Live Roulette for Beginners (The Ultimate Guide)

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Live roulette is currently one of the most popular forms of entertainment across online casinos. It owes its success partially to the historic reputation of the game, with its glamorous casino presence, finely dressed ladies and gentlemen, as well as the sophistication and thrill that the game has always exuded. 

These days, however, it owes an even bigger success to the fact that digital gambling has become so accessible and also high quality that anyone anywhere (with a registered casino account) can enjoy the glitz and glam of live roulette gaming straight from a desktop or a mobile lobby.

What’s even better is that this comfort comes with a strong sense of community due to the latest UI features that the majority of live game developers offer, as well as the robust selection of live dealer croupiers adding their bubbly personalities to online gaming. This also involves multi-angle cameras zooming in on all the action, as well as the clatter of the ball against the roulette wheel and (if the developer offers this) even a sense of a real casino floor if the game is set in an open-space studio.

The only question now remains for all of you aspiring newbies out there – how can you make the most of your gaming sessions by understanding the rules of the game and all the basic and advanced strategies? Well, in comes our comprehensive live roulette gambling guide. It is here to take you from a curious observer to a confident player. Whether you dream of hitting it big or simply want to have some fun, we’ll walk you through every spin, step, and strategy.

Understanding the Basics of Live Dealer Roulette

The classic rules of the game have not changed much since it was invented back in the 18th century in France. Regardless of the variation of live roulette you pick these days, it will have a wheel with 37 or 38 pockets as its core gaming mechanics, and a racetrack — your gamefield for placing bets. 

Now, the 37 pockets — numbers 1 through 36 and a single zero — are referred to as European Roulette. The 38 pockets — with a double instead of a single zero — are known as American Roulette. Added on top of this core mechanics can be either side bets, overall betting limits (for low or high rollers), and the game pace that will contribute to those various styles of gaming.

The game starts with everyone at the table placing bets on a racetrack — that is, trying to predict where the ball lands on the roulette wheel. Once the bets are placed, the croupier spins the wheel in one direction and throws a ball that races across the wheel in an opposite direction, eventually landing in one of the 37 or 38 pockets. Will it stop on a single number, a color, or a range? The possibilities may seem endless, but that’s what makes the game so exciting.

As a beginner, you can get easily overwhelmed by the busy racetrack and all the betting possibilities it offers. You can bet on a single number, a color, a combination of colors and numbers, odd or even numbers — the options are robust, and that’s for classic bets alone. If the game offers side bets, too, newbies can easily get confused. 

This confusion goes with practice. As you slowly make your way through understanding the rules, house edge of the game, and bankroll strategies, you will see yourself becoming a more confident player. The racetrack will turn from a confusing gamefield to a familiar playground.

Should You Play European or American Roulette?

While visually the differences between these two games boil down to one extra zero, the devil is in the details. In the case of live roulette, it is in the house edge, the mathematical advantage that a casino has over players in any given game, expressed as a percentage of each bet. An extra zero plays a crucial role in these calculations.

In European Roulette with its single zero, the house edge tends to hover around 2.7%. In plain terms, this is the amount deducted from all wagers that an online casino expects to keep over the long term. Enter American Roulette where an additional zero is added to the wheel, the house edge bumps up to around 5.26%

If the difference is so dramatic, why would anyone play American Roulette at all, right? Well, the answer is not as straightforward. For any online casino, the house edge doesn’t guarantee immediate results. Rather, it ensures the online operator remains profitable over time, making it an important concept for players to understand when choosing games and managing their bankroll. It all boils down to preferred gaming strategies.

For instance, another popular variation of the game is French Roulette. It has these additional rules that can turn the odds in your favor. There is a feature known as “La Partage”. It allows the player to refund half of the bet back to the player if the ball lands on zero during an even-money wager. While there is no way to predict if that ever happens during your gaming session (after all, roulette is a classic game of chance, if you are in for a long gaming streak, La Partage can soften the blow of a near-miss and make the game more forgiving for beginners.

If the concept of diving into the house edge and other gambling math confuses you, it might be a better idea to stick to European or French variations of the game. At least until you gain more confidence to go after some American Roulette action.

Essential Preparation Steps for Live Roulette Gaming

Assuming that you are all set with your online casino account and have deposited via any of the numerous convenient banking methods (including cryptocurrencies), let’s dive into getting ready to play live roulette. This initial preparation will make a gambling session easier and can even protect you from some mistakes that rookie gamblers tend to make:

  • For starters, choose a trusted live casino to play. Depending on where you are based, you can take a look at UKGC-licensed platforms for players from the United Kingdom, MGA-certified lobbies for broader geography, or sites compliant with Curacao, Cyprus, or a few other permits for gambling in crypto. In addition to licenses, check that a site has certified game developers, secure payment methods, and preferably positive reviews from other players.
  • Next, set a budget for your gaming session. Roulette is a fast-paced game and if you don’t have a clearly defined spending limit, it is easy to give in to emotions and spend more than you would’ve wanted to. Therefore, consider this game a form of entertainment, like a visit to a movie, and agree on what you are willing to spend. Don’t consider live roulette a source of making income or else it will get you in trouble.
  • Once that’s taken care of, take some time to explore the game — its interface, side bets, minimum and maximum bet limits per round, and other features. This will save you from fumbling during live play.

How to Navigate Live Roulette Bets?

The betting racetrack can be a lot of fun once you understand how it is configured and all the betting options that it offers. One of the reasons players like this game so much is for how versatile the selection of bets is. The game is equally inclusive to low and high-rollers, where each group can find lower and higher combinations to place bets on. Here are the types of bets to consider:

  • Outside Bets: These are the safer options, ideal for beginners. Bets like red/black, odd/even, and high/low cover large portions of the wheel, offering nearly a 50% chance of winning. The payouts are smaller, but the frequency of wins keeps things exciting.
  • Inside Bets: These are more specific and come with higher payouts. Betting on a single number, for instance, can pay 35:1, but the odds of hitting that number are slim. Inside bets are perfect for those looking to add a touch of adrenaline to their game.

As a beginner, you don’t need to dive into understanding the odds of bets but it is recommended as you become more and more advanced as it can give you some palpable benefit. For example, betting on red or black gives you nearly a 50/50 chance, while wagering on a single number offers much slimmer odds. 

Playing with the Dealer

The first variations of online roulette that were transferred to virtual casinos were those faceless games managed by machines and as a player, all you had was a clear view of the table and your cards. Live games crank it up a notch by adding a live dealer into action. 

Depending on the type of release, these croupiers can be chatty or mostly silent, extensively narrating or modestly announcing the beginning and end of betting time and the numbers that won.

Dealers create an essential emotional background and depending on your needs and wants, we will suggest checking out several games and sticking with the releases where the behavior of dealers aligns with your preferences. Modern games can go as far as allowing dealers to address you by your name and keeping small talk with you, while also keeping options open for you to leave some tips on the table.

How Nerdy Should You Be About Your Bankroll?

As nerdy as you possibly can! We do advocate treating live roulette as a source of entertainment similar to going to a movie. But to elaborate more on this analogy, you won’t be expected to sprinkle money all around you once you are seated in front of the screen. You will spend whatever you feel comfortable spending on a ticket and snacks. You should treat live roulette gaming the same way. It is fun, but you appreciate your hard-earned cash.

Let’s say, you plan to play for an hour. Well, set aside a sum that you feel comfortable losing (you might be lucky and win but since nothing is guaranteed, frame this money as the amount you are okay spending). Then zoom in on your budget a bit more and decide on the bets you are willing to make. That should give you the approximate number of rounds that you will be able to stay in the game for. Now you are ready to play.

Once immersed in live roulette action, avoid the temptation to chase losses by increasing your bets after a losing streak. This strategy, while common, often leads to frustration and further losses. Instead, stick to your initial plan and focus on making informed bets. Remember, the goal isn’t just to win—it’s to enjoy the game. With proper bankroll management, you’ll walk away satisfied, regardless of the outcome.

Three Roulette Strategies for Beginners

Now that you have your bankroll set, you can also consider testing out a popular roulette betting strategy that will add structure to your gameplay. It is called a Martingale strategy and many newbie players appreciate it. In a nutshell, this strategy invites a double bet after every loss. Rather than sporadically chasing losses, this strategy allows recovery in a controlled, curated set of actions. The strategy is not 100% risk-proof, though, and keeping emotions in check and knowing when to throw in the towel is still a must.

If Martingale’s strategy does not appeal to you, try flat betting instead. In a nutshell, this invites you to place the same amount of cash round after round. This is a very predictable way of gaming, it can be easily aligned with your bankroll strategy, and it will allow you to stay in the game longer. Many players report that it even reduces the impact of losses.

Finally, you are welcome to consider the so-called reverse Martingale strategy where a bet is increased after a win. This lets you capitalize on winning streaks while limiting losses.

Keep in mind that no strategy can alter the odds of the game. The key is to find a method that enhances your enjoyment without putting undue pressure on your bankroll.

What Are the Typical Roulette Mistakes to Avoid?

Mistake number one is to assume that after reading volumes of guides and tutorials, you are insured from mistakes. They will happen as part of the learning curve and you should let them be. 

Another common pitfall for many newbie players is overestimating the importance of patterns. The outcome of each spin is independent, so don’t let past results influence your bets. This means that when joining a table and studying the statistics of previous rounds, do it out of curiosity, not to look for streaks that will earn you money.

We also don’t recommend newbies to place multiple bets within one round. The appeal is obvious as more bets increase the chances of winning. On the other hand, unless you are a high-roller with confidence and experience, spreading your chips too thin can dilute your potential winnings. Focus on a few well-considered bets instead.

Finally, remember that roulette is a game of chance. While strategies and odds can guide your decisions, there’s no guaranteed way to win. Approach each spin with a sense of fun and curiosity, rather than an expectation of profit.

Are You Ready to Play?

With this guide, you’re ready to step into the world of live roulette. Start small, take your time, and embrace the thrill of the game. Whether you’re in it for the camaraderie, the excitement, or the chance to win big, roulette promises an unforgettable experience. So place your bets, let the wheel spin, and enjoy the