Live roulette guide

This article is a comprehensive manual that covers all the information you require about live roulette, from the game's history to the most recent trends and forecasts. It goes over the various live dealer roulette variations while providing details on the best one for you and the strategies savvy players use to score big wins.

Additionally, it discusses money management, responsible gaming, and common errors to avoid. This article will offer insightful tips and help you improve your chances of succeeding at live roulette, whether you're a seasoned player or a novice.

By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2024/02/08 - Estimated reading time: 12 minutes.

Table of contents

Live roulette guide

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History icon

History of Roulette

Roulette's rich and fascinating history dates back to the 17th century when Blaise Pascal, a renowned mathematician and philosopher, invented it in France. The game was initially played with a wheel with 36 numbers and a single zero, although later the double zero was added, creating the American version.

Roulette quickly became popular among the French nobility and spread to other European countries. It was adopted by the United States, where it became a staple of the casino industry. Over the years, roulette has evolved and adapted to changing times and technologies, making it more accessible.

Today, millions of people worldwide play roulette, and it remains one of the most sought-after casino games. This article will brief you on the roulette variants, the game's rules, and the strategies and tips that will help you win big at live dealer roulette.

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Roulette Wheel and Table Layout

Live roulette is played on a 37 or 38-numbered roulette wheel, depending on the variant. The European and French versions use the same roulette wheel, which has 37 slots numbered 0 to 36, whereas the American version has 38 slots, including 00.

The other component of the game is the roulette table. The roulette table has a betting layout that allows roulette fans to place their bets on various outcomes. If there are chips used in the game, the croupier will place each chip that you place on the table.

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Betting Options

In live dealer roulette, there are two different bets in the game of roulette. These are inside and outside bets. Inside bets payout more but have lower chances of winning, whereas outside bets payout less but have higher chances of winning.

Inside bet types include:

  • Straight Up Bet: Placing a bet on a single number
  • Split Bet: Placing a bet on two adjacent numbers
  • Street Bet: Placing a bet on three consecutive numbers
  • Corner Bet: Making a wager on a square of four numbers
  • Six-Line Bet: A bet placed on two adjacent rows of numbers
  • Trio Bet: A bet placed on three numbers, including 0 or 00 in American roulette

Outside bets include:

  • Red or Black: Betting on the winning number's colour
  • Odd or Even: Choosing whether the winning number is odd or even
  • Low or High: Betting on whether the winning number is low (1-18) or high (19-36)
  • Dozen: Betting on one of three groups of 12 numbers
  • Column: Betting on one of three numerical columns
Live Roulette game

Live Roulette Game as can be found at Casino Tropez. (real money only)

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How the Game of Roulette Runs in a Live Casino

The game starts with live action after the roulette variant is chosen from the different roulette games available at the live casino. You would see the real dealer, and the multiple cameras would allow you to have a better view of the studio or casino. Players can place bets on the roulette table or the betting grid provided.

After that, the croupier (dealer) spins the roulette wheel and drops a small ball onto the wheel, which spins in the opposite direction. The result of the wheel spin is used to determine the outcome of the game. The dealer calls a number and pays out the winners when the ball lands on the winning numbered slot. Players can use the chat feature to interact with one another while waiting for the results to be announced.

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Types of Live Roulette

There are different types of roulette games that can be played with a live dealer at online casinos. Let us take a look at some of the most popular ones that can be played in real-time at an online casino.

European Roulette

The most popular live roulette game is live European roulette. It has a single 0 on the wheel and a more acceptable lower house edge than American roulette, which makes it more appealing to many online players.

American Roulette

American roulette has an additional 00 on the wheel, which increases the house edge and reduces the chances of winning. Despite having lower odds of winning, American roulette is still popular among experienced players due to its exciting gameplay. It is also available at the average casino.

French Roulette

The roulette table layout represents the disparity between French and European roulette.

It has additional bets, such as En Prison and La Partage, which can decrease the house edge and improve the player's chances of winning.

Lightning Roulette

Lightning roulette is another special variant of live dealer roulette that is worth mentioning. It is a type of immersive roulette game that adds lucky numbers to the usual gameplay. A lucky number helps players multiply their winnings when the ball lands in the pocket they have bet on.

Other Variants

Aside from the traditional variants, live dealer roulette offers other games that are fun, unique, and exciting to play. These include Speed Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, Immersive Roulette, and Auto Roulette, among others. When deciding on the best live roulette variant, keep your playing style, budget, and goals in mind.

If you're new to roulette, start with European or French roulette because they have lower house edges and more straightforward rules. If you want more action and excitement, try American roulette or Multi-Wheel roulette, and if you're going to try something different, try Mini Roulette or Double Ball Roulette. If fast mobile play is your thing, you might want to try playing Speed Roulette or Lightning Roulette.

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Top Strategies for Winning at Live Roulette

While roulette like most casino games is a game left to chance, you can adopt some methodologies to increase your chances of winning. The following are the most widely used approaches:

Martingale System

The Martingale system is a well-known betting method that doubles your wager after each loss. This tactic is predicated on the notion that you will ultimately succeed and that when you do, you will regain all of your losses and turn a profit.

Reverse Martingale System

The Martingale system's antithesis is the Reverse Martingale system. You double your bet after each win instead of after each loss. This strategy is based on the idea that you should keep placing large bets when winning to increase your profits.

D'Alembert System

A low-risk betting system called the D'Alembert system calls for increasing your bet by one after each loss and lowering it by one after each win. This tactic is built around the idea that wins and losses eventually equalize.

Fibonacci System

The Fibonacci system is a progressive betting strategy that involves adding the two previous bets together to determine the next bet. The Fibonacci sequence, a group of numbers where each figure is the addition of the two numbers before it, serves as the foundation for this strategy.

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Tips for Playing Live Dealer Roulette

You can utilise the following additional recommendations to stimulate your chances of winning at live dealer roulette and using betting strategies.

Choose the correct variant

As previously discussed, choosing suitable live roulette games can significantly impact your chances of winning. Stick to European or French roulette if possible, as they have the lowest house edges.

Manage Your Bankroll

Making and adhering to a budget is crucial. Never chase your losses and place a wager you cannot afford to lose.

Stick to Outside Bets

Outside bets have better chances of winning, so it's best to stick to them if you're a beginner.

Avoid making risky bets.

Bets with high payouts, such as straight-up or split bets, have lower odds of winning. Consider placing even money wagers instead, which have higher chances of success but smaller payouts, such as red or black, odd/even, or high/low.

Avoid Biased Wheels

Some roulette wheels may be biased, meaning they tend to land on specific numbers more often than others. Avoid playing on these wheels, as they can give the casino an unfair advantage.

Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions

A lot of operators offer bonuses and promotions to live roulette players. This increases your chances of winning and gives you more bonus money.

Practice with free games

Before playing with real money, practice with free versions of live roulette games to get familiar with the rules and the gameplay. This lets you try out new strategies without putting your money at risk.

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Live Roulette Etiquette

When playing live dealer roulette, it's essential to follow proper etiquette. Here are some pointers to remember:

  • Respect the dealer and the other players.
  • Avoid using foul language or making inappropriate gestures.
  • Don't touch your chips after the dealer has called "no more bets."
  • Don't ask the dealer for advice on how to bet.

Common Live Roulette Mistakes to Avoid

Live roulette games can be very exciting and rewarding, like most live dealer games, but it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to losses and frustration. Some common blunders to avoid when playing a live roulette game are as follows:

  • Chasing Losses - One of the most common errors players make is attempting to chase their losses by placing large bets or playing for extended periods. This can result in even more significant losses, creating a vicious cycle. You must stick to your budget and never gamble with funds you can't afford to lose.
  • Playing Without a Strategy - Even though roulette is primarily a game of chance, playing without a plan can be costly. A clear plan for managing your bets is essential, such as using a betting system or a bankroll management strategy.
  • Making Risky Bets - Placing bets with high payouts, such as straight-up or split bets, may seem tempting, but they also have low odds of winning. Sticking to even money bets with higher odds of winning but lower payouts is better.
  • Not Understanding the Rules or Betting Options - Understand the rules and betting options before playing live roulette. This will help you to make better decisions and avoid costly errors.

Choosing a Reputable and Secure Online Casino for Live Roulette

Choosing a trustworthy and secure online casino is important when playing live roulette online. Keep the following in mind when selecting a platform to play live roulette on:

  • Licensing and Regulation - A reputable agency, like the UKGC or the Malta Gaming Authority, should licence and oversee the online casino. This ensures the casino follows strict fairness, security, and responsible gambling standards.
  • Game Selection - The online casino should offer various live roulette games from different providers, with different variants and betting limits to suit players' preferences.
  • Software Providers - Search for online casinos that use software from reliable developers like Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, or Playtech. These providers combine cutting-edge technology with the traditional roulette method to produce a realistic and engaging live dealer gaming experience.
  • Payment Methods - Credit/Debit cards, cryptocurrency, and other secure choices are just a part of many others the online casino should accept for deposits and withdrawals. Check each method's fees, processing times, and minimum/maximum limits.
  • Customer Support - The online casino should offer a responsive and helpful customer service team and be reachable by phone, email, and live chat. Before making a deposit, test the customer support to ensure they are knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Reputation - Search for online casinos with a solid reputation among customers and industry professionals and good ratings and reviews on unbiased review websites like Trustpilot or Casinomeister.

By taking the above factors into account, you can make your choice of an online casino for playing live roulette. Never overspend on gambling; always play sensibly and within your means.

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Conclusion

Live roulette is an exciting, new and well-liked game that allows players to win big money. You can use numerous strategies and tips to widen your chances of winning, whether you're a novice or a seasoned player. Just remember to play responsibly and follow proper etiquette when playing live roulette.

Whether you prefer to play live roulette in a casino or streaming it online, it is an exciting experience with the potential for large payouts. With a bit of luck and intelligent betting, you can win huge. So, why not try your luck at live roulette? Remember these pointers and enjoy the game for what it is: a fun and exciting way to win big.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Live Roulette

Is live roulette fair?

Yes, live roulette is fair. The game is subject to strict regulations and audits to ensure that the outcomes are random and unbiased.

Can I play live roulette for free?

Some online casinos provide free-play versions of live roulette, allowing you to play without risking any real money. You will not, however, be able to win any real money.

Can I use betting systems to win at live roulette?

While there are many betting systems, there are few that can guarantee a win at live roulette. No strategy can change the fact that the game is based on chance.

What separates European roulette from American roulette?

The number of zeroes on the wheel is the primary distinction between European and American roulette. European roulette has one zero, whereas American roulette has two. This gives European roulette better odds for the player.

Can you beat the house edge in live roulette?

While winning at live roulette is possible, the house will consistently profit more than the players. On the other hand, betting strategies and proper bankroll management can help you minimise your losses and maximise your wins.

Can online live roulette games be played for free?

No, there is no live roulette casino in South Africa or elsewhere that will allow you to play live dealer roulette for free. This is because live dealer games are usually very expensive. You can play electronic roulette games, which are computer-controlled, for free.

Can I use the casino bonus to play live dealer roulette games?

This depends on the casino offering the bonus. If live games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and the rest are part of the eligible games, you can use the casino bonus to play these games. However, it is worth stating that baccarat, blackjack, and roulette games usually don't count as 100% for meeting wagering requirements.

Author and fact checker: Adiela de Bruyn

Adiela de Bruyn biography

Expertise: Online casino reviews, player insights, and marketing strategies.

Experience: 10+ years. Former croupier, casino enthusiast, and contributor to South Africa's online gambling regulations.

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