Welcome to the world of Online Roulette, the most iconic and elegant game in the history of gambling. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or a newcomer looking to experience the thrill of the spinning wheel for the first time, Ladbrokes has you covered. Roulette is the embodiment of the online casino. The sound of the ball bouncing across the numbers, the breathtaking silence just before it lands, and the explosion of joy when you win – that's the magic we bring to your screen.
In this comprehensive overview, we take you through all aspects of roulette. From the rules of the game and betting options to advanced strategies and the differences between European, French and American variants.
Ladbrokes is an established name with a rich history. In the United Kingdom, we operate under a strict A+ licence from the Gambling Commission. This means that you play in a safe, controlled and 100% fair environment. But there is more than just safety:
The basics of roulette are deceptively simple, which contributes to its worldwide popularity. The game consists of a spinning wheel (the cylinder), a small ivory ball (the ball) and a playing field (the tableau) on which you place your bets.
The wheel contains numbered pockets from 0 to 36. The numbers are alternately coloured red and black, except for the green zero (and the double zero in the American variant). The croupier (or the computer) spins the wheel and throws the ball in the opposite direction. Eventually, the ball loses speed and falls into one of the pockets. If this pocket matches your bet, you win.
To really master roulette, you need to understand the table. We divide the bets into two main categories:
1. Inside Bets These bets are placed directly on the numbers. They have a lower chance of winning, but the payouts are much higher.
2. Outside Bets These bets are placed on the edges of the number board. They cover larger groups of numbers, so you win more often, but the payouts are lower. Ideal for beginners or for applying strategies.
Not every roulette wheel is the same. In our Roulette lobby, you will find different versions. It is crucial to know the difference, as this directly affects your chances of winning (RTP - Return to Player).
This is the standard in Belgium and by far the most popular variant. The wheel has 37 pockets: the numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero (0). The house edge here is 2.7%. For most players, this is the best choice because of the balance between simplicity and fair odds.
The American wheel adds an extra pocket: the double zero (00). This brings the total number of pockets to 38 (1-36, 0 and 00). This may seem like a small difference, but it almost doubles the house edge to 5.26%. Why would you play this? Some players like the specific "Five Number Bet" that is only possible here, or are looking for the extra challenge.
The "king" of roulette games. It uses the same wheel as European roulette (single zero), but adds unique rules: 'La Partage' and 'En Prison'. If you place an 'Outside Bet' (such as Red/Black) and the ball lands on zero, you don't immediately lose your entire bet.
Roulette is a game of chance, determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) or gravity in the Live Casino. No strategy guarantees a win. However, strategies can help you manage your bankroll and play systematically.
Always remember: the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play wisely and see strategies as a way to have more fun, not as a way to get rich.
Want to experience the atmosphere of a physical casino in Brussels or Knokke without leaving your home? Then dive into our Live Casino. Here, the games are run by professional, often Dutch-speaking dealers. You can follow every movement of the ball via razor-sharp HD streams.
In addition to the classic tables, we offer innovative variants such as Lightning Roulette and Quantum Roulette. Here, random 'Lucky Numbers' are selected that receive multipliers of up to 500x your bet. This combines the basics of roulette with the excitement of jackpots and game shows.
At Ladbrokes, we understand that variety is the spice of life. Although roulette is fantastic, sometimes you want to try something different. Our platform is an interconnected network of entertainment:
Today's technology allows us to put the full roulette experience in your pocket. Whether you use an iPhone or Android device, Ladbrokes' interface adapts seamlessly. Betting via touchscreen feels intuitive and natural. Place your chips with a tap of your finger and drag them to the correct position. The graphic quality on mobile is on par with the desktop version, and the live streams are also optimised for mobile data usage.
Trust is the foundation of any good online casino.
Roulette is timeless. It is a game of pure chance, elegance and excitement. At Ladbrokes, you will find the most comprehensive selection in Belgium, from classic French tables to spectacular Lightning variants. Whether you play for the strategy, the atmosphere or the potential winnings, our wheel is ready to spin.
Place your bets, hold your breath and... good luck at the tables!
What is the difference between European and American Roulette? The main difference is in the number of zeros on the wheel. European Roulette has one green zero (0), giving a total of 37 pockets. American Roulette has both a zero (0) and a double zero (00), bringing the total to 38 pockets. Because of this extra pocket, the house edge in American Roulette is higher (5.26%) than in European Roulette (2.7%). We therefore usually recommend the European variant to beginners.
Can I use a strategy to guarantee a win at roulette? No, there is no strategy that guarantees a win. Roulette is a game of chance in which each spin is independent of the previous one. Systems such as Martingale or Fibonacci can help to structure your betting behaviour and manage your bankroll, but they cannot eliminate the house edge. Always play responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
What are the 'La Partage' and 'En Prison' rules? These are special rules that mainly occur in French Roulette. They are to the player's advantage. If you place an 'even money bet' (such as Red/Black or Even/Odd) and the ball lands on zero (0):
Is online roulette fair and reliable? At Ladbrokes, this is absolutely the case. We have an A+ licence from the Belgian Gaming Commission. Our virtual roulette games use a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) that guarantees random results . With Live Roulette, you can see what the dealer is doing in real time, ensuring 100% transparency.
Can I play roulette for free at Ladbrokes? Yes, many of our virtual (RNG) roulette games offer a demo mode. This allows you to practise for free, learn the rules and try out different betting strategies without any risk. For Live Roulette tables, you usually have to play with real money, although you can often watch for free ("bet behind") to see how it works.
What is the highest payout in roulette? In standard roulette, the highest payout is 35 to 1. You get this if you bet on a single number (Straight Up/Plein) and win. In special variants such as Lightning Roulette or Quantum Roulette, multipliers can be added to specific numbers, increasing the payout to up to 500x your bet.
Does roulette work well on a mobile phone? Absolutely! Our software developers have optimised the interface for mobile use. The roulette wheel and betting field adapt to your screen size. Buttons are enlarged for touch use and you can easily swipe to place bets. You have access to the same games and features as on the desktop version.
What is the difference between Live Roulette and Auto Roulette? In Live Roulette, the game is led by a real human dealer who throws the ball into the wheel. This is streamed live from a studio. In Auto Roulette, the wheel is powered by compressed air and operated fully automatically, without a dealer, but with a real physical wheel. In virtual roulette (RNG), the entire game is a computer animation.
What are 'Neighbour bets' or the 'Racetrack'? In addition to the standard betting field, you will often see an oval-shaped betting field, the 'Racetrack'. This allows you to bet on numbers as they appear next to each other on the wheel (neighbours), rather than in numerical order. Well-known sections on this are Voisins du Zéro (neighbours of zero), Tiers du Cylindre and Orphelins. This is popular with advanced players.
At what age can I play online roulette in Belgium? To legally play online casino games, including roulette, in Belgium, you must be at least 21 years old. Ladbrokes strictly checks the identity and age of each player to comply with legal requirements.