Roulette Strategies — How to Win at Online Roulette
Despite being based purely on luck, a roulette strategy can still improve your chances by helping you make smarter choices. We explain how the game works, the differences between its variants, and which approaches can help you stretch your bankroll.
How Does Roulette Work?
Players place their chips on the table to guess where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. The table shows the numbers 1 to 36, plus a green 0 (and an additional 00 in the American version). Around the grid are spots for other bets, such as colours or number ranges. The wheel has the same numbers in red and black. They are mixed up to make the game more random.
Live roulette gives about a minute to place your bet before the wheel is spun. Software games let players take their time. You can bet on a single number, multiple numbers, red, black, odd, or even. Inside bets (on specific numbers) have higher payouts but lower odds of winning. Outside ones (such as red or even) win more often but pay out less. If the ball lands on green (zero), all red/black and odd/even bets are lost — that is how the casino gets its edge. After the call of "no more bets", the wheel spins and the result is announced.
As you can see, this is all about luck. However, if you find your best roulette strategy, you will have more chances to manage your bankroll wisely. We will tell you about it below.
Roulette Types Explained
If you are trying to learn how to win at roulette, do not just pick a colour and hope for the best. First, familiarise yourself with the version of the game you are playing. Each type of game has slightly different rules, wheel layouts and odds, so choosing the right one can help your money last longer.
Let's focus on the two main types you will see most often online. We will skip the French version for now, as it is not very common.
American Roulette
It has 38 pockets in total: numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00. That extra zero increases the house edge to 5.26% and gives the casino a greater advantage. Consequently, your chances are slightly worse here. Unless you are just having fun and not too focused on the odds, this version may not be the best way to play roulette.
European Roulette
It is what you will usually see on most online platforms. It has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, plus one green 0. This gives you slightly better odds with a house edge of around 2.7%. So, for fun with better odds, choose the European version.
The table below summarises the main differences between the most common types of the game.
| Parameter | American | European |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pockets | 38 (0, 00, and numbers 1–36) | 37 (0 and numbers 1–36) |
| Green Sectors | Two (0 and 00) | One (0) |
| House Edge | 5.26% | 2.7% |
| RTP | 94.74% | 97.3% |
Best Roulette Strategies
There is no way to win every time, but that does not mean you cannot play smartly. The kind of player you are, your budget and your style all matter here. While no strategy can guarantee a profit, the right one can help you stay in control.
There are two main types of online roulette strategy: progressive and non-progressive. With progressive strategies, you adjust your bet amount depending on whether you win or lose. Non-progressive strategies are easier: you keep betting the same amount each time.
Let's take a quick look at how they work.
Martingale Roulette Strategy
This is one of the most well-known progressive roulette strategies. You start with a small bet, such as £1 on red. If you lose, double it to £2. Lose again? Go up to £4. The idea is that one win will cover all your losses and leave you with a small profit.
However, you need a substantial bankroll to survive a long losing streak. Also, casinos have maximum bet limits, so you will not be able to double your bet indefinitely. If you are lucky, it can work quickly, but if you are not, it can empty your wallet in no time.
James Bond Roulette Strategy
This roulette winning strategy is an example of a non-progressive method. It involves spreading your money across several numbers on the wheel. For instance, you could bet the majority on the high numbers (19–36), a smaller amount on a smaller group (such as 13–18) and a tiny amount on zero, just in case. The idea is to cover as much of the wheel as possible.
While you will win more often than not, the payouts are usually modest and don’t cover your stakes. This method works better if you have more cash to play with. It is enjoyable, but like any method, it will not beat the house edge.
Fibonacci Strategy Roulette
Another of the progressive roulette tactics is based on the Fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on. After each loss, you move to the next number. When you win, you move back two steps.
This approach is slower than the Martingale method and does not require you to make large bets immediately. It is also less risky but still requires patience and a decent budget if you have a losing streak. This strategy is usually employed for red/black or even/odd bets, where the odds are close to 50/50.
Key Factors Affecting Your Roulette Strategy
There are a few basic factors that can affect how well your roulette wheel strategy works:
The European version has one green zero (37 pockets in total), while the American variation has both a 0 and a 00 (38 pockets in total). Both types of strategy — progressive and non-progressive — tend to be more effective with European roulette. The reason is that it has just one zero, resulting in a lower house edge.
Each table has a minimum and maximum bet. This is important if you are planning to use the Martingale roulette strategy to win. If the table limit is too low, you may become stuck and be unable to continue with your plan.
Some systems require more money to handle losing streaks, while others allow you to play it safe. If your budget is limited, stick to flat betting rather than other roulette systems.
If you do not mind big ups and downs, try something like the Martingale system. If you prefer a slower and more relaxed pace, flat betting might be your choise.
If you are planning to play for 10–15 minutes, it is best to stick with non-progressive strategies. These are straightforward and do not require you to change your bet. For longer sessions, you may wish to try a progressive system such as the Martingale or Fibonacci.
Can You Actually Beat Roulette?
There is no such thing as the best roulette system for consistent payouts. Every spin is random, and no trick or skill can guarantee a win every time. Due to the green zero on the wheel, even bets such as red or black do not give you a 50/50 shot: the casino always has a slight advantage.
So, no, you cannot beat the game in the long run, even with the best strategy for roulette. Just treat it as entertainment.