Most people assume that roulette is a simple and classic casino game that almost every Canadian casino player has enjoyed playing. All you need to do is place bets, spin the wheel, and wait for your chances to win. If you win, authorize a payout and you go home smiling.
The game looks like the odds are stacked against you. This is why most players believe it is all about luck. However, if you are keen, you will understand it is a game of numbers that needs a roulette strategy to win. Knowing some tried and proven strategies will ensure you have a higher chance of winning at roulette.
European vs American Roulette
The first thing you need to know is the difference between European and American roulette. Theoretically, there is no difference. The only thing is that the American version has an additional double zero cell.
Practically, this will affect the edge of the house, when you are running an American edge of 5.3% and a European edge of 2.7%. This means that you will lose more should you lose at American Roulette.
If you have luck on your side and you bet one number, the odds are 37 to 1 in American and 36 to one in European Roulette. Take note that the majority of American gambling houses use a "single zeros" table making the edge issue null and void.
Avoiding Zero
For a beginner, avoiding the extra zero is the best strategy irrespective of the table type you choose. A good starting point is the high (19 - 16), low (1-18), red/black, and odd/even cells. The double zero significantly reduces your chances of winning.
Three Column Betting
Use the three columns that pay 2/1 and have a higher winning probability (at about 30%). Start by 1,2, then 3 or setup odds on every frozen (i.e. 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). You can think about hedging bets.
This is done by placing the same stakes on two of the blocks or columns. Follow by doubling up with every spin you lose. Although it is almost the same as the Martingale System below, it has a winning chance of more than 63% with every spin.
The Martingale Strategy
If you play one of the cells mentioned above, the best roulette strategy is reducing losses by doubling down every time you lose. This is the Martingale System and works by slowly increasing your winnings. Keep in mind the house edge means every bet will have a winning probability of 47.4%. In this case, doubling your stake will be disastrous if you do not have enough money to take you to a win.
The Bond Strategy
The Bond Strategy can be described as one of the more devious strategies that cut your risk of losing. Let's say you have $200. Bet $110 on high numbers, $80 on the first third, and $10 on zero just to be on the safe side. You will cover 31 of the 37 roulette numbers, and have a more than 80% chance of your numbers winning.
Use any roulette strategy mentioned above to play roulette. Make sure you avoid the gamblers' fallacy where you may believe a number is lucky or due. Remember each spin is independent, and the odds will always remain the same.
