Roulette Etiquette for Beginners

Discover how to play roulette correctly online and offline

As a game of chance, you don’t need any special skills or strategies to win at the roulette table. All you really have to do is guess where you think the roulette ball will land and decide how much you want to wager.

While the rules and gameplay are certainly simple, this storied game does have its own formalities and conventions. Fortunately, there’s no need to look like an amateur even if you’re new to the game. Whether you plan on playing live or on the internet, we’ll give you the tools you need to fit in on your very first spin of the wheel.

Keep reading to get familiar with the standard etiquette rules.

Don’t Monopolise the Table

Roulette tables often attract a crowd. That’s because the game is not only easy to play but it’s fun to watch.

When you find yourself at a busy table, there’s no need to make your physical presence known by spreading out and taking over the whole table. Remember that you’re competing against the house rather than other players. Your odds are exactly the same whether you are playing alone or there are a dozen players at the table.

Don’t forget that live roulette is a highly social game. Embrace the camaraderie and don’t be afraid to get tips and follow the betting strategies of your seemingly lucky or knowledgeable peers.

Understand How Roulette Chips Work

Did you know that the chips you purchase at a live roulette table are only valid at that particular table and are for your use only?

In fact, every player receives different chips, which helps avoid mix-ups. Keep in mind that you can’t use these chips to play other casino games or place bets at other roulette tables.

When leaving a table, make sure you cash in your chips. Generally speaking, your chips are worthless beyond the table where they were originally assigned to you.

Place Your Bets Properly

When playing live roulette, betting begins as soon as the dealer clears out the chips and pays out wins from the previous round. You’ll be able to place your bets up until the time the dealer calls out no more bets.

Late betting, which is also known as past posting, is considered cheating. Given the level of security at live casinos, you can expect to get caught.

Remember, if you can’t place your bets in time just wait for the next spin. If you have trouble reaching a spot on the table, simply ask the croupier for assistance. They’re always glad to help.

Collect Your Winnings

There’s no need to be impatient when you win. After the ball comes to a rest in a slot of the roulette wheel, the dealer will place a marker on the winnings, clear all the losing bets, and then pay the winners.

It’s a good idea to keep your hands off the table until the croupier is done. Some unscrupulous players have been known to pull their losing bets off the table or add chips to the table to fatten their wins.

While we’re not suggesting this is your plan, you certainly don’t want to draw attention to yourself even when you are playing by the rules.

Be Respectful

While you’ll definitely love the social aspects of live roulette, it’s important to respect other players at the tables. That means you should avoid touching other players’ chips. If there’s no room for your bet, you can always place your chips on top of another person’s chips. When in doubt, you can just ask the croupier.

It’s generally wise to avoid getting too close, arguing, or being rude in general. If you don’t like the crowd at a particular table, feel free to play elsewhere. Of course, you can enjoy the game in total solitude when playing on the internet.

Tip the Dealer When Appropriate

Although tipping isn’t mandatory, it is customary at live casinos in many regions including the United Kingdom. In the USA, dealers earn the majority of their income through tips.

Consider tipping after a big win or when you are leaving the table, especially if you’ve played for more than a few minutes. You can tip your croupier by placing chips outside of the betting layout.

If you aren’t a fan of tipping, you might be better off playing on the internet. Just keep in mind that many online live dealer roulette games do allow for tipping in the UK, but you’ll find the play to be more anonymous since the croupier can’t see you.

Top 5 things to remember when playing roulette at a live casino

Although online and offline roulette use the same rules, there are a few things you’ll need to consider when playing at a live casino. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind before your next visit to your local casino.

  • Timing is everything - Pay attention to the dealer. Once the dealer announces that there are no more bets, there is no sense arguing or trying to get your chips on the table. Don’t forget there’s another game just around the corner.
  • Be courteous - It’s important to be polite to the dealer and fellow players at the table. While you are free to celebrate your wins, avoid shouting and don’t get into other people’s personal space.
  • Keep your hands to yourself - Avoid touching your chips from the time the dealer announces no more bet until winning bets are paid out. Of course, you must always refrain from touching the chips of your fellow players.
  • Cash in your chips - Since roulette tables generally use their own chips, you’ll need to exchange your chips when leaving the table.
  • Tip the dealer when appropriate - You’ll want to tip the dealer in countries where gratuities are common such as the USA.

Etiquette Differences between Live & Online Roulette

While live roulette can be intimidating or even embarrassing if you aren’t familiar with the gameplay and etiquette, you don’t have to be concerned with good form or manners when playing online.

That’s because online games come with built-in safety nets. In fact, most versions of internet roulette are played alone, which means there’s no chance of accidentally touching other players’ chips. You’ll also have the opportunity to play at your own pace and take as much time as you need.

Yet no matter what type of online roulette you play, the games are programmed to prevent you from making illegal moves, placing bets at incorrect times, or otherwise interfering with play.

When you play online roulette, your wins are automatically credited to your bankroll. That means you don’t have to worry about grabbing the wrong chips when your number comes up or forgetting to exchange your chips when leaving the table.

If your table does have a chat feature. It’s important to be respectful and courteous. Insulting the dealer or other players is not only rude but could violate the user agreement. Even if you are the kind of person who feels empowered behind your computer screen, it’s important to be pleasant even if the game isn’t going your way.