means the casino cannot control the outcome, and the results are as fair as a physical wheel.
The Importance of Practice
Many online casinos offer free-to-play or demo versions of their roulette games. Use these to:
- Familiarize yourself with the game’s interface and betting options.
- Test out different betting strategies without risking real money.
- Get a feel for the pace of the game.
Practical experience builds confidence and helps you avoid simple mistakes when you decide to play for real money.
Final Words About Secrets of Roulette
The most critical secret of roulette is recognizing it for what it is: entertainment with a cost. The house always has an advantage. Your goal should be to manage your funds, make intelligent bets to minimize that advantage, and enjoy the experience. Chasing losses or believing in a “guaranteed” winning system is the quickest way to a negative outcome.
Play smart, play safe, and may the wheel spin in your favor.
