How to choose a roulette site
Every roulette spin is independent and random, and every bet on the table carries a house edge. You cannot change that, but you can choose the wheel and the casino with care. These are the points we compare.
European, French or American wheel• European roulette has 37 pockets (1–36 and a single zero). The house edge is 2.7%, which means a theoretical return to player (RTP) of 97.3%.
• French roulette uses the same single-zero wheel, often with the "la partage" rule: if the ball lands on zero, you get half of your even-money bet back (red/black, odd/even, high/low). That lowers the house edge on those bets to about 1.35%. Some tables use the similar "en prison" rule instead.
• American roulette adds a double zero, giving 38 pockets and a house edge of 5.26% (RTP 94.74%). Unless you particularly enjoy it, a single-zero wheel gives you better value for the same stake.
A good roulette site makes it easy to find single-zero games and lists the rules and RTP in each game's help screen.
Bet typesInside bets cover single numbers or small groups: a straight-up bet on one number pays 35:1, a split (two numbers) 17:1, a street (three) 11:1, a corner (four) 8:1 and a six line 5:1. Outside bets cover larger groups: red or black, odd or even and 1–18 or 19–36 pay 1:1, while dozens and columns pay 2:1. Bigger payouts simply reflect lower chances of winning – on a European wheel, the house edge is the same 2.7% whichever of these you choose.
Why betting systems do not beat the wheelSystems such as the Martingale (doubling your stake after every loss) change the pattern of your wins and losses, not the odds. A losing run can quickly push stakes up to the table maximum or past your budget. Past results on the board say nothing about the next spin – red is not "due" after a run of black.
Range of games and table limitsBeyond the classic versions, many casinos offer multi-wheel games, games with random multipliers and live roulette from studios or real casino floors. Check that the casino has tables with minimum stakes that suit your budget, and note that multiplier games often pay less on standard numbers to fund the bigger wins.
Bonuses and rouletteRoulette often counts for only a small share of a bonus wagering requirement, and some casinos exclude it. Under current UK rules, bonuses cannot require more than 10x wagering. Check the game contribution and the time limit in the terms, or decline the bonus if the conditions do not suit how you play.
Licence and safer playOnly play at casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which requires tested games, fair terms and safer-gambling tools. Set a deposit limit before you start, and use the help on our
safer gambling page if you need it. You can see all our ranked casinos on the
comparison page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which roulette game has the lowest house edge?Single-zero games. European roulette has a house edge of 2.7%, and French roulette with the la partage rule lowers it to about 1.35% on even-money bets. American roulette, with its extra double zero, has a house edge of 5.26%.
Can I predict where the ball will land?No. Computer-generated roulette uses a tested random number generator, and live roulette uses a real wheel. Each spin is independent of the last, so previous results do not help you predict the next one.
Do roulette betting systems work?No system can change the house edge. Strategies such as the Martingale only change how your wins and losses are spread, and they can raise your stakes quickly during a losing run.
What is the difference between online and live roulette?Online (RNG) roulette is computer-generated and runs at your own pace. Live roulette is streamed in real time from a studio or casino with a real croupier, and each betting round has a fixed time limit.
Is online roulette legal in the UK?Yes, for adults aged 18 or over at casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. You can check any operator's licence on the Commission's public register.
Disclaimer
We offer this free online resource with the intention of providing helpful content and comparison features to our visitors. All ratings on this site are determined by our subjective opinion which is based on our analysis of the UK online casino market (our methodology incorporates a brand's market share and reputation, quality of customer support, number and types of games on offer, promotions, bonuses, reader reviews and more). This comparison site is supported by payment from operators who are ranked on the site and the payment impacts the ranking of the sites listed. A brands listing on this website DOES NOT imply endorsement. We cannot and do not feature all brands in the UK online casino market. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information, including pricing, which appears on this site is subject to change at any time.