Roulette

Roulette has stayed largely unchanged for over two centuries because the format simply works: a wheel, a ball, and a betting layout that scales from cautious even-money wagers to long-shot single number bets. MetroBetz runs several variants of the game, both RNG-based and live dealer, and this page walks through the differences that actually matter before a chip touches the felt.

European vs American Roulette

The single most important distinction in roulette is the number of zero pockets. European roulette carries one zero, giving the house a 2.7% edge. American roulette adds a second zero pocket, doubling the house edge to 5.26%. This single design difference means European roulette is mathematically better for the player in every situation, and MetroBetz defaults new players toward European tables specifically because of that edge.

American roulette remains available for players who prefer its rhythm or specific betting layout, but the higher house edge means it should be treated as a distinct game rather than a direct substitute.

French Roulette and La Partage

French roulette tables apply a rule called La Partage, which returns half of an even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low) if the ball lands on zero, rather than losing the full stake outright. This rule effectively halves the house edge on those specific bet types to around 1.35%, making French tables the mathematically strongest option for players who stick to even-money bets. MetroBetz runs French tables during peak hours through the live dealer studio, with the rule clearly displayed on the table interface.

Live Dealer vs RNG Tables

RNG roulette tables use a certified random number generator to determine outcomes instantly, suiting players who want fast-paced rounds without waiting for a dealer to spin a physical wheel. Live dealer tables stream a real croupier spinning a physical wheel in real time, with chat functionality and a slower, more social pace that many players find closer to a land-based casino experience. Table limits differ slightly between the two: RNG tables typically allow lower minimum bets, suited to bankroll-conscious play, while live tables carry a modest minimum reflecting studio overhead costs.

Common Betting Systems

A handful of betting progressions come up constantly in roulette strategy discussions, and it is worth understanding what each does and does not accomplish, since none of them change the underlying house edge.

• Martingale: doubles the bet after every loss on an even-money wager, aiming to recover all losses with a single win. Requires a large bankroll and table maximum tolerance, since losing streaks of six or more spins are not statistically rare.
• Fibonacci: increases bets according to the Fibonacci sequence after a loss, producing a gentler progression than Martingale while still requiring a meaningful bankroll cushion.
• D’Alembert: increases the bet by one unit after a loss and decreases by one unit after a win, offering a much flatter risk profile suited to players prioritizing session longevity over recovery speed.
• Flat betting: keeps stake size constant regardless of outcome, the simplest system and the one least likely to produce a sudden bankroll-ending swing.

None of these systems alter the 2.7% (or lower, with La Partage) house edge over the long run. They only change how variance is distributed across a session, which is a legitimate reason to use one but not a reason to expect guaranteed profit.

Table Limits at MetroBetz

Roulette and Bonus Wagering

Roulette wagers contribute only 20% toward the welcome bonus wagering requirement, reflecting the lower house edge and reduced volatility compared to slots. Players aiming to clear a bonus quickly typically favor slots for the bulk of their wagering and treat roulette as a separate, cash-funded session once bonus terms are already satisfied. This is not a restriction unique to MetroBetz; nearly every operator applies a reduced contribution rate to roulette and other low-edge table games for the same mathematical reason.

Reading the Betting Layout

The roulette felt splits into inside bets and outside bets, and understanding the difference matters more than memorizing every payout ratio. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers directly on the number grid: a straight-up single number bet pays 35 to 1, a split covering two adjacent numbers pays 17 to 1, and a corner bet covering four numbers pays 8 to 1. Outside bets cover broader categories along the edge of the layout: red or black, odd or even, high (19-36) or low (1-18), each paying even money, while dozens and columns cover twelve numbers each and pay 2 to 1.

The tradeoff is straightforward: inside bets offer larger payouts with lower hit frequency, while outside bets offer steadier, smaller returns. Combining both categories within a single session, rather than committing entirely to one style, is a common approach among experienced players looking to balance excitement against bankroll stability.

Live Studio Etiquette

Live dealer tables carry a social dimension that RNG tables lack, and a few etiquette points make the experience smoother for everyone at a shared table. Chat messages should stay respectful, betting decisions should be made before the dealer calls “no more bets,” and table minimums exist to keep session pacing consistent for all players sharing the stream. Dealers rotate on a schedule, and most tables display upcoming rotation times so players can plan sessions around a preferred dealer if they have one.

A Practical Starting Approach

Players new to roulette often do best starting with European tables and flat betting on outside bets (red/black, odd/even, or a dozen), which offers a gentler variance curve while learning table etiquette and interface controls. Live French tables become an appealing next step once comfortable, given the La Partage rule’s mathematical advantage on even-money bets. Whatever the approach, setting a session loss limit before the first spin remains the single most effective bankroll protection tool available, regardless of which betting system or table variant gets chosen.