How to win at online roulette: tips from the professionals

Roulette in online casinos has remained the leader in terms of engagement and betting frequency since 2008. But the dilemma of which roulette to choose for a beginner remains relevant. One sector is one zero. The other is a double. Choosing between American or European roulette solves not only the sensations, but also the mathematics of winning.

History is on Europe’s side

American or European roulette for a beginner is a choice between history and adaptation. The first version of the game appeared in the 18th century in Monaco. One zero. Mathematics in balance. The Americans adapted the game in the 19th century by adding a second zero sector. This increased the casino’s revenue. In 2025, a beginner faces the same question that players in New Orleans faced in the 1860s.

Understanding the structure of the game

The rules of both versions are similar — you choose a number, color, or group of numbers, and then the wheel spins. In the European version, if you hit zero, the casino offers La Partage, which is a 50% refund of your bet. In the American version, there is no such offer. All bets outside of zero are considered losses.

Axes and sectors: the geometry of the game

It’s not just the number of pockets that affects the game. In the European version, the numbers are arranged in a specific symmetry, with red and black alternating almost perfectly. In the American version, the chaos is closer to a controlled disorder. This reduces the effectiveness of strategies like targeted betting on the wheel.

American or European Roulette: The Differences

The number of pockets determines not only the structure of the wheel, but also the exact mathematics of each spin. One additional pocket changes the balance of the game and dramatically shifts the odds in favor of the casino.

European Roulette has 37 pockets: from 1 to 36 and one zero pocket, giving the casino a 2.7% advantage.
American Roulette has 38 pockets: a double zero (00) is added, increasing this number to 5.26%.

This is where the fundamental difference between American and European roulette comes in: the probability of winning with the same bets is almost twice as high.

Platform behavior and algorithms

Most online casinos implement random number generators (RNGs) in both formats. However, live European roulette shows higher engagement compared to American roulette for beginners.

According to 2024 analytics, the average session duration for European roulette is 16 minutes, while it is only 9 minutes for American roulette. This is due to the higher number of losses and frustration caused by the presence of two zeros.

How a casino makes money on zero

Each “number” bet in both versions pays out 35:1. But because of the extra pocket in the American version, the real probability is not 1 in 37, but 1 in 38. This changes everything: over the long run, a beginner’s bankroll in roulette for beginners goes to zero twice as fast in this version of the game.

NetEnt’s 2023 gaming analytics statistics confirm that a player loses about $27 in the European version and $52 in the American version with 1,000 $1 bets. The question of “the best roulette for beginners” is answered by these numbers.

What does a beginner consider when choosing a roulette

Before starting a game, it is important for a beginner to consider not only the appearance of the wheel, but also the hidden mathematics of each format. A mistake at the start can quickly wipe out a player’s bankroll and discourage them from continuing to play. Therefore, a conscious approach to choosing a version is already part of a player’s strategy.

Here are the main criteria for choosing a game for a beginner:

1. The odds of winning. In European roulette, the house edge is only 2.7%, while in American roulette, it increases to 5.26%. This key difference directly affects the long-term return on investment.
2. The presence of a double zero. Only American roulette features a double zero (00) sector, which creates a higher imbalance in favor of the casino. For beginners, it can be challenging to account for the additional probability, especially when betting on equal odds.
3. Psychological comfort. Due to the presence of two zeros, players often feel less control over the outcome. Beginners often get lost, especially in quick sessions or when betting on outer fields.
4. The operation of strategies. Popular methods such as Martingale, D’Alambert, and Labouchere demonstrate greater stability in the European version. The absence of a second zero makes them mathematically more predictable.
5. Visual perception of the wheel. In the European format, the 37 sectors are organized symmetrically, which makes it easier to read the wheel and helps you navigate your bets more quickly. This reduces the number of mistakes made during the game.
6. The presence of La Partage and En Prison rules. These options are only available in European roulette. They allow you to return a portion of your bet or keep it for the next spin if you hit zero, which significantly reduces the potential losses on equal odds.
7. Online casinos and accessibility. Almost 90% of online platforms offer both formats, but European roulette is more often presented in live mode with a dealer, which adds realism and transparency. For beginners, this format may be more convenient for adaptation.

Choosing the right version of the game is the first step towards a successful strategy. European roulette offers more favorable conditions and additional rules that help reduce risks and get comfortable without unnecessary pressure. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the world of betting.

Mistakes that beginner players make

Without understanding the rules and odds, a bet becomes a sacrifice. In the American version, an additional cell destroys probability-based tactics. For example, a “parlay” bet in the European version loses in 18 out of 37 cases (48.65%), while in the American version, it loses in 18 out of 38 cases (47.37%). The difference of 1.28% may seem insignificant, but it represents 13 additional losses per thousand bets.

Why does a beginner win less often

A player who starts with the European version gets more information to analyze. It is possible to use a symmetrical arrangement of numbers, minimize losses thanks to special rules, and adapt strategies.

Online platforms that support this version are more likely to provide training materials, which reduces the likelihood of mistakes. This explains why it is more logical to choose European roulette at the start.

American or European Roulette: Conclusions

American or European roulette offers two different philosophies of play: intuition versus calculation, chaos versus structure, and high risks versus reduced losses.

A beginner player who wants to build a strategy, reduce the level of randomness, and increase the likelihood of winning will benefit more from the European version. It offers not only better odds but also more opportunities for learning.

In the gambling industry, licensing online casinos is seen as a sign of quality and safety. For many players, it is associated with absolute fairness and lack of risks.

However, in practice, there are many myths surrounding licenses. Misconceptions hinder the proper evaluation of platforms and sometimes lead to financial losses. Understanding the real meaning of a license helps avoid mistakes and choose reliable jurisdictions—from Curacao to Malta and the United Kingdom.

Myth 1: A license always guarantees fairness

One of the most common stereotypes is the belief that having a license automatically makes a platform perfect. In reality, even with licensing, control depends on the regulator of the online casino.

Jurisdictions with strict standards—such as the United Kingdom or Malta—regularly conduct audits, test software, and verify payouts. In Curacao, supervision is less stringent, requiring players to be more cautious.

Myth 2: All licenses are the same

Players often believe that any license has the same value. The differences between jurisdictions are huge: the level of supervision, requirements for operators, and software certification rules.

The UK mandates strict data protection and advertising control, Malta requires detailed financial checks, and Curacao offers quick market entry with minimal formalities. The choice of jurisdiction affects brand perception and trust level.

Myth 3: Documents are valid in all countries

Many players mistakenly think that licensing an online casino automatically allows operation worldwide.

In reality, each country sets its own laws, and having permission from one regulator does not guarantee legal operation in another country. For example, an operator with a Curacao license may be blocked in jurisdictions with a gambling monopoly.

Myth 4: Checking the license is unnecessary

Even when working with well-known regulators, it is important to ensure the authenticity of the permit. Cases of document forgery, the use of expired numbers, or fictitious links are not uncommon.

A simple check on the regulator’s website takes a few minutes and helps avoid fraud. This is especially important when choosing platforms with licenses from less strict jurisdictions.

Myth 5: A license protects against all types of fraud

Even with licensing, there are risks associated with the actions of dishonest partners, affiliated companies, or third-party services in online casinos.

The regulator only controls the activities of the licensed operator. If a player uses third-party resources for depositing or withdrawing funds, the license protection does not extend to them.

Myth 6: The cheaper the license, the worse the casino

The price depends on many factors: capital requirements, taxation, audit costs. A more affordable Curacao license does not always mean low quality—it all depends on the operator.

Sometimes companies with a cheap license invest more in security and software than some owners of prestigious permits.

Myth 7: Licenses are perpetual

Players often do not know that documents have a limited validity period and require regular confirmation. To maintain operator status, they undergo rechecks, provide reports, and confirm compliance with new requirements. An expired license effectively deprives the platform of legal status, even if it continues to use the regulator’s logo.

Myth 8: Documents are a formality for business

For operators, licensing is a complex and costly process in online casinos. It includes collecting a document package, software audits, owner verification, and implementing responsible gaming policies. Companies that go through the procedure invest in long-term reputation and legal operation in the market.

Why a casino license is needed: real advantages

Despite the myths, licensing online casinos does provide players and operators with a number of real advantages:

• access to an independent regulator in case of disputes;
• control over software quality and random number generators;
• obligations to protect personal data and finances;
• verification of capital sources and transparency of payouts;
• ability to work with international payment systems.

These factors make licensed platforms more predictable and secure.

Influence of myths on casino choice

Perception of documents directly affects player behavior. Those who believe in myths tend to ignore their own document verification and platform operation conditions.

This increases the risk of encountering fraud or dishonest services. Understanding the essence of licensing helps make informed decisions and reduces the likelihood of financial losses in online casinos.

How to distinguish truth from myth and check a casino license?

The main way to avoid deception is to critically assess the information published by the operator.

It is worth using official regulator resources, reading terms, and understanding that real control is always limited by jurisdictional boundaries. The ability to distinguish myths from facts makes a player more protected, and the gaming process—safer and more transparent.

Conclusion

Licensing is an important tool for regulating the gambling market, but it is not an absolute guarantee of perfect conditions in online casinos. Debunking myths helps players soberly assess platforms and choose reliable operators.

Documents are the foundation on which security and trust are built, but real protection comes from a combination of smart jurisdiction selection, document verification, and careful adherence to gaming rules.