Roulette is one of the simplest and most exciting games you’ll find at Irish casino sites.
It blends elegance, chance, and suspense in equal measure — making it a perfect entry point for new players and a lasting favourite among experienced ones.
Below, you’ll find a full guide to roulette rules, odds, and strategies tailored for Irish players, including key variants and responsible tips.
Best Roulette Casino Sites in Ireland 2025
Roulette Variants You’ll Find in Ireland
Irish casino sites primarily feature European Roulette, the version with a single zero (0) pocket that gives players a stronger edge than American tables.
Some casinos also include French Roulette, which adds beneficial rules like La Partage or En Prison.
You may occasionally see American Roulette — identifiable by its double zero (00) — but it’s best avoided due to its higher house edge.
We'll go into more details on the different roulette variants later on, but for now, let's crack on.
Understanding the Roulette Wheel
Let’s begin with the foundation of every roulette game — the wheel. Whether you’re playing online or in a live casino, this is where the action happens.
The wheel is designed for pure randomness and fairness, containing either 37 or 38 numbered pockets, depending on the version you’re playing.
Each wheel is numbered 1 to 36, alternating between red and black, with either one or two green pockets for the zeros.
In European Roulette, there’s a single green zero (0), while the American version adds an extra double zero (00).
The numbers aren’t arranged sequentially; instead, they’re laid out in a specific pattern to balance red and black numbers across the wheel.
For players in Ireland, most trusted Irish casino sites feature the European single-zero wheel, as it offers better odds and a fairer long-term experience.
American vs. European Roulette
The key difference between American and European Roulette lies in those green pockets.
European Roulette has one zero (0).
American Roulette has two: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00).
That small difference makes a big impact. With only one zero, European Roulette carries a house edge of around 2.7%, while American Roulette nearly doubles it to 5.26%.
The extra green pocket in the American version reduces players’ winning chances on every spin.
In short, if you’re playing from Ireland, always opt for European Roulette whenever possible — it gives you a stronger chance over time and is the standard across the best Irish casino sites.
How to Make Your First Roulette Bets
If you’re new to roulette — whether playing in person or online — the process is easy to follow once you understand how each stage works.
Here’s how Irish players can confidently make their first bets at the wheel.
Choose Your Bet
Begin by looking over the roulette layout, which mirrors the numbers on the wheel and includes several betting zones.
You can back a single number for the biggest payout or go for wider options such as red or black, odd or even, or high or low.
At most Irish casino sites, you’ll be playing European Roulette, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with where each type of bet sits on the table before placing your chips.
Get Your Chips
In a physical casino, you’ll exchange your cash for colour-coded chips, unique to each player so the dealer can distinguish who placed which bets.
Online, this is automatic — your account balance is converted into virtual chips ready to play.
Either way, your chips are the only currency you’ll use at the table.
Place Your Chips on the Table
When you’re ready to bet, place your chips directly on the number or betting area you want to back.
You can cover individual numbers or combinations by positioning chips on the lines between them.
Each bet type carries its own payout, depending on how many numbers it covers.
If you’re uncertain, ask the dealer or check the game’s on-screen guide — every layout is designed to make your options clear, even for beginners.
Dave's View
Wait for the Spin
After everyone has placed their bets, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.
You can keep betting until the dealer calls “No more bets.”
From there, all you can do is watch and enjoy the anticipation as the ball slows and bounces between the numbers.
Watch the Result and Get Paid
When the ball settles into a pocket, that number and colour are declared the winner.
The dealer clears losing bets and pays the winners according to the payout odds.
Online, payouts are automatic and appear in your balance instantly.
In a live venue, you can collect your winnings in chips or cash them in at the counter.
Bet Types & Payouts
Roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with its own risk and reward level.
Let's take a closer look:
- Straight-up bet: Bet on a single number (pays 35:1).
- Split bet: Bet on two adjacent numbers (pays 17:1).
- Street bet: Bet on a row of three numbers (pays 11:1).
- Corner bet: Bet on four numbers meeting at a corner (pays 8:1).
- Line bet: Bet on six consecutive numbers (pays 5:1).
- Outside bets: Red/black, odd/even, or high/low (each pays 1:1).
- Dozens or Columns: Cover 12 numbers (pays 2:1).
The wider your coverage, the lower the payout — but also the higher your chance of hitting a win.
Special Rules: La Partage & En Prison
Some roulette tables — particularly French or high-end European versions — include two special rules that reduce the house edge on even-money bets.
La Partage
If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your stake.
En Prison
Your even-money bet is “held” for the next spin; if that spin wins, your stake is returned.
These rules can drop the house edge on even bets to around 1.35%, making them particularly valuable for Irish players who prefer consistent returns.
Roulette House Edge & Odds
The house edge represents the casino’s built-in advantage — and in roulette, it’s directly tied to the wheel type:
| Roulette Type | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| European Roulette | 1 | 2.7% |
| French Roulette (La Partage) | 1 | ~1.35% (on even bets) |
| American Roulette | 2 | 5.26% |
Roulette Strategy & Tips for Irish Players
Roulette is largely luck-based, but smart play makes your bankroll last longer.
You should always remember that, roulette is designed solely for entertainment, and the best strategy is knowing when to walk away.
- Stick to European Roulette for the best odds.
- Mix inside and outside bets to balance risk and reward.
- Avoid betting systems like Martingale — they don’t change the odds.
- Check table limits before playing, especially at live casinos.
- Set win and loss limits to stay in control.
Risks, Fairness & Responsible Play
Roulette is a game of chance, not skill.
Every spin is random, and there’s no system that can guarantee success.
Only play at licensed Irish casino sites that hold reputable European licences (such as UKGC, Malta Gaming Authority or Curacao).
For safer play, use responsible gambling tools — deposit limits, reality checks, and timeouts.
If you need help, visit:
FAQ
Roulette Rules and Guidelines Ireland FAQ
What are the main types of roulette available in Ireland?
Irish casino sites mainly offer European Roulette, with some French Roulette tables available online. American Roulette, which features a double zero, is less common in Ireland because of its higher house edge and lower player returns.
How do you play roulette for the first time?
To play roulette, pick your chip value and place bets on numbers or colour groups before the spin. When the ball lands, payouts depend on your bet type. Online and live roulette work the same way, with instant results and automated winnings.
What’s the best roulette version for Irish players?
European Roulette is best for Irish players because it has only one zero, keeping the house edge at 2.7%. If available, French Roulette is even more favourable thanks to rules like La Partage, which halve your loss when the ball lands on zero.
What does “house edge” mean in roulette?
The house edge is the built-in casino advantage. European Roulette has a 2.7% edge, meaning the casino expects €2.70 profit per €100 wagered over time. French Roulette reduces this to 1.35% on even bets, while American Roulette increases it to 5.26%.
Can Irish players play live roulette online?
Yes — Irish players can join live roulette tables at licensed online casinos that accept euro deposits. Games are streamed in real time with professional dealers, offering the same odds and excitement as a physical casino but with the comfort of playing from home.
