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Published on 08 Dec 2025
6 min read
How to play online European roulette? Master the basics and strategies
European online roulette is the simplest variant of the game, featuring a very low house edge of 2.7%. This means anyone can learn how to play online European roulette and rack up some wins with the right information.
Don’t worry if you are new to the game, as this is where we come in. The goal of roulette is to bet on where the ball will land when the wheel stops spinning. That’s about it! You don’t need skill, as it is solely dependent on chance, making it great if you prefer simplicity. Keep reading for more.
Pros and cons of playing European roulette
Pros
✅️ Low house edge of 2.7%
✅️ Easy to learn
✅️ Good range of betting options
Cons
❌️ Chance-based game
How to play online European roulette: Understanding the wheel
Yes, we know you want to dive right into learning how to play. However, a critical aspect of playing any game is learning the basics, similar to how you’d start on the best poker sites.
In the game of roulette, everything happens on the wheel, which is why it is important to learn about it first. We’ll give you a quick overview here.
The European roulette wheel consists of 37 pockets, instead of the 36 you’ll find on American roulette. These pockets are numbered 1 – 36, alongside a single “0” pocket. The pockets alternate between black and red, except for the “0” pocket, which features a green color.
European roulette table layout
Next is the table layout, which is where you place bets. This is divided into sections for numbers and various bets, such as inside and outside bets. Both of these work differently, and here’s a look at how they work.
➡️ Inside bets
These are bets that are available at the center of the roulette table. So, what are inside bets? These are bets you make on individual numbers or groups of numbers. Here are some common options in this category.
| Bet Type | What it is | Payout | Winning Chances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight up | A wager on a single number | 35 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Split | A bet on two numbers | 17 to 1 | 5.4% |
| Street | A wager placed on three consecutive numbers | 11 to 1 | 8.1% |
| Corner | When you bet on four numbers in a corner | 8 to 1 | 10.8% |
| Line Bet | Betting on two rows or six numbers | 5 to 1 | 16.25% |
⬅️ Outside bets
Yes, as the name suggests, these are bets you place on the external sections of the wheel. This bet type offers you more options and consists of colors, even/odd, and groups of numbers. You get more regular payouts than inside bets, but expect a smaller amount of winnings.
Here are a couple of outside bets to keep in mind.
| Bet Type | Payout | Winning Chances |
|---|---|---|
| Red/Black | 1 to 1 | 48.6% |
| High/Low | 1 to 1 | 48.6% |
| Odd/Even | 1 to 1 | 48.6% |
| Column Bet | 2 to 1 | 32.4% |
| Dozen Bet | 2 to 1 | 32.4% |
How to play European roulette for free
Now that you understand the basics, it is time for the fun part: playing European roulette. The good news is that the steps are similar to what you’ll follow when learning how to play baccarat online. Knowing this, let’s begin.
🔑 Find a reliable European roulette casino
Of course, the first step to playing European roulette online is to find the right platform. There are many options online, but making the wrong choice can quickly turn your experience into frustration.
We suggest that you review important criteria, such as licensing, bonuses and promotions, and available roulette variants, among others. Better still, pick a platform from our list, as they’ve been properly vetted to provide you with the best experience.
They also feature a variety of other games, including progressive jackpot slots, for a different gaming experience.
🔑 Choose a roulette variant
After registering at the roulette casino, it is time to find your ideal European roulette game or table. There are many variants available, which extend across RNG and live dealers, so you’ll want to settle for an option that meets your needs.
If you don’t know where to begin, we recommend the European roulette from NetEnt. It features a low house edge with a 97.30% RTP, making it a great starting point for any player.
🔑 Place your bets and wait for the spin outcome
Now it’s time to place your bet. As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of bets in roulette: inside and outside bets. Analyze the table and choose the one that suits you. After placing your bet, the dealer spins the wheel counterclockwise, while the ball goes in the opposite direction.
Once the wheel stops spinning, the ball lands in one of the pockets, which determines if you win or lose. Trust us when we say watching the wheel spin is one of the most intriguing moments ever. The tension builds up until it lands in a pocket. Exciting, right?
🔑 Claim your winnings
If the ball lands in the pocket you predicted, you win, and the casino instantly credits your account with your winnings. You can then play another round or use your winnings to practice playing online craps games.
Conclusion: Playing roulette is easy and fun
As you can see, we were not exaggerating when we said roulette is a simple game, right? All you need to do now is pick one of the recommended platforms on our list, register by tapping the corresponding banner, make your bet, and wait for the wheel to stop spinning!
Play European Roulette online at these casinos:
How to play online European roulette FAQs
Can I win with the Roulette Strategy chart?
Unfortunately, no. Like any other strategy, the roulette chart does not guarantee you will win. However, it can serve as a guide to help you make better decisions when playing European roulette for free.
How to win at roulette online?
Roulette is a game of chance, so there’s no way to guarantee you will always win. However, you can improve your overall experience by understanding the basics of the game, learning how the bets work, managing your bankroll, and tapping into bonuses.
Is it safe to play European roulette for free?
Yes, your safety won’t be an issue if you play European roulette on legitimate online casinos, such as those on our recommended list. You can find good options by checking out the licensing, available roulette games, and bonuses.