Players who develop a roulette strategy at the top online casinos in the U.S. take into account risk tolerance, game variation, and a system that aligns with their bankrolls. While online roulette is a game of chance, it's worthwhile to employ smart strategies to be more successful at playing roulette.
What is a roulette strategy, and can any system beat the house?
First and foremost, let's be clear: No roulette strategy can beat the house. At its core, online roulette is a game of luck.
That said, roulette strategies allow players to better manage their bankrolls while also providing a structured gambling approach regarding when to wager more or less.
There are different optimal roulette strategy variations, but they fall within umbrella categories known as "progressive" and "flat" betting systems. Progressive roulette strategies involve increasing or decreasing bet sizes depending on the previous spin's outcome. Flat betting, meanwhile, keeps wagers consistent throughout gameplay.
How roulette works: Rules, wheel types, and bets explained
The rules of online roulette are simple, really. American roulette features 38 pockets on the wheel, including 36 alternating black and red slots numbered 1-36, a green 0 slot, and a 00 green slot. European and French roulette wheels, meanwhile, have 36 red and black numbered pockets and a green 0 slot.
Before the ball (which is commonly referred to as the pill) is dropped, players place their bets on a table, essentially predicting where it will come to rest. The various available wagers include:
Black or red (1:1 payout): Hits when the color of the resulting pocket matches the bet.
Even or odd (1:1): When the number of the slot matches the even or odd wager.
High or low (1:1): The number of the slot matches the bet's range of numbers 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
Column (2:1): When the number on the wheel matches a number in the column that's bet on, with three columns available.
Dozen (2:1): Pays out when the number on the wheel matches a number in one of the groups of a dozen numbers on the table (1-12, 13-24, 25-36).
6 Line (5:1): Hits when the pocket number falls within one of the six-number groups.
Square (8:1): When the slot number matches one of four numbers connected by a chip on the corner intersection.
Street (11:1): Pays out when the number on the wheel matches a number of a betting chip that is placed on the intersection of three numbers, which, fittingly, resembles two streets intersecting.
Split (17:1): Hits when the pocket number matches a number of a betting chip that is placed on the line between two numbers on the table
Straight (35:1): When the wheel number matches the bettor's choice of a single number
The roulette table: Numbers, zeros, and wheel layout
As noted, the roulette wheel can vary depending on the variation of the game played at the best online casinos. There are 0 and 00 pockets in American roulette, while the European and French versions have just a single 0 slot, which leads to improved roulette odds and payouts. What all three variations share, however, are the types of bets available.
Inside bets vs. outside bets: Roulette payouts explained
Before getting into what wagers are available on the roulette table, let's go over what inside and outside bets are:
Inside bets are found in the center portion of the table and include specific numbers or groups of numbers.
Outside wagers, of course, sit just outside that section of the table and consist of larger categories like red/black, odd/even, high/low, as well as dozen and column bets.
Inside bet payouts at a glance As noted, an inside bet is one made on an individual number or a small set of numbers in the center of the table. These wagers carry larger payouts if they hit, but they also carry lower odds, making them riskier options. Inside bets (and their payouts) include:
6 Line (5:1)
Square (8:1)
Street (11:1)
Split (17:1)
Straight (35:1)
Outside bet payouts at a glance Bordering inside bets are a set of wagers that have better odds of winning as outside bets contain more wedges within the roulette wheel. Recommended for beginner players, outside bets (and their payouts) include:
Black or red (1:1)
Even or odd (1:1)
High or low (1:1)
Column (2:1)
Dozen (2:1)
American roulette wheel vs. European vs. French: Which has better odds?
For the most part, all online roulette games have the same aspects: a wheel, a pill and inside and outside bets. However, American, European and French roulette differ in the pockets within their respective wheels.
When you play American roulette online, the wheel features 38 slots, with 36 alternating black and red pockets numbered 1-36 as well as green 0 and 00.
European and French roulette each have 37 slots (black and red numbered 1-36 and a green 0). Where French roulette differs is in the additional side bet offerings. The tiers du cylindre, for example, includes a set of 12 numbers furthest from the green 0 on the wheel, while the voisins du zéro wager covers 17 numbers closest to that pocket.
Despite these small differences, they certainly have an impact on the house edge and return-to-player (RTP) rates:
Roulette Wheel
House Edge
RTP
American
5.26%
94.74%
European
2.70%
97.30%
French
1.35%
98.65%
The best roulette strategies: Progressive betting systems
One category of popular roulette strategies is known as progressive systems, with the common thread being the variance of bet sizes based on the previous spin's result, whether it be a win or a loss. Here is a collection of popular online roulette strategy approaches.
The Martingale system: High risk, simple logic
First up is the Martingale strategy roulette approach, a roulette betting strategy that is arguably the most popular in the progressive system. Here, players double their bets after each loss in an attempt to not only recover previous losses but also make a profit equal to the original wager if they win. It is especially popular among beginners looking to take advantage of even-money payouts on outside bets.
To put it into practice, consider a user wagering $10 on red. If they lose, the next bet is $20 on red. Fall short again, and the player increases it to a $40 wager. Once a win comes, the player returns to their original $10 bet.
This roulette strategy is simple to comprehend and can lead to a quick recoup of losses, and it is a go-to for users playing shorter sessions. That said, it does require a larger bankroll, as bets can escalate rapidly.
Reverse Martingale: The positive-progression flip
Also known as the Paroli system, Reverse Martingale is considered by many to be the best roulette strategy because it builds upon wins rather than seemingly chasing losses as the Martingale system does.
Here, as opposed to doubling bets on losses, users keep their wagers at the original amount but double its size after every win. Once three straight victories come about, players return to the base wager and start the roulette strategy again.
Grand Martingale: Higher risk, bigger potential return
Another Martingale spinoff that some deem a roulette strategy to win, the Grand Martingale adds an extra unit to every doubled wager. Understand, though, that while this roulette strategy increases potential profits, it also exposes players to more risk.
After losing, users don't just double their wager; they double it and add an extra unit. So if a player's original bet was $5, their next wager after a loss would be $11. Doing so creates the opportunity for quicker profit accumulation, but it could also rapidly deplete players' bankrolls.
The Grand Martingale is an optimal roulette strategy for more aggressive users and high-rollers with larger budgets.
The Fibonacci system: Low aggression, long sessions
Based on the well-known mathematical sequence, this roulette gambling strategy can take some time to understand at first. But once players pick up on it, they no doubt consider it the best mathematical roulette strategy.
The Fibonacci sequence is a mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.). As a result, the Fibonacci system is a more gradual progression strategy when compared to Martingale.
After each loss, players move to the next number in the sequence. When they win, they move back two spots. As an example, a player betting $1 and losing would then go to $2, then to $3, and then to $5. If they win there, they move back to $2. Using this roulette strategy creates a more reasonable increase in wagers after losses and, therefore, provides players with more control over their bankroll.
In essence, the Fibonacci approach is a middle ground between Martingale and more conservative flat betting strategies.
The D'Alembert strategy: The middle ground for cautious players
Speaking of middle grounds, the D'Alembert system is also a good roulette strategy for beginners or moderate bankroll users who still want to use a progressive system. Here, players increase their bets by one unit after each loss and decrease them by one unit following a win.
While a more modest progression, it certainly helps keep budgets in check, but also allows users to adjust their wagers based on spin outcomes. As a result, this roulette strategy is ideal for users who enjoy longer gameplay sessions.
The Labouchere system: Cancellation betting for detail-oriented players
The Labouchere roulette betting strategy is admittedly more complex than others, but it's one that also dates back to the 19th century. Because it involves more steps than most other roulette strategies, let's break it down in steps:
Determine how much you want to win: Set a realistic total that doesn't require a stretched-out bankroll. For this exercise, let's say $10. From there, break that number down into smaller figures. For example: 3, 2, 1, 1, 3.
Combine those smaller numbers: Take the far-left figure from that sequence and add it to the far-right number, which will equal the first bet of $6.
Make a bet: Place that $6 wager on an even-money selection such as red/black or odd/even.
Repeat the second step: If players win, cross off the far-left and far-right numbers. In this example, that would leave 2 and 1 as the sequence ends. Add them together for the next bet of $3. On a loss, users shouldn't cross out any numbers and simply move the bet that was just made to the far right of the sequence. That would make it 2, 1, 1, 6. Now, users will repeat Step 2, making the next bet $8.
Players continue these steps until they go through their sequence of numbers and achieve their total set in Step 1. Users, though, would be wise to never chase losses and even consider stopping their gameplay following their first loss after a winning streak to retain their profits.
The 3:2 strategy: Covering red/black and columns simultaneously
The rationale behind the 3:2 roulette strategy is that players bet on enough options on one spin to give them an opportunity to come away profitable.
Essentially, users simultaneously make two wagers, adding up to five chips – three on an even-money outside bet and two on a column. Doing so effectively covers both sections and evens out the overall risk.
That said, the 3/2 strategy doesn't cover all numbers, which could create the chance of a losing streak. In this regard, there is the possibility that players lose both bets.
Flat betting and non-progressive systems: Lower risk, longer sessions
The other category of what are considered roulette winning strategy options is flat betting, which offers more consistent wagers throughout gameplay sessions, thereby limiting the hit that bankrolls might take during losing spells.
Flat betting: The underrated low-volatility roulette strategy
Flat betting is no doubt an optimal roulette strategy for beginners, as it focuses more on consistent bet sizes to help extend overall playing time. It's all about bankroll preservation with the flat betting roulette strategy rather than profit-hunting.
Because of this, players can more easily project how long their budgets will last and minimize high variances of overall gameplay as well as potential swings that come with progressive betting.
The James Bond strategy: Fixed coverage across the roulette board
Some may come to know the James Bond roulette strategy as the "beginners' favorite" as it covers multiple sections of the roulette wheel with a three-part wager, which opens the door for potential frequent wins while also limiting losing streaks.
All it takes is a flat bet of $20 per spin that is strategically divided across different spaces on the table, with $14 on the high numbers, $5 on the 6 line covering 13-18, and $1 on zero. In placing these wagers, 25 pockets are covered, and there are three different ways to profit on each spin.
Roulette strategies to avoid and the myths behind them
Oftentimes, someone may come up with a roulette winning strategy that is guaranteed to pay off in dividends. Understand, though, that because the game is based on luck, there is no "most successful roulette strategy" out there, especially when it comes to these myths.
The Gambler's Fallacy: Why past spins don't affect future outcomes
One of the most common misconceptions surrounds what's known as the "gambler's fallacy" – that past spins affect future outcomes. Basically, players believe that they are "due" for a win or that previous results suggest a certain bet is bound to pay off. This often leads to users chasing losses, which can put them into even bigger holes.
With roulette, there is no "due." It's a game of randomness, with each spin outcome independent of the others. There's no preset result, and the game does not abide by the theory of "regression to the mean." Users should remain grounded and stick to their budgets.
Betting systems without table limits don't exist online
Players should also understand that even the best roulette strategies have certain limitations. Whether they're doubling bets after losses using the Martingale system or they have large bankrolls and look to make big profits, users will discover that licensed online casinos limit how much they can wager during gameplay.
These limits can range from $10 up to $50,000 with some operators. What's more, bankrolls are also not infinite. Players need to head into roulette sessions with a budget and stay within their limits, which means – among other things – avoiding any roulette strategy that encourages users to find online roulette tables without limits.
'Guaranteed win' roulette systems: What to watch out for
Because of the vastness of the internet, there are bound to be roulette strategies online that label themselves as "guaranteed win" systems; so-called foolproof strategies that promise frequent profits sold for a price.
Here's the truth, though: There is no guaranteed-win strategy. Roulette is simply a game of chance with no approach or secret method that leads to consistent wins. In reality, these systems are scams that can result in reckless wagering. True success in online roulette stems from smart and responsible gameplay.
Betting systems can overcome the house edge
Along those lines, it should also be clear that no roulette strategy can "overcome" the house edge. As it's been noted, even the best strategy for roulette is more of a structured guide to manage overall risk while implementing disciplined wagering toward potential profits.
Myth: Online roulette is rigged
Commonly, users lament how roulette, or any online casino games, for that matter, is rigged, whether due to elongated losing spells or overall outcomes they weren't pleased with. Rest assured, online roulette is not rigged at licensed mobile casinos.
For starters, regulatory bodies in states with legal online casinos have laws in place that require operators to only offer titles that are deemed fair to users, including those that pertain to roulette odds and payouts. In addition, every game found at licensed online casinos is audited, tested and certified by independent labs to further bolster overall fairness.
Lastly, mobile casinos already have the house edge, a baked-in statistical advantage with every title, including casino games with best odds, that ensures profitability for those operators. Truth be told, "rigging" games would only put online casinos at a significant disadvantage.
Tips for smarter roulette play: Bankroll, variant choice and table limits
Aside from basic roulette strategy, there are a few tips that players can follow to enhance their overall online roulette experience.
Choose a roulette wheel with the fewest zeros first
With fewer 0 wedges on a roulette wheel comes a lower house edge and more potential returns for players. For example, American roulette has 0 and 00 pockets, an estimated house edge of 5.26%, and a theoretical RTP of 94.74%.
French (98.65%) and European (97.3%) roulette wheels, meanwhile, have higher RTP rates and lower house edges at 1.35% and 2.7%, respectively.
Finally, as the name suggests, Triple-Zero roulette features three 0 slots and arguably the lowest RTP rate at 92.31% with a lofty 7.69% house edge.
Set a session bankroll before you spin
Above all else, players should not head into online roulette gameplay with a bankroll game plan. Set a budget and stick to it. Even divvy that bankroll up into betting units (per spin, for example) to help pace their play. Fortunately, players have a bevy of responsible gambling tools offered by licensed online casinos to help them set deposit, loss and spending limits that assist in this regard.
Stop-loss and take-profit rules: When to walk away
Another useful tip is to take advantage of the stop-loss strategy, which involves users setting an amount that they're willing to lose before they walk away, even if they have a remaining balance in their bankroll. For example, someone with a $300 budget may decide that if their bankroll decreases to $150, they'll exit the game and stop playing.
On the other side of the spectrum is perhaps one of the more difficult things to do: Walk away while you're ahead. Known as a "take-profit" strategy, players determine that if they reach a certain level of profit, such as that same $300 budget user deciding to stop playing once they reach $500, they will end their session.
By setting these standards, players can avoid losing and chasing losses while also getting out when they're ahead.
Match your strategy to your risk tolerance and session length
Whatever roulette strategy players go with, they should confirm that it falls in line with their predetermined budget and overall risk tolerance. Not every system is suitable for all users. Finding a structured strategy that fits your bankroll and your style of play is as key as the luck itself with online roulette.
How volatility affects which strategy you should use
Again, not every player will be well-suited for each roulette strategy. Some systems require more risk and larger bankrolls than others. Some call for more roulette experience and aggression, while others are more ideal for beginners. Because online roulette is all about the luck of the spin, users cannot bank on "skill."
Rather, players should find a roulette strategy that fits their desire and means to take more risk or bank on more consistency.
Best online casinos for roulette strategy players in the U.S. (September 2026)
Now that we've covered some key roulette strategies, let's look at our picks for the best online casinos at which you can apply them.
BetMGM Casino: Widest roulette variant selection
With 39 games in its library, BetMGM Casino boasts one of the deepest collections of online roulette titles among legal mobile casinos. That includes traditional American and European games, but also roulette variations with their own unique twists.
Consider sports-themed games like the New York Rangers Roulette or Philadelphia Phillies Roulette, each boasting the colors and logos of those respective teams. On top of that, and in addition to popular games like Hotspot Roulette, users will also find exclusives, such as BetMGM Roulette Pro.
First-time players can sign up with the BetMGM Casino bonus code SPORTSLINECAS. Players in NJ and MI get a Deposit Match up to $1,000 in Casino Credit + $25 Sign-Up Credit. In WV, players get a Deposit Match up to 2,500 in Casino Credit + $50 Sign-Up Credit + 50 Bonus Spins, while players in PA get up to 1,000 Bonus Spins + "Spin The Wheel".
Hard Rock Bet Casino: Best table limits for Martingale and progressive bettors
A rising power in the regulated iGaming space, Hard Rock Bet Casino not only has dozens of entertaining roulette options, but also a wide variety of games with varying bet limits, which is ideal for progressive roulette strategy players.
Both American Auto Roulette and the Lightning Auto Roulette, for example, have minimum wagers of $0.10 per spin, while European and French roulette range all the way up to $20,000, creating ample leeway for progressive system users.
The Hard Rock Bet Casino bonus rewards new customers with up to $1,000 in lossback casino credits as well as up to 500 bonus spins for the Cash Eruption slot.
DraftKings Casino: Best for sports bettors crossing into roulette
While the brand began as a daily fantasy sports platform and made its name in the legal sports betting space, DraftKings Casino, one of the more popular $5 deposit casinos, has established itself as one of the industry leaders among legal casino apps.
Not only does the platform feature enticing roulette titles like Pride Roulette and Roulette March Mania, but it also offers a shared wallet that allows customers to seamlessly navigate between their online casino, sportsbook, DFS and other DraftKings products. DraftKings also produces themed roulette titles for different seasons, including Spooky Roulette and Touchdown Roulette.
Now, new users who sign up and bet at least $5 can receive a DraftKings Casino bonus of up to 1,000 Flex Spins, including 100 Lightning Link spins, that are eligible to use on over 100 slots.
FanDuel Casino: Best live dealer roulette experience
There's something special about playing online roulette while still getting the excitement and atmosphere of in-person gambling, which is exactly what live dealer games bring to the table. FanDuel Casino provides as good an experience as any other online casino in the regulated landscape.
With seven live dealer roulette games, FanDuel Casino users can enjoy the likes of Live Dealer Lightning Auto Roulette and American Roulette Live, as well as Red Door Roulette and the exclusive Spin & Win Roulette. Each of these titles, as well as all the others, features a real dealer streaming from a dedicated studio who interacts with players via chat to spice up the online gambling experience.
With no FanDuel Casino promo code required, first-time customers can deposit $5+ and get 1,000 Bonus Spins and $25 in casino bonus.
Roulette strategy FAQ
What is the best roulette strategy for beginners?
The Martingale system is a popular choice among beginners as it involves wagering on outside bets with the best odds of hitting.
Another good roulette strategy for novices is the D'Alembert system, which incorporates increasing bet sizes by one unit after a loss and decreasing by a unit after a win, thereby allowing players to potentially profit while keeping bet sizes within control.
Does the Martingale system work in roulette?
Roulette is more a game of luck than skill; there is no guarantee that any approach is a roulette strategy to win. That said, the Martingale system involves outside bets, which carry the best odds of winning at the table.
What is the house edge in American vs European roulette?
American roulette has the highest house edge between the two at 5.26%, while European roulette online carries a more reasonable 2.7% house edge.
What are the safest bets to make in roulette?
Outside bets, including black or red, even or odd, and high or low, have the best odds of winning and are even-money wagers. The next-best odds are the dozen wagers that pay out 2:1.
What is the difference between inside bets and outside bets in roulette?
Inside bets are any wagers placed on individual numbers or groups of numbers located in the central area of the roulette table. These bets carry larger payout potential but also lower odds of hitting. Outside bets are located outside of the numbered section and cover larger areas of the wheel, including red or black, odd or even, high or low, and groups of 12 numbers. These wagers have better odds of winning but have lower payouts.
How does the La Partage rule affect roulette payouts?
La Partage is a rule as part of French roulette that protects players' even-money bets when the ball lands on 0. For example, if someone wagers on red, black, odd, even, high or low and the pill rests in the 0 pocket, that user will receive half of their bet back rather than losing it all.
What is the RTP of online roulette games?
Different variations of online roulette carry different RTP rates. French roulette is considered the most player-friendly, with a 98.65%, followed by European at 97.3% and then American at 94.74%.
How much bankroll do you need to use a roulette betting system?
It depends on the roulette betting strategy. The D'Alembert system, or flat betting, is ideal for smaller bankrolls, as they allow players to stretch out their gameplay sessions without taking big risks. For more aggressive players with larger budgets, strategies like Martingale, Grand Martingale, and James Bond systems may suit them better.
Regardless, users should be sure to set a strict budget and stick to it while avoiding the urge to chase losses.
Are roulette winnings taxed in the US? What is the W-2G threshold?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notes that gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported on tax returns. Players may receive Form W2G from online casinos, depending on how much they claim as winnings, though residents who don't receive a form still need to report winnings.
Customers should contact the customer support of their top online casinos for more information or visit the website of the regulatory body that oversees legal iGaming in their state.
Can I play roulette online for real money in legal casino states like NJ, PA, MI and WV?
Yes. Licensed online casinos in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia offer real money online roulette games.
Our editorial team's selections for "the best online casinos for roulette strategy" are based on independent editorial analysis, not on operator payments. We evaluate licensed operators across criteria, including bonus value and transparency, wagering requirements, payout reliability, customer support, and responsible gaming practices. Rankings reflect our team's opinion at the time of review and may be updated periodically.
