12 Roulette Tips for Winning More Often

12 Tips to Becoming a Better Baccarat Player

If you're searching for a classic game of chance at your favorite online casino, then look no further than roulette. Created in France during the 1700s, the popularity of this game has endured over the centuries and wormed its way into casinos on every continent except Antarctica (at least until penguins learn to gamble).

With its immense layout of potential wagers and the distinctive clattering of the ball, roulette can often have something akin to a hypnotic effect on participants. No matter how much they lose, some players continue to stand transfixed in front of the wheel, granting an almost mystical quality to the proceedings. Combine this with the fact that the available numbers add up to 666, and it's no wonder why some used to believe that Satan himself was responsible for the creation of the game.

Regardless of your religious and/or supernatural beliefs, this game remains a welcome addition at most virtual and land-based casinos.  A player can lose their shirt or become financially independent with a single spin of the wheel, although the most likely outcome falls somewhere in between. For those who want to improve their overall chances, I've put together this list of 12 roulette tips for winning more often.

1. Always Play European Roulette

At most casinos, you'll have the choice between European and American roulette. The former has a 0 slot and a 2.7% house edge, while the latter also has a 00 slot. That extra space on the wheel makes a big difference, as it increases the house edge to 5.26%. Whenever you have the option, always choose European roulette over its American counterpart.

2. Target Even Money Wagers

If you want the roulette bets that provide the best chance of winning, go with the even money wagers. As the name would indicate, these pay 1:1 on a successful spin, and your option include red/black, even/odd, or high/low. I've seen a few cases where people risked their life savings on such bets, although I wouldn't suggest going that far.

3. Stick with Reputable Online Casinos

If you have the misfortune to do business with a rogue casino, it's likely that your requested winnings may never arrive. There's also the possibility of encountering rigged software, as if the house needed an additional advantage over their patrons. Before you sign up at an online casino, always take the time to put them through a rigorous vetting process.

4. Avoid the Top Line Bet

The worst wager in roulette is known as the "top line bet" or "basket," and it's comprised of a five-number series that includes 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. While the payout is a decent 6 to 1, the house edge is an unappealing 7.9%. Unless you're desperate to provide the house with some extra cash, avoid this option at all costs.

5. Get Your Groove On

This suggestion won't help you win, but it should almost certainly make your gaming session more enjoyable. If you're playing at home or in some other isolated environment, turn down the casino's sound and crank up some of your favorite tunes. When I'm playing roulette, "Back in Black" by AC/DC is one of my consistent favorites.

6. Don't Play Roulette

There's no doubt that roulette is a pure game of chance, which means anyone who wants to make a consistent profit should start looking for an alternative game as soon as possible. Video poker is much better suited for these purposes, although it admittedly lacks the same level of glitz and glamour.

7. Take Advantage of La Partage and En Prison Rules

Whenever possible, take advantage of the alternate rules known as La Partage and En Prison. The former returns half the player's wager when an even-money bet lands on 0, while the latter also adds the option of leaving the entire sum up for a subsequent spin. Both of these rules lower the house edge, although they're not available at all casinos.

8. Forget the Sign-Up Bonus

Casinos issue sign-up bonuses to attract customers, and they often match the amount of money deposited by first-time players. Unfortunately, there are strings attached to these bonuses, usually in the form of betting requirements that must be met before the "free" money can be withdrawn. Roulette bets often count as little as 5% per wager towards meeting these demands, which means it's probably not worth your time to sweat over these offers.

9. Practice at a Free Table

While free roulette programs don't provide cash rewards, they can be a useful tool for learning the rules of the game and the myriad of betting options. Once you've got the hang of things, however, I suggest graduating to the real money tables as soon as possible.

10. Don't Bother with Betting Systems

Betting systems such as the Martingale are supposed to allow you to make a profit by structuring wagers depending on whether you're winning or losing. These are nothing more than superstition, and anyone who subscribes to them is demonstrating their innate gullibility. If someone advises you otherwise, I'd take any subsequent statements by the individual with a grain of salt.

11. Manage Your Money

Before you start playing, always calculate how much money you can afford to lose. As soon as you reach that amount, call it quits for the day. Another smart option involves immediately setting aside half of your winnings, which guarantees that you'll have something to show for your time spent at the wheel.

12. Forget About the Previous Spin

Each spin in roulette is independent of the next, so you can forget about trying to predict patterns or streaks. Only those who subscribe to the gambler's fallacy can hope to accomplish such a task, and they're unfortunately living in a fantasy world of epic proportions.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a casino game that can be defeated with regularity, you're better off searching for another option. Even by following the 12 roulette tips for winning more often that are listed above, you'll find that the wheel specializes in cutting even the most determined players down to size.

Fortunately, your gaming session doesn't have to be a hopeless affair. By managing your money, sticking with low house edge wagers, and approaching the whole endeavor with a sense of fun, you can still leave the casino with a spring in your step and a few bucks in your pocket.