Online Roulette Guide for India

History of Roulette: Origins and Evolution

Roulette is a popular casino game that is believed to have been created in 1655 and has continued to attract players from around the world for centuries. It consists of a spinning wheel divided into numbered pockets, a small ball and a betting table.

Players bet on a red or black pocket or different combinations of numbers that the ball will fall into when the roulette wheel stops. The roulette sectors are 37 or 38 depending on what type of roulette you choose to play. We will specify the different styles later in the article.

DID YOU KNOW... ?

According to facts.net, the word "roulette" itself comes from the French language and means "little wheel."

There are various theories on the internet as to what the roots of this exciting game are. In the following lines we will mention the three most widely spread versions about the origin of roulette.

1. The first origin theory involves the story of a French monk who invented roulette as a game to diversify the monotonous life in a monastery in the 18th century. There is not much evidence to support this thesis, but there may be a connection to the second theory.

2. The second theory is that French Dominican monks invented the game, basing it on a traditional Tibetan game with animal figurines and squares. According to legend, the monks rearranged the pieces around the periphery of the wheel. The exact details surrounding the game are not clear.

3. The third and most likely true origin of roulette is associated with a French physicist and mathematician named Blaise Pascal. He is believed to have invented the game by mistake in 1655, Britannica.com points out.

Pascal attempted to invent a perpetual motion machine as an experiment to disprove the laws of physics that defined it as impossible.

In the process of trying to overcome probabilities, he created a game of variable odds. Roulette as a game appears on old legal documents as early as 1758, giving a hint of the earliest evidence for its existence.

Regardless of which theory we think is most likely about the origins of the game, we can safely say that roulette is among the top choices of casino enthusiasts.

The Transition from Physical to Online Roulette

The first version of online roulette appeared in 1996 and was introduced by the first online casino, namely InterCasino.

In India, however, it happened a few years later. With the development of technology, the casino industry now allows players to enjoy the excitement of online roulette from the comfort of your home.

Is Online Roulette Legal in India?

Yes, online roulette is legal, but only if you register at offshore online casinos. Let us explain it in more detail to help you understand.

Online gambling in India is still unregulated. The existing federal law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, bans Indian residents from running or playing at land-based casinos.

This law doesn’t recognise online gambling as it was adopted in the 19th century. However, Indian states now have the autonomy to decide whether to allow and regulate online gambling. Some Indian states decided to ban gambling completely, while a few of them opted to permit some form of gambling. For example, Goa allows players to visit and play at land-based casinos. The only state where online gambling is currently regulated is Sikkim.

The good news is that none of the laws in India explicitly prohibit players from signing up and playing at offshore online casinos. Consequently, casino enthusiasts from India visit these sites and play there, as they don’t have any other alternative.

You shouldn’t be afraid of offshore casinos if you choose one of the operators we recommend. They are all licensed and deemed trustworthy by our team of experts. Whichever casino you pick, you are guaranteed to have loads of fun playing a wide range of online roulette titles from leading software providers.

What Are Different Types of Roulette I Can Play at Indian Casinos?

There are 4 main types of roulette games you can find at top Indian online casinos. These include varieties of European and French, as well as American or two-ball roulette.

When you understand the different types of roulette and their features, you can experiment with different strategies that can increase your chances of potential winings.

In the lines below, we will take a detailed look at what types of roulette exist and how they deffer from each other.

European Roulette

European Roulette is the original version of the game and contains 37 numbers, including a zero. We can confirm that this classic roulette game is one of the most popular in India. As a result, you will find European Roulette at the best India-focused online casinos. The wheel has 36 fields, with an equal number of red and black fields, plus one green zero pocket.

The table layout is identical to any other casino roulette, featuring the same bets. Players can bet on different combinations of numbers, such as adjacent or consecutive numbers, and the payout ratio determines their final winnings.

Many players prefer European Roulette over American Roulette as it has a smaller house edge than its American counterpart. The standard house edge for European Roulette is 2.7%.

French Roulette

The French version of roulette differs mainly in the layout of the table. The game uses the same wheel as European Roulette, with 37 fields with red and black numbers from 1 to 36 and a single 0. Since both games use a standard single-zero wheel, French Roulette is sometimes mistaken for the European one.

However, there is one key difference. When you wager on even money bets with 50/50 chances of winning (odd/even, red/black), if the ball stops on 0, you get half of your initial wager back, which can be considered as a type of insurance.

These rules are known as “La Partage” and “En Prison”. Both apply to even money bets and reduce the house edge to 1.35%. “La Partage” returns half of your bet if the ball stops at zero, while “En Prison” allows you to collect half of your wager or keep it in place for the next spin. Finally, since the European wheel has one zero pocket, and the American has two, the sequence of numbers is different.

American Roulette

American Roulette is less popular than the European and French versions as it involves a greater risk. The wheel contains 38 numbers instead of 37, including an additional zero field. Consequently, American Roulette has numbers 1-36 and two more options: 0 and 00. If the ball lands on one of these green zero pockets, you lose your wager, including even money bets like black/red or even/odd.

An additional green double zero pocket (00) increases the house edge of American Roulette significantly compared to other variations. The house edge of American Roulette is 5.26%. However, an extra 00 pocket adds another betting option, a Five-Number bet.

Although some players consider American Roulette more engaging and fun as it includes one more bet, be aware of the risk it involves. One more wheel pocket increases the house edge, reducing your winning odds in the long run.

Double Ball Roulette

As the name suggests, Double Ball Roulette features two balls spinning simultaneously inside the wheel, which can result in a higher number of winning combinations. The game is played on a European-style wheel and offers the same betting options as the classic game. However, since the game lets you win more frequently, the payouts are reduced. It’s worth noting that in order to win one of the “Outside” bets, like red or black, both balls must land on the same colour.

For “inside” bets, such as a bet on a number, it is enough for one ball to stop on the selected number. In case both balls hit the same number, the winnings are doubled. This is known as the “Double Ball Jackpot”.

How to Play Roulette: Game Rules Explained

To get you started playing roulette first, you have to select one of the best online roulette casinos in India from our list. Next, you should find a game with betting limits that suit your budget. Finally, when you sit at one of the virtual tables, you need to decide where to place a wager, on numbers or outside bets. We’ll go into detail about roulette bet types later on.

It is important to mention that roulette is a dynamic game with a preset betting time. For example, you have 15 seconds to make a bet. Unlike land-based casinos, where you use physical chips, online roulette lets you place your stake with a few clicks.

Once you finish all these steps, the dealer sets the wheel in motion and drops the ball to spin in the opposite direction. The game ends when the ball lands in one of the numbered pockets, determining the outcome and the winners.

Can I Play Roulette Games for Free?

Yes, you can. If you want to play roulette or other casino games, you don’t need to deposit money to do so. The best operators in India, Megapari, Bettilt, and Rajabets, allow you to test the games before you place real money wagers. The “Demo”, “Play for Free”, or “Play for Fun” mode provides risk-free gameplay with virtual currency as long as you have an active account at the chosen casino.

Demo mode is a perfect way to learn the roulette rules and try various strategies without losing money. Moreover, the “Play for Free” mode is ideal for Indian players who want to understand the differences between the most popular versions. Finally, free play provides beginners a fantastic opportunity to experience the excitement of this dynamic game.

What is House Edge in Online Roulette and How to Calculate It?

The house edge in online roulette ranges between 1.35% and 5.26%, depending on the version you play.

Although the idea of casino advantage may seem unfair at first, this is a small price you pay to enjoy playing online roulette, one of the most engaging and fast-paced casino table games.

It’s important to remember that online roulette is a game of chance. In other words, there’s a possibility you can win big in every round.

Different versions of roulette have different house edges:

• European Roulette: European Roulette uses a wheel with 37 numbers: 18 red, 18 black, and one green 0. The casino has an advantage because payouts are based on 36 numbers, not 37, which gives the house a 51.4% chance of winning compared to the player’s 48.6%. This means that the house edge is 2.7%. In other words, your payouts are 2.7% less than they should be. For every ₹100 you stake, the casino expects to win ₹2.70.

• American Roulette: In American Roulette, an extra double zero (00) pocket increases the house edge to 5.26%. Since there are 38 numbers, with 0 and 00, the calculation is as follows. The odds are 18/38, which is equal to 52.6% in favour of the casino. Let’s illustrate: the casino collects ₹5.26 from every ₹100 stake. This may not seem much, but the high house edge can significantly increase your loss in the long run.

• French Roulette: Like its European cousin, French Roulette contains one zero pocket, so the house edge in this version is also 2.7%. However, the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules can reduce the house edge of even money bets to 1.35%.

Online Roulette Bet Types Explained

Online roulette bets are split into two main types: outside bets and inside bets. Understanding these two categories can help you create or improve your playing strategy.

The decision which of these two types you’ll choose will largely depend on how much you’re willing to risk.

Outside Bets

As the name implies, outside bets include the betting options outside the numbered grid on the roulette table. They cover larger sets of numbers, leading to more frequent but lower payouts. In other words, if you choose outside bets, the winning odds are better, but the winnings are slim. However, these are the safest betting options, ideal for newbies.

Here are the examples of online roulette outside bets:

• Red or Black: You are wagering whether the ball will land on the red or black number field. The payout is 1:1, meaning if you bet ₹100, you will get another ₹100.

• Even or Odd: You are betting whether the ball will stop on an even or odd number. It means that this option includes either 18 odd or 18 even numbers. The payout is also 1:1.

• High or Low: This time, you place a wager on whether the winning number will be within the low (1–18) or high (19–36) number range. Just like the previous two options, this bet pays out even money, 1:1.

Inside Bets

Inside bets refer to any wager you place on an individual number or a group of numbers within the numbered grid on the table. These betting options have lower odds of winning, but if you guess correctly, you can collect higher payouts.

Here are the examples of online roulette inside bets:

• Straight-up Bet: You place a wager on a single number, choosing any number on the grid from 1 to 36, including 0 or 00. Since this bet is hardest to win, the payout is 35:1, which means that if you bet ₹100 and win, you will receive ₹3,500 plus your original bet, for a total of ₹3,600.

• Split Bet: This bet covers two adjacent numbers, and you place a bet by putting a chip on the line between them. The payout is 17:1, which means that if you bet ₹100 and win, you will receive ₹1,700 plus your original bet.

• Street Bet: This bet includes three consecutive numbers on the betting grid, for example, 1,2,3. You place a chip at the end of the row. Street bet payout is 11:1, so if your stake was ₹100, you collect ₹1,100 along with your original bet.

• Corner Bet: If you choose a corner or square bet, you are gambling on a group of four numbers that form a square on the table. The four-number bet payout is 8:1, so if you wagered ₹100, you will get ₹800 plus your original stake.

• Six Line: As the name suggests, this bet covers six consecutive numbers on the grid. It’s similar to a street bet but includes two rows of numbers. For example: 1,2,3,4,5,6. The payout is 5:1, which means that if you bet ₹100 and win, you will receive ₹500 plus your original bet.

Understanding these bets and their payouts will help you develop a good strategy and improve your odds of winning.

Differences Between Online Roulette and Roulette in Land-Based Casinos

The main difference between online roulette and physical roulette is that the digital version offers you incredible mobility, no matter where you are.

What truly sets land-based roulette apart from the online versions is the presence of human croupies. You get to sit at a real table, play with real casino chips, see the wheel, and hear the ball rolling and falling into one of the pockets. A drink or snack complements the whole experience of playing in a physical casino.

However, brick-and-mortar casinos come with a few downsides, too. Some players like to focus on the game and find it difficult to concentrate with so many distractions around them. Therefore, they prefer playing alone. Additionally, playing roulette in a brick-and-mortar casino can be more expensive, making it less accessible for those on a tight budget.

Finally, new players can be intimidated by the fast-paced roulette gameplay at real casinos, and the presence of other players can discourage them. At the same time, experienced gamblers will eagerly wait for the next round to begin.

Now, let’s highlight the advantages of online roulette compared to playing at physical casinos:

• Convenience: You can play online roulette whenever and wherever you want: at home, in the park, on the train. You can forget about the dress code or extra costs. You only need high-speed internet, and you can enjoy your favourite games even in your pyjamas.

• Variety: Online casinos offer different types of roulette, from casino classics to games with unique twists. Moreover, the best Indian casinos allow you to load games in a demo mode and play them for free, which is particularly convenient for beginners. Play for Fun mode is a great way to learn how roulette works without spending money.

• Speed Control: You can control how fast you want to play, which is suitable for beginners.

• Live Casino Roulette: You can also enjoy live casino roulette with real dealers if you like. These games combine the authentic atmosphere of the physical casino with the convenience of online gambling.

The biggest disadvantage of online casino roulette is the risk of playing at shady, unregulated gambling sites. You can easily avoid these pitfalls if you choose the fully licensed India-friendly casinos we’ve selected for you.

Most Popular Online Roulette Strategies

Our team has prepared 5 different roulette strategies for you to increase your chances of winning. These include Martingale, Fibonacci, D'Alambert, equal bet strategy and James Bond strategy.

Roulette is a game of chance. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use strategies to optimise your gameplay and improve your odds of winning. In fact, many seasoned gamblers use strategies when playing this game.

We’ll now focus on the above mentioned roulette strategies, their advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples of how each would impact your bet of ₹100.

Martingale Roulette Strategy

Martingale roulette strategy is popular among gamers, as it’s pretty simple. You double your bet amount each time you lose to recoup losses. The essence of this strategy is to keep doubling your stakes until the winning round. Martingale can help you collect handsome payouts, but it is extremely risky.

Example:

Let’s start with a ₹100 bet. If you lose, you wager INR 200. If you lose again, you bet INR 400 and so on. When you win, you return to your initial bet of INR 100.

Remember that if you want to try the Martingale strategy, you must be careful about your initial stake. This strategy can seriously hurt your budget if you’re not careful enough. You may break the bank if the losing streak lasts long, for example, 13 or 14 rounds in a row. We at Bestindicasino.com don’t recommend Martingale unless you have extra funds and want to enjoy its dynamics.

Fibonacci Roulette Strategy

As the name implies, this strategy uses the Fibonacci number sequence, in which each successive number is the sum of the previous two. Simply put, you place a small starting bet and increase it when you lose following the Fibonacci sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8,13, etc.). If you win, you go two steps back and decrease the stake accordingly.

The advantages of Fibonacci are moderate risk and the ability to recover losses. On the other hand, using Fibonacci can make it challenging to win higher amounts. Another disadvantage of this strategy is that it can lead to significant losses in the long run.

Example:

Let’s use ₹100 stake as an example. You place an initial bet of ₹100. If you lose, you stake ₹100, ₹200, ₹300, ₹500, ₹800, etc. When you win, go back two steps in the sequence.

D'Alambert ( Black / Red ) Roulette Strategy

D’Alambert roulette strategy requires you to increase the bet by one after a loss and decrease the bet by one after a win. This strategy is the opposite of Martingale and is a relatively balanced system that offers moderate risk and the possibility of steady profits. Disadvantages include a slower recovery of losses, smaller profits, and the risk of hitting table limits if you experience consecutive losses.

Example:

Your starting bet is ₹100. If you lose, you wager INR 200. If you win, you return to your starting bet of INR 100.

Even Bet Roulette Strategy

The even bet strategy for roulette requires you to bet the same amount (e.g. ₹100) in each round, regardless of previous results. This system is straightforward and less risky than previous strategies, but the payouts are smaller. Therefore, the main drawbacks of this system are limited winnings and a lack of strategy for recovering losses.

Example:

You bet ₹100 on each spin, regardless of whether you have won or lost previously.

The James Bond Roulette Strategy

The James Bond strategy requires the distribution of money between the high numbers (19-36), Six Line bet (numbers 13 to 18), and green single zero bet. This strategy is aggressive, but it allows you to win big. However, the main disadvantage of this system is that it’s risky and can result in substantial losses. Moreover, this is a complex strategy that is not suitable for beginners.

Example:

You bet ₹100 on the high numbers, ₹100 on the numbers 13 to 18 and ₹100 on the green zero.

Online Roulette Software Developers

There are 7 major roulette software developers and they play a key role in providing a variety of high quality games.

We’ve shortlisted the following game developers, who are industry leaders renowned for their expertise in crafting compelling and fair casino games. Moreover, they partner with the best online gambling platforms in India, supplying their libraries with top roulette games. Each provider offers something unique that allows you enjoy different roulette versions.

Practical Tips to Enhance Your Chances of Winning at Roulette

It is very important when playing roulette online to keep in mind 6 important practical tips. They underline the improtance of not relying on external software or "gambling gurus" promising huge winnings.

Also, the roulette tips emphasize playing at licensed casinos, not being emotional, being aware of the rules of casino roulette play and sticking to a certain budget.

Last but not least, you are recommended to try roulette games in demo mode. This way, you will know that the title you select suits your preferences and interests.

There are extremely many people who may mislead you with wrong tips. Don't give in to emotions and aim to enjoy yourself when playing roulette.

Remember, these tips are from our own hands-on experience, as we at Bestindicasino.com are avid online roulette fans.

The thrill of casino roulette is all about enjoying the game, not chasing easy money. Unlike others who may try to mislead you, we offer honest advice to kick off your roulette gaming experience with confidence or sharpen your existing skills.

Don’t Rely on Magic Software or Promises of Guaranteed Wins

First things first - playing roulette is not a way to get rich. No system or method will guarantee you a win. Roulette is a game of luck, and although strategies we’ve mentioned earlier can help you optimise the gameplay and manage your bets, they can’t predict or change the outcome.

Therefore, remember to play roulette for fun, as a hobby, and within the budget you can afford.

Play Roulette at Trustworthy and Licensed Casinos

To ensure you’re playing roulette in a safe gambling environment, you should always select well-established and licensed Indian casinos. Although you will have to pick offshore brands, a valid licence from a renowned gambling regulator guarantees these operators abide by the rules and are regularly inspected for security and fair play.

We advise you to carefully choose casinos with online roulette games. If you’re unsure which platform meets your needs, you can always rely on our top picks on this page.

Don’t Be Emotional and Don’t Chase Losses

When playing roulette, it’s essential to stay calm and avoid letting emotions influence your decisions. Chasing losses can lead to poor decisions and potentially even greater losses.

In case you give in to your emotions we advise you to take a break until you can control them. If you are overwhelmed by emotions, we advise you to take a break until you calm down and control your feelings again.

Learn the Rules Before You Start Playing Roulette

To enhance your winning odds, make sure you learn the rules and understand them well. Also, ensure you know the meaning of different roulette terms. Knowing the probabilities, bet types, and odds can help you make informed decisions.

Play in Demo Mode Before Risking Real Money

Before you launch real-money game and start placing real money wagers in roulette, play the game in a demo mode to familiarise yourself with the features, rules, and gameplay itself. Demo or free play mode will help you test the game and practice without risking your money.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Finally, before loading any game, it’s essential to set a roulette budget and stick to it. Proper bankroll management is critical to avoiding significant losses. In other words, you should always play responsibly. This way, you will enjoy the games while minimising the risk of developing harmful online gambling habits.

Popular Roulette-themed Movies and Books

Roulette has inspired a number of popular movies and books that have captured the attention of diverse audiences worldwide. The allure of risk and the psychology of gambling have been explored in various genres, with each director or writer bringing their unique take on this fascinating game.

From intriguing dramas to thrillers and even comedies, roulette-themed films and books reveal the interplay between luck and fate. These moves and books zero in on the complexity of human emotions in such situations, showcasing both the opportunities and dangers of gambling.

Popular Movies Featuring Roulette Games

Roulette-themed movies usually combine intrigue, excitement and drama, while the game often takes the central stage and plays a crucial role in the plot’s outcome. Below, we’ll shine a spotlight on four well-known movies featuring iconic roulette moments.

Casablanca

One of the first classics to feature roulette was the masterpiece “Casablanca”. Although the film is black and white and reflects 1940s cinema, its story remains compelling even today. The story follows the life of Rick (Humphrey Bogart), the casino owner, who strives to help people escape German occupation during World War II and flee to the United States.

DID YOU KNOW..

Casablanca is a love story with a dramatic twist. The movie takes place in Casablanca, Morocco, a Fench protectorate at that time, which was under Nazi occupation. The leading character, Rick, played by Humphrey Bogart, helps a young couple escape to the US. His ex-lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband need money for visas, so Rick suggests they play roulette. The game was rigged in their favour, so a straight-up bet on number 22 was a winner, allowing them to secure the necessary funds.

The Gambler

In the 2014 film “The Gambler”, starring Mark Wahlberg, the main character, Jim Bennett, is a literature professor who is leading a double life. At night, he becomes a passionate high-stakes gambler. He borrows $250,000 from a dangerous gangster, who gives him a week to pay it back, or he’ll lose his life.

At the climax, Jim borrows an extra $150,000 from the same people and places everything on a single roulette spin. He wins and manages to cover all his debts. However, although it’s a happy ending, the movie highlights the risks and dangers of gambling.

The Sting

On the other hand, “The Sting”, filmed in 1973 but set in 1936, tells the story of con men trying to get revenge on an unscrupulous mobster. Robert Redford, as Henry Gondorff, plays a drunk who doesn’t know how to play roulette and systematically loses his high stakes. Just when everyone expects him to be broke, Henry bets everything on black, robbing all the players at the table, thus accomplishing his goal and escaping before being punished for his success.

Run, Lola, Run

Finally, the 1998 German film Run, Lola, Run uses roulette as an integral part of its suspenseful plot. Lola, played by Franka Potente, has 20 minutes to earn money to save her boyfriend’s life by paying off his debts. She makes a series of desperate roulette bets in the final scene. All her attempts are in vain, and in the last seconds, she places a lucky bet, wins and saves her lover’s life.

Popular Roulette Books

Like movies, books about roulette explore and reveal the mysterious and exciting world of this classic casino game. These books provide strategies and practical tips to enhance your game. Our casino experts have picked 5 books that focus on different aspects of roulette.

How to Win at Roulette by Norman Squire

Norman Squire analyses the differences between American and European roulette and discusses different strategies for managing bets. Using examples, he illustrates progressive betting systems, such as Martingale, Labouchere, D’Alambert, and Paroli, that aim to maximise profits and minimise losses.

Get the Edge at Roulette by Christopher Pauliki

Christopher Pauliki, a former roulette croupier, offers an intriguing take on the theory that there are strategies for predicting where the ball might fall during a game. Get the Edge at Roulette: How to Predict Where the Ball Will Land examines betting and playing techniques, giving experienced and beginners a new perspective on how to leverage this knowledge to their advantage.

Thirteen Against the Bank by Norman Lee

This book is based on the true story of a group of friends who broke the bank. In this book, Norman Lee tells the story of how he discovered a specific roulette betting system and invited a group of people to beat the casino. Lee explains his strategy of keeping bets constant when losing and increasing them when winning, which can be effective in certain situations but does not guarantee winnings.

Roulette Odds and Profits: The Mathematics of Complex Bets by Catalin Barboianu

As a mathematician, Catalin Barboianu provides an in-depth analysis of the odds and profits in roulette using complex mathematical formulas and calculations. He discusses various popular betting strategies that can help players optimise their game and increase their chances of success.

Secrets of Winning Roulette by Marten Jensen

Marten Jensen, known as the “Doctor of Gambling,” provides valuable information about the game, especially for players new to roulette. He discusses wheel design, table layout, possible bets and well-known strategies such as Martingale and Labouchere. Jensen also discusses various techniques you can use to play the game and provides an in-depth look into the possibilities and limitations of this classic casino game.

IMPORTANT

Remember that whatever strategy or playing technique these books and moves present, roulette has always been a game of luck.

Conclusion

We believe that online roulette has been and will always remain a classic in the online gambling scene, attracting a huge mass of fans. Its exciting gameplay, simple rules, varied stakes and dynamics add to the game's charm.

To fully enjoy the game, you must master the rules, understand the house edge and betting options, and different roulette variations.

When you learn the basics and gather enough experience, you can test a few strategies to elevate the gameplay and potentially win more. However, keep in mind that roulette strategies don’t guarantee success, so be careful if you want to experiment with them.

Always choose licensed roulette casinos and established brands we recommend, as they ensure a secure gaming environment with fair games. Use our expert tips to make informed decisions and successfully manage your budget. By applying our practical tips, you can also enhance your chances of scoring a win.

Finally, don't forget that online roulette is a game of chance, and none of the strategies can beat the odds. They can help you improve your skills and develop a betting pattern that aligns with your playing style, but they can’t guarantee a win. Play responsibly, and most importantly, have fun.