Roulette seems like a guessing game – pick a number and hope for the best.
For first-time players, I know it’s unclear what you should do. And yes, part of it is simply picking a number and hoping for the best, but I think there’s more to it than that.1
Below, I’ll explain some simple rules I think will be most useful for newbies.
Take Outside Bets Only
For people new to roulette, I’d recommend sticking to outside bets only.
These are wagers that cover one or more outside numbers, or these are the wagers that have more chances of winning, but the profits gained are less. Outside bets include betting on the color red or black, on odd or even numbers if a number will be between 1 and 18, or 19 to 36, etc.
The reason these bets are popular with novices is that they are straightforward and have a nearly 50/50 success rate, excluding the green zero – I like them. They also give you a sense of how the game works without plunging into more dangerous wagers. While you may not hit those big wins, well, at least you are less likely to lose your entire bankroll.
Use Your Bankroll Wisely
Talking about bankroll, one of the best pieces of advice I can offer you quite early on is managing your bankroll. It is easy to be so engrossed in the spinning wheel action that you make wagers with no apparent plans. Blackjack is fast-paced and sometimes frustrating if you don’t win; I can see why people constantly throw down money. However, I always figure out my bankroll and define how much I can lose (hopefully, I won’t).
After you have confirmed your exact wagering limit, make an effort to keep placing the same moderate bets during your gambling sessions. This strategy helps you make repeated rounds and perfect the game without ensuring the total amount of your bankroll is at risk within a few spins only. Progressively increase toward high risks and be in no rush to clear the amount.
And I like to set deposit limits so I don’t get carried away.
American and European Roulette’s similarities and differences
One thing I noticed after playing for some time is the effect of the type of roulette of your choice on your chances. Two main types of roulette are American and European:
- Number of Pockets: There are 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, plus one single zero and a double zero) in American roulette. The European roulette consists of 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero).
- House Edge: In American roulette the golden double zero increases the house edge to 5.26%, while the European version, which only carries a single zero, balances the house edge to 2.7%.
- Winning Odds: The chances for players in European roulette are better since the double zero is removed, so it’s a better bet.
- Choosing the Right Version: To amateurs, this is the best version compared to other options. A player has high odds of winning in the extended play. I always find the best online roulette versions on websites like Ask Gamblers – askgamblers.com/casino-games/online-roulette
Try the Martingale Betting System
Now, while there’s no strategy that guarantees a win, one method I’ve seen many beginners use is the Martingale betting system. I have to say that this system is very simple in the core: after every lost game, you increase your stake by 2X at the next round. The idea is that you will regain all losses and earn a profit equivalent to the value of the bet once you win. But it does sound risky – and it obviously is.
Still, it’s a simple system, and I would recommend it for cautious gamers. Too many losses, and you can go way out of your intended bets quickly. It’s a system that needs control, and that is in essence a limit. Typically, there is a limit to how much you can stake, but in Martingale, you must determine the amount you can wager and stick to that, within all chances that you will not be in the position to.
The Martingale strategy can potentially work out in most cases in theory, but you need discipline and don’t chase losses.
If you are a total beginner in roulette, remember that it is all about entertainment and getting new knowledge. I don’t think it’s a tricky game to play, but it’s definitely one I’ve seen plenty of people get carried away with. No strategy will make you a winner every time, but having one will help you not get carried away too much too soon.
Most importantly, always gamble and make your bets in moderation. A bit of time and practice are all you need to start getting used to the game and, perhaps more importantly, finally get lucky and hit the random number. For further details about gambling responsibly, visit The UK Gambling Commission.
