If you’ve ever played live dealer roulette, you’ll know it’s the perfect combination of convenience and the land-based casino-style action. You can enjoy a fully-trained live croupier operating the game, and there isn’t an RNG in sight.
But there’s no escaping the truth, which is that roulette is a game of chance and is designed to give the house the mathematical advantage. That said, using smart strategies and disciplined bankroll management, it’s possible to enhance your chances of overturning that advantage and coming out of your sessions as the winner.
Whether you’re chasing a red-hot streak or just curious about the spinning wheel and how the game works, this guide will cover everything from live dealer roulette basics to popular betting systems and some practical tips to help you win.
Understanding How Live Dealer Roulette Works
Live dealer roulette brings the excitement of a regular casino floor right to the screen, whether on a desktop computer or mobile device. There are fully-trained croupiers who operate the game, and all of the action is streamed in real-time. You essentially get land-based casino roulette, but from the comfort of your own home.
It’s the same game with the same rules. However, there are different versions, each having a slightly different roulette wheel and betting interface.
Most live dealer games use either:
- European wheels with a single zero (0)
- American wheels with both a zero (0) and a double zero (00)
The difference may seem small, but it has a significant impact on the house edge.
You place your bets on the betting interface, and once the croupier calls time, he/she spins the wheel.
House Edge and Odds
Understanding the house edge of roulette, or any live dealer game, is crucial before you start playing. It refers to the mathematical advantage that online casinos have over players. It also ensures that casinos make a profit from their games over the long term.
The house edge is displayed as a percentage, which, when flipped around, is the RTP of the game.
With roulette, there are three standard variations:
- European Roulette: 2.7% house edge
- French Roulette: 2.7% house edge
- American Roulette: 5.26% house edge
As you can see, if you want a better chance at landing winnings, it is better to avoid American Roulette. It has double the house edge of the other variations due to having a 00 section in addition to the regular 0 section on the wheel.
Over time, the casino will keep that percentage of all bets made. For instance, if a player bets $100, the casino will return approximately 97.3% or $97.30 of that money as winnings over time, but keep $2.70. That doesn’t mean you will receive that money, as it could go to anyone else playing the game. That’s why some players win and others lose.
As for the bet types you can place on roulette, there are quite a few. You can go for single numbers that pay 35:1 but have just 2.7% odds of winning. Alternatively, there are other inside bet options such as Splits (17:1 and 5.4%) and Street Bets (11:1 and 8.11%).
For a higher chance of winning but smaller payouts, there are outside bets. These are bets like red/black or odds/even that pay 1:1 and have a 48.6% chance of winning.
Best Betting Strategies for Live Dealer Roulette
No betting strategy can guarantee success. It’s important to understand that fact before we carry on. Roulette is ultimately a game of chance. However, using a structured betting strategy can help you manage your bankroll, stay disciplined, and avoid erratic betting patterns. Below are five popular strategies, each with its own strengths and risks.
Martingale System
The Martingale is one of the most well-known betting systems. It involves doubling your bet after every loss with the goal of recovering all previous losses and making a small profit once you eventually win. While this system sounds promising in theory, it carries a high risk. A long losing streak can quickly drain your bankroll or push you to the table’s betting limit before you manage to win.
Fibonacci System
Asd for the Fibonacci system, it follows a famous numerical sequence of 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on. As you can see, each new number is the sum of the previous two before it.
After each loss, you move one step forward in the sequence, and after a win, you move two steps back. It’s more conservative than the Martingale and spreads risk out a bit more gradually, but it still relies on recovering from losses and can require a solid bankroll.
Labouchere System
Also known as the cancellation system, the Labouchere strategy involves creating a line of numbers to determine your bet size. You add the first and last numbers in your sequence to choose your wager. If you win, you cross those numbers off. If you lose, you add the amount of the lost bet to the end of the sequence.
Flat Betting
Flat betting is the simplest strategy of all. You simply wager the same amount on every spin, no matter the outcome. This method doesn’t try to recoup losses or chase wins. The goal is to minimize potential losses and extend your time at the table
James Bond Strategy
Inspired by the fictional spy, the James Bond strategy covers a large portion of the table in a single spin. A typical version might place 70% of your bet on high numbers (19–36), 25% on low numbers (1–18), and 5% on zero. This system is exciting and covers many outcomes, but it can lead to significant losses if the ball consistently lands in the non-winning sectors of the wheel.
Smart Tips to Increase Your Winning Potential
Want to give yourself a better shot at success when playing live roulette? Try these practical tips:
- Play European roulette whenever possible for a better house edge.
- Set a session budget and stick to it. Do not chase losses.
- Use outside bets like red/black or odd/even for more consistent returns.
- Take advantage of casino bonuses, but always check the wagering requirements first.
- Stick with your strategy. Do not jump systems mid-session.
- Know when to walk away, whether you’re winning or losing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common pitfalls that can quickly derail your roulette experience, especially if you’re new to the game. One of the biggest mistakes is chasing losses by betting more aggressively in hopes of a quick comeback. This approach often leads to even bigger losses.
Another mistake is to put too much faith in betting systems. While they can help structure your play, they will not guarantee wins. Use them sensibly and quit when luck is not on your side.
Another mistake is using your budget and betting through on emotion rather than logic, which is another fast track to a drained bankroll. Lastly, many players are unaware of the differences between American and European roulette. Choosing the American version when a European wheel is available puts you at a disadvantage due to the higher house edge.
The Role of Luck vs. Strategy
There’s no point sugar coating it. Roulette is a game of pure chance. No strategy in the world can predict where the ball will land on any given spin. The outcome is always random, which means there’s no guaranteed way to win.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely powerless. Strategic play still serves an important purpose. It helps you manage your risk and stretch your playtime, while also avoiding making rash plays that could drain your bankroll. With a clear strategy, you’re also more likely to walk away with your funds and potentially some winnings.
Casinos make most of their money off casual players who do not think about their strategy. Do not be one of those.
Final Thoughts
Can you guarantee wins at live dealer roulette? No. But you can play smarter and control your bankroll better, while also implementing solid betting strategies. Doing so will not guarantee you always win, but we’re confident that your long-term results will improve significantly.
Don’t forget to stick to the European wheels for a better RTP and to manage your money wisely. Plus, you might enjoy more success using one of the betting systems we’ve covered in this guide.
Ready to put your strategy to the test? Check out our live dealer roulette tables today to see if you have what it takes to win live dealer roulette.
