What Is Roulette? Complete Guide
Roulette is a casino table game where players bet on numbers, colours, or groups of numbers on a spinning wheel with numbered pockets and a small ball that determines the winning outcome.
In a standard game, the wheel has 37 or 38 pockets depending on the variant, with the ball landing randomly due to certified random number generators in digital versions or physics in live dealer streams. Players place bets before the spin, and payouts vary by bet type and probability. This game matters to Canadian players for its simple rules and availability in licensed online casinos, where understanding variants and odds helps informed play within responsible limits.
Roulette Wheel and Variants
The roulette wheel features alternating red and black pockets numbered 1-36, plus a green zero pocket. European roulette uses a single zero for a 2.70% house edge, while American adds a double zero increasing it to 5.26%. French roulette includes rules like La Partage that return half even-money bets on zero, improving odds. In Canadian licensed casinos, these variants appear in both RNG and live dealer formats, with clear table limits displayed.
Betting Types and Payouts
Bets divide into inside (specific numbers like straight-up at 35:1 payout) and outside (red/black, odd/even at 1:1). Column and dozen bets cover 12 numbers at 2:1. Understanding these helps players assess risk, as higher payouts mean lower probabilities. All outcomes must use certified fair systems per provincial regulations like B.C.’s Gaming Control Act, ensuring transparency in regulated play.
| Bet Type | Coverage | Payout | House Edge (European) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.70% |
| Split | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 2.70% |
| Red/Black | 18 numbers | 1:1 | 2.70% |
| Dozen | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 2.70% |
| Column | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 2.70% |
