Learning how to play roulette is crucial before you take your seat at the roulette table and test your luck. Whether drawn to the allure of live dealer roulette or planning to engage with traditional European roulette, understanding its basics and formulating a strategy can enhance your gaming pleasure and potentially improve outcomes. This guide demystifies playing roulette in Canada, explaining the game's rules, variations, and offering strategic insights. Our seasoned experts aim to prepare you to engage in this iconic casino game, spinning the roulette wheel and placing thoughtful bets with a chance at substantial rewards.
Mastering the Game of Roulette: The Definitive Guide
Last update: February, 2025

Introduction to Roulette
Roulette stands among the most enjoyed casino games in Canada . The name \"roulette\" is French for \"little wheel\", a nod to its French origins back in the 18th century. Roulette first appeared in Canada around 1758, with legal documents attempting to ban the game in Quebec. By the early 1800s, roulette had entrenched itself in North America, finding a niche in the vibrant gambling circles of Mississippi and the broader southern regions. The roulette wheel, while tweaked over decades in Canada and the US, has largely stayed constant for over 150 years.
The game's fundamental aim is unchanged: accurately forecasting which pocket the ball will nestle in once the wheel halts. With various betting options and possibilities to adjust wagers based on one's bankroll, the game presents multiple strategies to consider. At online and brick-and-mortar casinos in Canada , players can explore an array of thrilling roulette variants, from European to French and American styles. Classic table games like roulette hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian online casino enthusiasts, making it a top choice at leading platforms. So, if you're in pursuit of a straightforward yet thrilling casino classic with potential rewards, roulette offers just that. Let's delve into how to play and navigate its betting options.
Basics of Roulette
Roulette is essentially a game of chance, centered around a wheel and table. A typical roulette wheel houses 37 pockets: 18 red, 18 black, and a singular green marking zero. In American versions, an additional green double zero pocket exists, adding to the house edge. The layout of the table covers all possible bets, and it's here that players position their chips ahead of the croupier's spin.
Though initially overwhelming, the table's setup becomes intuitive, distinguishing between inside and outside bets. Inside bets are those placed on specific numbers, whereas outside bets cover broader sections on the table's periphery. Some roulette variants also introduce special bets.
Here we break down the various inside and outside bets you can make:
Inside Bets
Bet Type | Description | Potential Payout | European Odds |
Straight bet | A bet on a specific number | 35:1 | 2.7% |
Split bet | A bet on two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.4% |
Street bet | A bet on three adjacent numbers | 11:1 | 8.1% |
Corner bet | A bet on four numbers | 8:1 | 10.8% |
Double street bet | A bet on two lines of three numbers | 5:1 | 16.2% |
Outside Bets
Bet Type | Description | Potential Payout | European Odds |
Red/Black | A bet on a red or black number | 1:1 | 48.65% |
Odd/Even | A bet on an odd or even number | 1:1 | 48.65% |
High/Low | A bet on a high or low number | 1:1 | 48.65% |
Column | A bet on a column of numbers | 2:1 | 32.40% |
Dozen | A bet on 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.40% |
Special Bets & French Betting Terms
When playing roulette in Canada, you might encounter distinctive special bets or ones with unique names:
- Double zero bet: A wager on the double zero slot on American wheels.
- Carre translates to a corner bet in French.
- Cheval is the term used for a split bet.
- Colonne represents France's terminology for a column bet.
- Derniere refers to betting on the last group of 12 numbers.
- Douzaine signifies a dozen bet.
- En Plein simply denotes a straight bet.
- Impair – the French name for an odd bet.
- Orphelins target specific groupings on the wheel.
- Pair – the French name for an even bet.
- Passe – the French name for a high bet.
- Sixainne is the equivalent of a six-line bet.
- Tiers Du Cylindre covers a third of the wheel, allowing strategic group betting.
- Transversale stands in for a street bet.
- Voisins du Zero: Bets for neighboring numbers near zero on the wheel.
American vs European Roulette Odds
It's essential to grasp the odds differences in European vs. American roulette. The additional zero in American roulette introduces an extra green slot marked 00, impacting the odds. This double zero elevates the game’s house edge, making American roulette slightly tougher. While not a deal-breaker, it's a crucial consideration when choosing a Canadian online casino. European roulette boats a 2.70% house edge, while its American counterpart has a 5.26% advantage.
Rules & Gameplay
Roulette is a deceptively straightforward game. Being a game of luck, while strategies can enhance gameplay, they aren't mandatory.
Before placing a bet, familiarize yourself with these roulette fundamentals:
- The objective is determining which pocket the ball will occupy once the wheel ceases.
- Your choices range from inside, outside, and the aforementioned special bets.
- Upon deciding, position your chips on the corresponding table sections.
- With potential payouts between 1:1 to 35:1, stakes can be sized to fit your bankroll.
In live games, croupiers spin the wheel. Quick decisions are needed, as announcements follow each winning number.
Online games, controlled by random number generators (RNGs), offer a fair, fast-paced roulette experience, even without live dealers.
Roulette, generally, offers a dynamic pace, each round lasting 30-60 seconds, ideal for action-seeking players.
Before diving into strategies to amplify roulette thrills, some key terms must be understood:
Key roulette terms to understand
The term \"croupier\" for dealer is common across roulette and other casino offerings.
Roulette Term | Explanation |
Croupier | Unique to French roulette, en prison allows possible returns or additional spins on certain bets. |
En Prison | Certain outside bets offer 1:1 payouts, covering options like odd/even and red/black. |
Even money bet | House edge marks the casino's statistical advantage, phrased in percentages. |
House edge | La partage, akin to en prison, halves your bet return in case of a zero in French roulette. |
La Partage | Live dealer games bring roulette to life online, with real dealers in specially designed studios. |
Live dealer | Pockets or wheel segments are potential resting places for the ball. |
Pockets | RNG ensures that digital roulette outcomes are both random and equitable. |
RNG | Despite roulette's chance-driven nature, deploying a strategy can intensify enjoyment and potentially heighten rewards, adapted to one's bankroll and risk tolerance. |
Winning Strategies
Here's a look at seven strategies worth exploring in Canadian roulette, complete with guidance:
The Martingale is a straightforward, widely embraced strategy for even money bets like red/black or odd/even.
Martingale
It's progressive, doubling bets after losses, requiring a robust bankroll and unsuitable for low-budget play. Starting with $1, the bet doubles after loss – $1 becomes $2, then $4, etc., eventually reverting on a win. As stakes escalate to address losses, it stands as a potential option for players with the necessary bankroll. Mastering the Art of Roulette: A Definitive Guide by Betsquare 2025 Learn the ins and outs of roulette alongside some smart strategies designed to enhance your casino adventures.
Parlay
How to Master Roulette: The Ultimate Resource At Betsquare, our team prioritizes transparency and objectivity. We maintain this stance by supporting our content through advertiser contributions, enabling us to provide this information freely. Our income is sourced from two primary streams.
Fibonacci
Primarily, we allow advertisers to display paid ads. Such payments can influence the presentation of these ads but don't necessarily encompass all market offerings on Betsquare. Plus, in a number of our articles, we share links to advertisers' promotions, termed 'affiliate links', which can help fund our platform when engaged with. These partnerships do not alter the unbiased advice offered by our editorial team, nor do they influence Betsquare's content integrity. While we strive for completeness, we're unable to promise exhaustive accuracy. Presented here is a list of our affiliate partners. is crucial before you dive in and give the roulette wheel a spin. Whether you’re drawn to the live dealer experience or wish to engage with the classic European variant, understanding the game basics and honing a strategy can significantly boost your entertainment and potential success.
D’Alembert
In this comprehensive narrative, we demystify playing roulette in Canada, detailing game rules, variations, and strategies to elevate your play. Our expert insight helps arm you with knowledge, readying you to place informed bets and pursue potential boasts of grand wins in this traditional casino favorite. Roulette stands as one of the most universally revered games. Deriving its name from the French word 'roulette', meaning 'little wheel', this casino staple saw its origins in France around the 18th century. One historical note traces roulette's Canadian presence back to 1758, when Quebec's legal documents listed efforts to outlaw the game.
Double Street Quad
By the 19th century, roulette firmly rooted itself in North American gaming communities, notably in Mississippi and wider southern regions. The wheel we've come to recognize today evolved over the years, retaining its core mechanics for over a century and a half. The goal remains unvaried: forecast the pocket where the ball lands post-spin.
James Bond
Depending on your predictions, various bets can be placed, adjusted to suit your bankroll. you can indulge in a myriad of roulette types, including but not limited to European, French, and American versions. Roulette captivates numerous Canadian players, earning its reputation as a favorite among online casino goers for its classic allure. So, if you're aiming for a casino game that's both entertaining and potentially rewarding, roulette should be right up your alley. Let’s delve into its workings and essentials for strategic betting.
Andrucci
Roulette operates on a simple principle with two vital elements – the roulette wheel and its accompanying table. Typically, a roulette wheel is composed of 37 individual slots: 18 red, 18 black, and one green zero. An American wheel, however, features an additional double zero slot, which increases the house odds. As for the table, it outlines available betting options, where players allocate their chips before the wheel's spin. Though initially overwhelming, the table's layout is a breeze once understood. Crucially, bets are divided into inside and outside categories. Inside bets target numbers directly, while outside bets are aimed at the broader table sections. Some variants even entertain special bets.
Playing Roulette in Canada
Below, we break down the varied inside and outside bets available: For those venturing into Canadian roulette, expect special bet names or slightly varied denominations, such as: Double zero bet – specifically wagering on the American wheel's double zero slot.
Carre – Known in French as a corner bet.
Cheval – The French term for a split bet.
{-{em}-} N1 Casino (5.0/5.0). Best overall roulette casino in CA.{-{/em}-}
Why we chose N1 Casino
Colonne – The French name given to column bets.
Bonuses and promotions
Derniere – A bet in French that eyes the final grouping in a dozen set.
Payment methods
Douzaine – The French denomination for a dozen bet.
Mobile app
En Plein – A straightforward number-focused bet in French.
Game selection
Orphelins – A bet grouping numbers adjacent on the wheel.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent welcome package
- Sixainne – French for a six-line bet.
- Fast withdrawals in 1-3 days
Cons
- Tiers Du Cylindre – A French segment accurately covering a third of the wheel.
{-{em}-} Golden Star Casino (4.9/5.0). Best for live dealer roulette{-{/em}-}
Why we chose Golden Star Casino
Transversale – Known as a street bet in French terminology.
Bonuses and promotions
Voisins du Zero – This French term denotes neighboring bets placed surrounding the wheel's zero.
Payment methods
It's vital to differentiate between European and American versions based on varying odds.
Mobile app
The inclusion of the additional zero in the American setup undeniably tilts the odds with an extra green slot marked double zero.
Game selection
This addition slightly augments the challenge within American roulette play, raising the house's advantage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Yet considering this shouldn't deter you from selecting American roulette when browsing Canadian online casinos.
- Fast payouts via e-wallets.
- Helpful customer support via live chat.
Cons
- Ongoing promotions could be better.
{-{em}-}Playzilla (4.8/5.0). Best for RNG roulette.{-{/em}-}
Why we chose Playzilla
Traditionally, the house favor for European varieties stands at 2.70%, contrasting with American's 5.26%.
Bonuses and promotions
Roulette can seem deceptively straightforward. It’s based on luck, so strategy isn't necessary (though it can augment enjoyment, as we'll highlight soon) and players of all proficiency levels can appreciate its charm.
Payment methods
Here's a quick rundown of essential roulette knowledge before diving in:
Mobile app
Predict the final resting place of the ball as the wheel concludes its spin.
Game selection
Options for betting include inside, outside, and the previously mentioned special bets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- To wager, align your chips with the table fields synonymous with the respective wheel numbers.
- Payouts range between 1:1 to a potential max of 35:1. You can modify your bet based on the bankroll size and adjust between spins.
- In real-time roulette, the dealer orchestrates the spin. You'll have a brief window to place your bets prior to the game initiating. Wins are then distributed based on the declared number.
Cons
- No mobile app currently available.
Online Roulette in Canada
Online, computer-automated games also attract many, driven by random number generators (RNGs) ensuring fair gameplay.
Even minus a physical dealer, these online games are a hit for their brisk pace and intuitive design.
- Roulette features a quick tempo overall: each turn typically wrapping within 30 to 60 seconds, making it suitable for those seeking rapid gameplay.
- Before exploring tactics to elevate your roulette experience, familiarize yourself with the following essential jargon:
- The term 'dealer' in French is frequently referenced in roulette, akin to many casino titles.
- Particular to French roulette, 'en prison' is a rule affecting certain equal-money bets. If zero hits, a rebated bet or renewed spin may occur.
- An external bet paying even odds, like predicting black/red or odd/even outcomes.
- A built-in game edge exclusive to the casino on each round, mathematically defined as the house edge, reflected as a percentile.
- Similar to en-prison, the la partage rule in French roulette offers half a stake return if zero appears.
Live dealer roulette showcases live streaming hosted by a genuine dealer set within equipped studios.
In roulette, each slot, often referenced as segments, marks the ball's potential landing.
- RNG equates to random number generators, powering unbiased results in computerized offerings.
- While chance governs roulette, strategizing might bolster your experience and outcomes. Opting for a method relies on bankroll and accepted risk.
- Consider these seven potential tactics for Canadian roulette enthusiasts, detailing effective usage:
- Amongst fundamental strategies is the Martingale, popularized for its simple approach to even-money bets.
Acknowledged as progressive, Martingale necessitates incrementing wager values post each loss.
Thus, a substantial bankroll is recommended, potentially unsuitable for modest players. For instance, commencing at $1, Martingale entails doubling on losses: $1 to $2, then $4, etc. A win resets wagers back. The essence posits augmented bets recover prior losses, proving viable for those with balanced budgets. Roulette Mastery: Betsquare's Definitive Guide in 2025 Unveil the secrets of roulette with our in-depth guide, and discover strategies that can elevate your experience at your favorite gaming spot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
How to Conquer Roulette: The Authoritative Guide
- At Betsquare, we put great emphasis on providing unbiased and independent content. To maintain the quality and free access to our reviews, we are financially supported by companies advertising on our site. We have two main revenue streams.
- Our first revenue stream involves offering paid placement opportunities to advertisers. The fees from these placements can influence the visibility of advertisers' offerings on our platform. It's important to note that we don't display every available product or service.
- Another source of income involves 'affiliate links', which are embedded in some of our articles. Clicking these links can generate revenue for us, but these earnings do not impact our editorial team's assessments or suggestions. Additionally, not every piece of information is always comprehensive nor do we claim absolute accuracy. Below are some of our associated partners with affiliate links.
- It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the dynamics before venturing into a game of roulette.
- Regardless of your interest in live dealer or traditional European roulette, grasping the fundamentals and strategizing can enhance both your enjoyment and success.
Roulette Etiquette
This comprehensive guide demystifies the art of playing roulette in Canada, delving into its rules, variations, and tactics you can adopt.
- Our team of specialists ensures you're thoroughly prepared to engage with the roulette wheel, bet strategically, and maximize your chances of hitting substantial wins in this beloved casino pastime.
- Roulette stands as one of the most cherished games worldwide.
- The name 'roulette', translating to 'little wheel' from French, has its origins in France around the 18th century.
- Roulette's history in Canada dates back to 1758 when it, along with similar games, faced legal opposition in Quebec.
- By the 19th century, roulette was a staple in North American gambling halls, particularly thriving in Mississippi and beyond.
Conclusion
Despite several modifications since its inception, the modern roulette wheel has remained consistently in use for over 150 years. The central aim of roulette hasn't shifted: anticipate the specific pocket where the ball will settle as the wheel ceases its spin. There are various betting options based on your predictions about where the ball will land, allowing you to customize your stakes according to your bank balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best roulette strategy?
Across Canada, you can diversify your gaming experience with European, French, and American roulette variants.
Canadians exhibit a strong preference for the timeless charm of table games in online casinos, making roulette an undeniable favorite at the top virtual casinos.
If you're in pursuit of a classic, simple, yet potentially lucrative casino endeavor, roulette offers everything you need. Let's delve into the mechanics of this game and essential knowledge for placing bets.
How do you win at roulette?
Roulette involves a blend of two core elements – the spinning wheel and the betting table.
Is online roulette rigged?
Typically, a roulette wheel features 37 slots. It has 18 red, 18 black, and one green slot for zero. The American version adds a double zero, elevating the house edge.
What is RNG roulette?
Your available bet options are laid out on the table. Here, you'll place chips before the croupier initiates the spin.
What is live dealer roulette?
The table's layout might seem daunting initially, but with familiarity, it becomes quite manageable.