How to Play Roulette


Roulette is one of the most recognisable casino games around, with a spinning wheel, numbered pockets and a small ball. Before each spin, you place a bet on the number, colour, group of numbers or another outcome you think will come up.
Once betting closes, the wheel spins and the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets. The pocket where the ball lands determines the winning result.
If you’re playing digital roulette, the result will be generated electronically using a random number generator.

What Is the Objective of Roulette?

The aim of roulette is to predict the outcome of the next spin.
Depending on the game, you may be able to place a bet on:
  • A single number
  • A group of numbers
  • Red or black
  • Odd or even
  • Low numbers from 1 to 18
  • High numbers from 19 to 36
  • A dozen
  • A column
Different bets cover different numbers of possible outcomes. Bets covering fewer numbers generally have higher payouts but are less likely to win. Bets covering more numbers generally have lower payouts but can win more frequently.
No roulette bet guarantees a win.


Types of Roulette Wheels

The type of roulette wheel can affect the number of possible outcomes, so always check the game rules before placing your bet.

European Roulette

European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and one zero.

American Roulette

American roulette has 38 pockets. Alongside numbers 1 to 36, it has a single zero and a double zero.
The additional zero changes the probabilities of the different outcomes, although standard payouts generally remain the same.

French Roulette

French roulette normally uses a single-zero wheel, like European roulette.
Some French roulette tables can include special rules such as La Partage or En Prison, which can affect certain even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. These rules are specific to the game, so check the table information before placing a bet.


How a Round of Roulette Works

A roulette round is straightforward:
1. Choose your roulette game
Check the wheel type, table limits and game rules before you start.
2. Choose your stake
Select how much you want to play within the game’s minimum and maximum limits. Betway Tanzania displays stakes in TSh.
3. Place your bet
Choose your number, colour, group of numbers or another available outcome.
4. Betting closes
Once the dealer or game announces that there are no more bets, you can’t add another bet for that spin.
5. The wheel spins
The ball moves around the wheel before settling into one of the numbered pockets.
6. The result is announced
The winning number and colour are displayed.
7. Bets are settled
Winning bets are paid according to the applicable payout, while losing bets are settled according to the game’s rules.


Inside Bets Explained

Inside bets are placed directly on the numbered section of the roulette table. They cover fewer numbers and generally have higher payouts.
Common inside bets include:
  • Straight-up: Covers one number and usually pays 35:1.
  • Split: Covers two adjacent numbers and usually pays 17:1.
  • Street: Covers a row of three numbers and usually pays 11:1.
  • Corner: Covers four numbers meeting at one corner and usually pays 8:1.
  • Six Line: Covers six numbers across two adjacent rows and usually pays 5:1.
The payout ratio refers to the winnings from the bet. The original qualifying stake is normally returned separately.


Outside Bets Explained

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and generally have lower payouts than inside bets.
Common outside bets include:
  • Red or black: Pays 1:1.
  • Odd or even: Pays 1:1.
  • Low or high: Covers 1 to 18 or 19 to 36 and pays 1:1.
  • Dozen: Covers 1 to 12, 13 to 24 or 25 to 36 and pays 2:1.
  • Column: Covers one of the three 12-number columns and pays 2:1.
Zero, and double zero where applicable, aren’t included in standard red or black, odd or even, or low or high selections.


How Roulette Payouts Work

Your potential payout depends on the type of bet you place and how many numbers it covers.
For example, if you place a TSh 200 bet on a single number and it wins at 35:1, the profit would be TSh 7,000. Your original TSh 200 stake would normally also be returned, giving you a total return of TSh 7,200.
Keep in mind that higher payouts generally reflect outcomes that occur less frequently.
Payouts can also vary for special selections and side bets. Always check the payout table shown in the selected game before playing.


Online Roulette vs Live Roulette

You may come across different versions of roulette in the Betway Tanzania Casino.
Online RNG roulette: The result is generated electronically using a random number generator.
Live roulette: A live dealer spins a physical roulette wheel while the game is streamed to you.
Automated roulette: A physical or automated wheel can be combined with a digital betting interface.
The basic objective remains the same, although the speed, presentation, betting limits and available selections can vary between games.


What to Check Before Playing Roulette

Before placing your bet, take a moment to check:
  • The type of roulette wheel
  • Minimum and maximum stakes
  • Standard and special bet payouts
  • How long you have to place your bet
  • The rules for zero and double zero
  • Whether special French roulette rules apply
  • Available side bets or additional selections
  • The game’s RTP and rules information
Knowing the rules of the specific roulette game you’re playing can help you understand how your bet will be settled.


Roulette Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to roulette, keep things simple:
  • Understand what each bet covers before placing it.
  • Check whether the game uses a single-zero or double-zero wheel.
  • Set a budget before you start playing.
  • Don’t assume previous spins affect the next spin.
  • Be cautious of systems that claim to guarantee winnings.
  • Stop playing when you reach your predetermined time or spending limit.
Roulette spins are independent events, so a run of red or black doesn’t mean the opposite colour is guaranteed to appear next.


Play Roulette Responsibly

Roulette is a game of chance. Understanding the wheel, betting options and payouts can help you follow the game, but it can’t predict the next result or guarantee a win.
Set a spending and time limit before you start, don’t chase losses and only play with money you can afford to lose.
Players must be 18 and older to play.
 

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Published: 10/15/2026