Play Online Roulette: Free Games & Real Money Offers (2025)

Written by: Roland Fuller
Last updated on: May 16, 2025 

Online roulette is the digital version of the well-loved casino game that uses a spinning wheel to decide the winner. In 2025, the 18th-century game is updated so that you can enjoy it from your smartphone, laptop, or tablet, wherever you are. Whether you want to place real money bets so you can take home the winnings or to practice a little in free mode to gain some confidence, there’s a roulette game for every desire and budget.

This guide has everything you need to know to begin playing online roulette. We are here to assist you in understanding the fundamentals, exploring the most popular variations of the popular casino game, and providing guidance to enhance your playing strategy. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned player, this guide is for you.

How To Play Online Roulette: Basic Rules

Online roulette is easy to play and easy to learn, making it a popular game for even beginners to understand and get into. It’s definitely a lot easier than online blackjack or sic bo.

To start online roulette, you’ll need to place your bet. You can bet on individual numbers, groups, or broader categories like red or black numbers. You’ll be betting as to the colour/number of the pocket the little ball will end up in when the wheel stops spinning, and the more specific your bet, the higher the reward because the likelihood of it being successful is lower.

The roulette online wheel will start spinning once you’ve placed your bets. If you’re playing a live roulette online game, you’ll be able to watch in real time as a dealer drops the ball onto the track and manually sets the wheel to spin. RNG software takes care of this in virtual online roulette games, ensuring that each spin is unrelated to the last and is totally unpredictable. Eventually, the wheel will come to a stop, and the ball will drop into one of the coloured, numbered pockets. If your bet was on the right number/colour, you’ll collect!

Once you know these online roulette basics, you’ll find that playing for real money rewards is easier than you think. As you gain experience with the game, you’ll be able to refine your betting strategies, try out different types of bets, and apply the tips we outline later on in this article to your games going forward.

Understanding How to Use Bets in Online Roulette

Like its land-based counterpart, roulette online offers two types of bets: inside bets and outside bets. Knowing the different bets in each category is vital because it determines your chances of winning and should heavily impact your strategy.

What Is an Inside Bet?

Inside bets are those placed on particular numbers or smaller groups of numbers on the online roulette real money table. They cover fewer possible outcomes, so they’re high-risk, but this is offset by their high possible rewards.

Types of Inside Bets:

Straight-Up

These bets are on just one number. They’re the riskiest, but they also provide the highest possible payout of 35:1.

Split Bet

Made on two adjacent numbers, the Split bet provides a payout of 17:1, making it a great option if you’re feeling lucky but aren’t sure enough for a Straight-Up!

Street Bet

When you bet on a row of three consecutive numbers, you’re making a Street bet. The payout here is 11:1.

Corner Bet

For the corner bet, you’ll choose four numbers, placing your chip at the intersection where they meet. The payout for a successful Corner bet is a hefty 8:1.

Line Bet

Bet on six numbers across two rows. A line bet has a payout of 5:1 and covers more numbers than other Inside bets.

Inside bets are a wise choice if you’re comfortable with taking more of a risk, and they are perfect for online roulette casino game players seeking larger payouts.

What Is an Outside Bet?

Outside bets cover larger sections of the game table. They are not as risky as Inside bets, but the payouts when they are successful are much smaller. We always recommend that you take your pick from these bets if you’re just starting out as an online roulette real money player.

Types of Outside Bets:

Red or Black

Here, you’ll be betting on whether the ball will end up in a black pocket or a red one. It’s the safest choice when it comes to online roulette casino bets, with a 1:1 payout.

Odd or Even

If you opt for this bet, you’ll be betting on if the winning number will be odd or even. This is another low-risk option that pays out 1:1.

High or Low

Take a guess that the winning number will be low, between one and 18, or high, between 19 and 36. Another 1:1 payout; you have a nearly 50% chance of winning this bet.

Dozens

Bet on one of three groups with 12 numbers each, 1 – 12, 13 – 24, or 25 – 36. This bet pays out 2:1 because it’s a bit riskier than the Outside bets we’ve outlined so far, but you’ve still got a good chance of winning.

Columns

If you go for Columns, you’ll be betting on one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the roulette online real money table. You’ll also get a 2:1 payout here

When you understand the difference between Inside and Outside bets, you can tailor the way you play so that it matches your tolerance for risk and your strategic goals. If you’re the kind of player who prefers smaller, steadier wins or if you love the thrill of chasing huge payouts with high-risk bets, knowing which bets to choose will definitely enhance the time you spend at the table.

What is the Safest Bet in Roulette?

If you want to stick to safe bets when you play online casino roulette, we suggest you stick to Outside options, especially Red/Black and Odd/Even. With this, comes lower payouts at 1:1, as opposed to 35:1 for a Straight-Up, but the odds are more in your favour with Outside bets.

Online Roulette Game Variants To Try

There are many online roulette variants for you to have fun with, each with its own special rules and unique features. Once you know how to play the basic roulette game, you’ll be able to very easily learn the rules that set the variations apart, and you can enjoy the fresh twists on a game you already love.

American Roulette

The American roulette wheel has two zero pockets, the 0 and the 00, taking the total number of pockets up to 38. Although it may seem like a small change, the added pocket skyrockets the house edge up to 5.26%, so your odds of winning are lower when you play this version of online roulette for real money. Many players still choose this variant, however, since they enjoy the extra challenge and feel the change in pockets adds something special to the game.

European Roulette

This is the most popular variation of roulette online, a favourite with players because it has such great odds. European roulette has just one zero pocket, 0, so there are only 37 pockets. The house edge is thus far lower than it is in the American roulette game, sitting at just 2.7%. If you’re looking for a good balance of risk and reward, European roulette is a safe option.

French Roulette

French roulette online real money games are very similar to European variants but have an extra rule, La Partage, that sets them apart. According to this rule, if you’ve placed an even money bet, like Red/Black or Odd/Even, you’ll get back half your bet if the ball lands in the zero pocket. La Partage significantly impacts the house edge, taking it down to just 1.35%, making French roulette a hit with players. If you’re looking for the best possible odds, this is a good choice.

Live Dealer Roulette

Playing live roulette online really gives you the ultimate interactive experience, combining the exhilaration of the traditional casino game with the incredible convenience of online access. Hosted by professionally-trained dealers, roulette live online games give you the chance to watch the spinning wheel in an authentic environment while you still take advantage of the many benefits of online betting. Whatever variation you enjoy when you opt for online roulette live, you get to interact with the dealer and whatever players are also at your table, and this really ups the enjoyment factor.

Mini Roulette

If you’re running short on time, why not opt for a mini online roulette real money game? Mini roulette is faster and presents a more compact version of the game. The wheel is smaller, with only 13 pockets, the number 0 and then 1 through 12.

Be careful, because the fewer pockets mean odds are affected and the house edge jumps to 7.69%, but the thrills and spills of the original game are heightened in mini roulette, and many people prefer playing this variant because it’s so quick and easy.

Multi-Ball Roulette

If you’re on the hunt for a more dynamic experience, multi-ball roulette is an excellent choice. In this variant, multiple balls are spun on the wheel at the same time, and you can bet on each ball, increasing your chances of seeing a win. Multi-ball roulette is ideal if you want to up the ante and enjoy more action every time the wheel spins.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

You can bet on more than one roulette online real money wheel simultaneously when you play multi-wheel game variations, giving you the chance to win more than once on a single spin. Another fast-paced variant; if you like juggling multiple bets, then this is the version is a good one for you.

Each online roulette gambling game variant brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for the classic gameplay of European roulette, the enhanced excitement of multi-ball or multi-wheel, or the player-friendly rules of French roulette, there’s a version to suit every type of player.  

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Betting Tips and Strategies For Online Roulette

Although roulette is not really a skills-based game, if you have a well-thought-out approach when you play, you can mitigate some of the risks associated with it. Make sure you know the odds of each bet, make smart betting choices, and control your bankroll, and you’re more than halfway to successful online roulette play.

Roulette Tips

Focus on Even-Money Bets

Even-money bets are the safest option when you play online roulette casino games. They give you a nearly 50% chance of winning. Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low are examples of even-money bets.

The wins might be smaller when you’ve successfully made an even-money bet, but they’ll be more consistent. This makes them perfect for beginners and those who prefer a lower-risk roulette online real money experience. They are an excellent way for you to build your confidence and keep your bankroll steady over time.

Know When to Walk Away

One of the most important aspects when you play roulette live online or in a virtual game is knowing when to stop. You could set a win goal and a loss limit before you begin gameplay, for instance, and then make sure you stick to them. If either goal is reached, it’s time to put away your laptop, smartphone, or tablet and take a break.

Discipline is important to avoid getting caught up in the action and losing money you didn’t set aside for playing in the first place.

Manage Your Bankroll

You need proper bankroll management if you’re looking to be successful over the long term playing roulette casino online games. We recommend that you set up a betting budget before you begin, outlining how much you can afford to lose on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and then sticking to those totals like glue. It’s essential that you play within your means and make your bankroll last as long as it can.

Practice with Free Roulette Games

Many of the online and mobile casinos we’ve reviewed and rated highly provide demo/free versions of roulette online. Take advantage of these so you can practice your moves without having to risk any of your money for a while. Practising like this is a brilliant way to familiarise yourself with different variations’ rules, the various betting options, and the mechanics of live and RNG-based games.

Start with Small Bets

If you’re new to online casino roulette or you’re trying out an unfamiliar variant, don’t bet the house the first time you get to the table! Start with smaller bets to give you the chance to get to know the game’s pace without putting all your money on the line. As you get more confident, you can gradually increase your bets until they’re at a level that you’re happy with.

Take Advantage of Bonuses

Almost all online and mobile casinos have welcome bonuses nowadays, and these give you extra funds to play virtual and live roulette online. This increases the likelihood of you seeing a win and means you don’t have to risk your own money to do so. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions of every promotion you come across very carefully.

Track Your Bets

Keep track of your bets and their outcomes. This will ensure you’re making the best decisions going forward, and you’ll easily be able to adapt your gameplay to your betting budget as you take current wins and losses into account.

Understand the House Edge

Each online roulette gambling game is a variant of some sort, and they’ll all come with their own house edge. European roulette, for example, has a house edge of just 2.7%, while American roulette’s edge sits at 5.26%. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t play games with a higher house edge, just that you need to know what your chances are before you put any money down.

Use Inside Bets Sparingly

Although Inside bets like Streets, Splits, and Straight-Ups have very attractive payouts, they do carry more risk. If you’re tempted by the chance of getting a larger return from your betting, use Inside bets now and then, balancing them out with safer even-money bets as you go along.

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Roulette Strategies

Although it’s a luck-based game, strategic betting and proper bankroll management can enhance your enjoyment of roulette online. Each spin of the wheel will have a totally random outcome, but you can increase your chances of success over the long term by betting wisely, making informed decisions, and understanding the odds – everything needed for a sound roulette strategy.

Is Roulette 100% Luck?

Roulette online is primarily a game of chance, but, although there’s no way to predict the outcome with 100% accuracy, you can increase your chances by understanding the game thoroughly. Thoughtful, mindful gameplay will mitigate your risks, even if wins are never guaranteed.

The Safest Bet in Roulette

The safest bets for online casino roulette games are the Outside bets: High/Low, Odd/Even, and red/black. These have a near 50% chance of a win and are the bets to choose if you want to minimise your risk but still want to have a good game. They may not provide large payouts, but the opportunity of winning with them is steady, and you’ll be able to manage your bankroll quite easily if you stick to them.

The Smartest Bet in Roulette

The smartest bet is an even-money bet in both live roulette online and virtual games. They give you a high probability of winning and are less volatile than other bet types. They’re also perfect for a lot of betting systems, like the Martingale.

What is the 3/2 Rule in Roulette?

When you’re gambling in online roulette games, you’ll come across the 3/2 rule when you’re playing the American variation. This involves you betting on the 0, 00, 1, 2, 3, five-number combination. It brings the house edge of the game down from 5.26% to 2.63%.

Common Roulette Betting Systems:

  • The Martingale Method

Whether you’re playing online roulette live or virtually, if you’re following the Martingale method, it means you’re doubling your bet after each loss. This system aims to recover all your previous losses with a single win.

  • The Reverse Martingale (Paroli) System

This online roulette casino system is a safer alternative to the Martingale method. Instead of doubling your bet when you lose, you double it after a win. This capitalises on winning streaks instead of trying to minimise losing ones, and your bets will be lower when you’re out of luck. The Reverse Martingale, or Paroli, system is most effective with even-money bets.

  • The D’Alembert Strategy

This online roulette real money strategy is more conservative than the ones we’ve discussed so far. After losing, you raise your bet by one unit, and after winning, you decrease your bet by one unit. It’s a less aggressive strategy and helps you manage your bankroll in a slower, steadier manner.

  • The Fibonacci System

When you use the Fibonacci system, each of your bets will follow the Fibonacci sequence. This is the one where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, so 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.

If your bet is unsuccessful, you’ll move on to the next number in the Fibonacci sequence, increasing your bet. If you win, your next bet will be on the number that’s two steps back.

  • The Labouchère System

A negative progression strategy where you set a goal for your profits and then break this number down into smaller ones, the Labouchère betting method is popular with players.

To follow it, you bet the first and last numbers in the sequence you’ve created, and, when you win, you remove them. If you lose, you add your bet total to the end of the sequence.

This system can be effective when you’re enjoying online roulette casino games but requires strong bankroll management to avoid significant losses.

  • The James Bond Strategy

The strategy named after the world’s favourite spy involves placing big flat bets across more than one section of the roulette online real money table. You’re looking at putting 70% of your bet on high numbers, 25% on middle numbers, and 5% on the 0 pocket if you’re playing French or European roulette.

  • The Covering the Table Strategy

This strategy involves placing bets on the majority of the numbers on the table to increase your chances of winning. However, it requires significant bankroll management, as it can result in large losses if you don’t monitor your spending closely.

  • The $150 Strategy in Roulette

The $150 strategy is a variation of the Martingale system. Players start with a small bet and double it after each loss until they reach a total of $150 in bets. While this can lead to quick wins, it’s risky, especially for players with smaller bankrolls. If you hit a losing streak, this method can deplete your funds rapidly.

  • The Safest Strategy

The safest strategy combines Outside bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even with a firm budget. By avoiding high-risk systems like Martingale and sticking to even-money bets, you can reduce your risk while enjoying a steady chance of winning. This strategy ensures that you’re not betting more than you can afford to lose while still staying engaged in the game.

  • Avoid “Lucky Number” Betting

It’s tempting to bet on a “lucky” number or continue betting on the same number after a win or loss. However, each spin is independent, and there’s no mathematical basis to predict outcomes from previous spins. Avoid falling into the trap of “lucky” number betting and focus on more strategic decisions.

By understanding these strategies and tips, you can enhance your roulette experience. While it’s important to remember that no strategy guarantees a win, applying smart betting practices, managing your bankroll, and understanding the game’s odds can help you play more effectively and have fun. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you and make your online roulette experience more rewarding.

How To Play Online Roulette Games For Free

When you play online roulette for free, you get a chance to get familiar with the game without having to risk your own money. There are a number of reasons why you should always spend a little time with free or demo versions of the game:

You Can Practice Betting Strategies

Although you can’t enjoy free games when you play roulette live online, sticking to the demo version of a virtual game for a while will give you the chance to experiment with some of the betting strategies listed above. It can be difficult to choose a system just by reading about it, but you can put it into practice risk-free in demo versions. You’ll also be able to adjust whatever strategy you’re using based on the outcomes, and you’ll be building your confidence before you move to real money games.

You’ll Better Understand the Rules

Each variant of roulette has its own set of rules, and free versions are a fantastic way to get familiar with the gameplay. Whether you’re playing European, American, or French roulette, free games let you experience how the different rules impact the odds and overall gameplay.

For instance, French roulette casino online games use a special “La Partage” rule, where you get half of your even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero. By playing for free, you can understand how this rule differs from American roulette, which has a double zero (00) on the wheel and a significantly higher house edge.

You Can Familiarise Yourself with the Game Variants

Roulette casino online games come in many different shapes, and the list includes European, American, French, mini, and multi-wheel roulette variations. When you’re playing with no money down, you can take your time finding the version that appeals to you most.

There’s No Pressure or Risk

One of the greatest benefits of playing roulette casino online games for free is that there’s no pressure. You can take your time, learn the game, and experiment with different strategies without worrying about losing money. This is especially helpful if you’re new to online casinos or roulette in general, as you can gain experience at your own pace.

Playing free roulette is simple and can be done in just a few steps:

  1. Find an Online Casino With Free Roulette
    Most online casinos provide free demo versions of online roulette for real money games. These demo versions are identical to the real-money games in terms of layout, interface, and functionality. Look for a casino that has multiple roulette variants so you can explore different options.
  2. Create an Account or Play as a Guest
    Some casinos may require you to create an account to access their free roulette games, while others allow you to play as a guest without any registration. Either way, the process is usually quick and straightforward. Once you’re logged in, navigate to the roulette section and select the demo option.
  3. Choose Your Game and Start Playing
    After choosing an online roulette variant, the game’s interface will guide you to begin placing bets. Free versions of games give you virtual credits to bet with.
  4. Test Out Different Betting Strategies
    When you’re playing for free, you should experiment with the different betting strategies we’ve outlined in this article to see if you find any you like. You should also play around with different combinations of Inside and Outside bets to see which ones give you the best returns over time.
  5. Play Multiple Rounds Without Risk
    One of the biggest advantages of free roulette is that you can play as many rounds as you want. You don’t have to worry about running out of virtual credits either, as you can simply refresh the game to get more. This gives you the freedom to practice and experiment without restrictions.

After spending time with free roulette games and refining your skills, you may feel more confident about switching to real-money roulette. By this point, you’ll have a strong understanding of the rules, betting systems, and different roulette variants, making it easier to manage your risk when you start placing real bets.

When transitioning to online roulette real money games, it’s important to have a clear budget and set limits for yourself. While free roulette allows you to practice without financial consequences, real-money roulette requires careful bankroll management. Start with smaller bets and gradually increase your wager as you feel more comfortable with your strategy.

Advantages of Playing Free Roulette

Risk-Free Learning

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, playing for free gives you a safe space to learn and improve your skills without worrying about losing money. You can take as much time as needed to understand the rules, experiment with different strategies, and become comfortable with the gameplay.

Try Different Variants

Free roulette allows you to try out different game variants, each with unique features and rules. By playing for free, you can see which version suits your preferences before committing to real-money play.

Refine Your Betting Systems

You can test out various betting strategies like Martingale, Fibonacci, or Paroli to see which ones work best for your online roulette gambling style. This hands-on practice helps you gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and how they affect your chances of winning.

There are many reasons you should be playing online roulette for free before you start putting real bets down. These games provide a stress-free environment where you can build your confidence, improve your general skills, and really prepare for real money gameplay. Whether you are a total beginner or a player with some experience, demo online roulette games give you an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, although this randomness is guaranteed in two different ways, depending on whether you’re playing virtual online roulette or live online roulette. The first uses RNG software, the second a physical ball and wheel. RNG software is regularly tested by independent authorities at licensed casinos, and in the case of live games, you’re watching the action unfold in real-time.

When you play roulette online, we urge you to stick to the licensed, legitimate sites our experts recommend. These casinos have certified RNG software and have live dealer games monitored for fairness. They also frequently undergo third-party audits from companies like eCOGRA that add an additional layer of trust.

There’s no guaranteed trick to winning since online casino roulette is a game of chance. However, focusing on even-money bets and understanding the house edge can improve your odds. Managing your bankroll wisely is key to extending your play.

Yes, you can win in roulette online, but it’s all based on luck. While strategies can help manage bets, there’s no surefire way to predict outcomes. Playing responsibly within your limits is the best approach to enjoying the game.