Roulette is the game that draws a crowd at any fun casino. The wheel spins, the ball rattles round and everyone leans in to see where it lands. At our events guests play with fun money rather than real money, and the players with the most chips at the end of the night win a prize. Here is how the bets work, and three ways to give yourself a better chance of finishing near the top.
You can also try our free roulette game online to practise placing bets.
How roulette works
Our wheels have the numbers 1 to 36 in red and black, plus a single green zero. Players place chips on the table layout, the croupier spins the wheel, and when the ball settles everyone who backed that number, colour or group is paid out.
The main bets and what they pay
- Single number: pays 35 to 1.
- Split (two neighbouring numbers): pays 17 to 1.
- Street (a row of three): pays 11 to 1.
- Corner (four numbers): pays 8 to 1.
- Six line (two rows): pays 5 to 1.
- Dozen or column (12 numbers): pays 2 to 1.
- Red or black, odd or even, 1 to 18 or 19 to 36: pays evens.
Three ways to give yourself a better chance
1. Mix safer bets with long shots
Even-money bets such as red or black win almost half the time, so they keep your chip pile steady. A few chips on single numbers or splits give you the chance of a big win. Mixing the two lets you stay in the game while still chasing that 35 to 1 moment.
2. Remember the zero
If the ball lands on zero, the even-money bets lose. The zero is what gives a casino its edge, so no system can beat it in the long run. Treat any "guaranteed" system you read about with a pinch of salt and play for the fun of it.
3. Save something for the end
Prizes go to the guests with the most chips when the tables close. If you are behind with a few spins to go, that is the time for a bolder bet. Keep a stack back so you have something to play with when the croupier calls the last spins.
Watch the display
At many of our events the roulette table has a display screen showing the last numbers to come up, plus "hot" and "cold" numbers. Every spin is independent, so the wheel has no memory, but the display is great for a bit of banter and gives guests something to follow from across the room.
New to roulette?
You don't need to know the rules before you arrive. Our croupiers explain the bets, help guests place their chips and keep the game moving, so it works for everyone from first-timers to old hands.
Want a roulette table at your event? See our roulette hire page for prices, what is included and how to book.
