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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Roulette

Roulette is a casino gambling game in which players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel with numbered compartments.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roulette is a casino gambling game in which players bet on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel with numbered compartments. It is played in casinos worldwide and is especially associated with European and American variants that differ in wheel layout and house edge. In Canada, roulette is a standard table game offered in provincially regulated casinos.

Gameplay

Roulette is a banking game in which bets are placed against the house. Players wager on single numbers, groups of numbers, colours (red or black), odd or even outcomes, or high/low ranges. A croupier spins the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite direction; the winning outcome is determined by the pocket where the ball comes to rest.

Wheel variants

The two best-known versions are European roulette and American roulette. European roulette has 37 pockets with a single zero, while American roulette has 38 pockets because it includes both 0 and 00. The addition of the double zero in American roulette increases the house edge.

History

Roulette emerged in Europe in the late 18th century, with its name being French for "little wheel." It is commonly described as deriving from earlier wheel-based gambling games and became established in European casinos, especially in France, before spreading internationally.

House edge and odds

Roulette is a house-banked game, meaning the casino holds a statistical advantage over time. The European wheel offers a house edge of about 2.7%, while the American wheel, with its added double zero, has a house edge of about 5.26%. This difference makes European roulette more favourable to players.

Key facts

  • Roulette is a chance-based betting game where players wager on the outcome of a spinning wheel.
  • European roulette has 37 pockets (single zero); American roulette has 38 pockets (double zero).
  • The house edge is about 2.7% for European and 5.26% for American roulette.
  • Bets can be placed on numbers, colours, odds/evens, or high/low ranges.
  • The game originated in late 18th-century Europe and is a standard offering in Canadian casinos.
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Canadian context

Roulette is played in Canadian casinos and is familiar to Canadian readers as a standard casino table game. Canadian gambling regulation is provincial, so availability and rules can vary by province.

Frequently asked questions

What is roulette?
Roulette is a casino game in which players bet on which numbered pocket a small ball will land in on a spinning wheel.
Why is it called roulette?
The name comes from French and means "little wheel."
What is the difference between European and American roulette?
European roulette has 37 pockets and a single zero, while American roulette has 38 pockets because it adds a double zero.
Is roulette a game of skill or chance?
Roulette is primarily a game of chance; the result depends on the random final resting place of the ball.
What kinds of bets can be placed in roulette?
Players can bet on single numbers, groups of numbers, colours, odd or even, and high or low outcomes.
When did roulette originate?
Roulette is generally traced to late 18th-century Europe, especially France.

References

  1. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/games/games-and-hobbies/roulette
    Supports: Definition of roulette as a gambling game, 37 vs 38 pockets, and zero/double-zero distinction.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/roulette-gambling-game
    Supports: Description of gameplay, betting types, banking-game status, and historical origin in Europe.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/roulette-gambling-game
    Supports: Late-18th-century European emergence and common betting options.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roulette
    Supports: Gameplay description, croupier procedure, and common bet categories.