Online casino gaming is increasingly popular, especially with the level of modern graphics and effects that these games offer. However, live casinos have become another major way for players to play some of their favorite casino games.
Live casino games offer a fusion between online interfaces and elements of live gameplay, hosted by a professional dealer or croupier. Roulette is one particular game with plenty of live options, in part thanks to the enduring popularity of its three major variations.
This is our simple guide to how to play a game of live Roulette.
Getting to grips with the basics
The major difference between a game of live Roulette and a purely digital one is the presence of the human croupier. A professionally trained croupier hosts any game of live Roulette, spinning the wheel and conducting the game for players.
The Roulette wheel is the iconic center of the game, with the croupier spinning the wheel in one direction and then spinning a ball in the other. Wherever the ball eventually stops determines the outcome of the game and players’ wagers.
How many pockets the wheel has will vary depending on which format is being played. European and French Roulette wheels feature 37 pockets, with just one green zero. American Roulette wheels add an extra double zero pocket for a total of 38.
Whichever variety of Roulette is on offer, the table layout stays consistent. Players can choose to place their wager on various parts of the layout, with the croupier placing physical chips on the table in response to their placement on the virtual table.
The types of bets
Roulette bets are split into two major categories, inside and outside, matching the part of the layout where they can be found.
Inside bets are placed on single, specific numbers or a small combination of numbers. These have lower odds of landing, which means that they typically carry a higher potential payout. Possible bets include:
- Straight-up – placed on a single number
- Split – placed on two adjacent numbers
- Street – placed on three numbers in a horizontal line
- Corner – placed on four numbers in a square
- Six lines – placed on two adjacent rows of numbers
Outside bets are placed on broader categories and larger groups of numbers. As these have a much higher likelihood of landing, they tend to offer lower payouts, depending on which wager is chosen. Possible bets include:
- Red/black – placed on the color of the winning pocket
- Odd/even – placed on whether the winning number is odd or even
- High/low – placed on whether the number is in the higher or lower half of numbers
- Dozens – placed on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24 or 25-36)
- Columns – placed on one of the three vertical columns of numbers shown on the layout
How to play live Roulette
Once a player joins a game of live Roulette – choosing whichever option suits their tastes – they will see a timer, indicating how much time is left to place a wager. This allows the live dealer to keep the game running smoothly and avoid delays if a player joins late.
This is the opportunity for players to place their virtual chips on the table, indicating their wager for the spin. If they choose, a player can place chips on more than one bet.
When the timer ends the croupier will spin the Roulette wheel and release the ball, with no changes to wagers permitted after the spin begins. Once the ball comes to rest in a pocket the croupier will announce the winning number and color, with the software automatically calculating and crediting any payouts.
A game of live Roulette is simple to understand, with streamlined gameplay and the live croupier always present to answer any questions.
