Understanding live Roulette: A breakdown of the rules and gameplay

Live Roulette is a popular option for players who want the well-known dynamics of the traditional casino game but with the option to play online from their device. 

These technologically advanced formats, with a live dealer operating the game via a video stream, provide a structured and regulated game that keeps gameplay fresh. If you want to know more about live Roulette, here’s a breakdown of the rules and gameplay involved, so you’re more informed the next time you choose to bet on the real-time spinning wheel.

Basic rules of live Roulette

Live Roulette follows the same fundamental rules as the standard table game you’ll find in land-based casinos. 

The game consists of a spinning wheel with numbered pockets, a small ball, and a betting table where you place wagers on different outcomes. Once you’ve placed your wagers, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction, and where the ball eventually lands determines the bets that receive payouts.

There are two main variations of Live Roulette:

• European Roulette – Features a wheel with 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and a single zero). The house edge is lower at approximately 2.7%
• American Roulette – Has 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, a single zero, and a double zero). The additional double zero increases the house edge to around 5.26%

It’s important to know the specific type of Roulette you are playing, as the rules and probabilities slightly differ between variations.

Types of bets in live Roulette

There are different types of bets you need to know about when playing Live Roulette. These bets are broadly divided into inside bets and outside bets.

Inside bets

These bets involve specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They typically offer higher payouts but have lower odds.

• Straight-up bet – Betting on a single number
• Split bet – Betting on two adjacent numbers
• Street bet – Betting on a row of three numbers
• Corner bet – Betting on four numbers that meet at a corner
• Line bet – Betting on six numbers in two adjacent rows

Outside bets

These bets cover larger sections of the wheel, offering better odds but lower payouts.

• Red/black – Betting on the colour of the numbered pocket
• Odd/even – Betting on whether the number is odd or even
• High/low – Betting on whether the number is in the lower half (1-18) or upper half (19-36) of the number range
• Dozens – Betting on one of three groups of number ranges (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36)
• Columns – Betting on one of the three vertical columns of numbers

How live Roulette works

When playing Live Roulette, you place bets using the digital interface on your chosen provider’s platform before the dealer spins the wheel. The dealer then releases the ball, and you watch the result unfold via the live stream. 

Many platforms offer features such as game statistics, bet history, and live chat functions.

The game is conducted under strict regulations, ensuring fair play. The results are determined by the physical spin of the wheel, as opposed to a random number generator (RNG) that determines online digital Roulette outcomes.

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Live Roulette offers a fresh way to play the classic table game, involving a real dealer in a dedicated studio setting. By understanding the different bet types, rules, and variations, you can make informed decisions while playing.