The Ultimate Guide to Playing Online Roulette in the Philippines

Whatever casino you end up on, online roulette is one of the table games you should expect to see. The game of chance has a long history that goes back to 1700s Paris. Over the years, it grew into one of the most played casino games. So, it makes sense that roulette games have become staples at online casinos. Players in the Philippines looking to play online roulette for real money won’t have any trouble finding a suitable game. We compiled this comprehensive guide for gamblers who don’t know how online roulette works or those who need a quick refresher.

Is Playing Online Roulette Legal in the Philippines?

Before searching for an online casino to gamble on roulette, you have to know if the games are legal. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates all gambling activities in the country. Although all operators who are licensed and regulated by PAGCOR are legal, they cannot provide online casino games to residents of the Philippines. Over the years, the government has cracked down on online casino operations, citing a correlation between the industry and the rise of organised crime.

Therefore, it prohibits any online casinos registered in the country from offering services to locals. Nonetheless, Filipinos can still play roulette online at offshore gambling websites. In 2012, a court ruling decided that no language in the Philippine gambling laws makes online gaming illegal. The real issue is where you choose to play. Hence, gamblers should ensure that they use roulette sites that are licensed and regulated offshore.

Online Roulette Variations

Over the years, roulette has taken on new forms as it spread across the world. The more roulette games became prominent, the higher the number of variations rose. Most people might know about European roulette because it’s the most popular, but there is a lot more to look forward to. The different types of the game are part of the fun of wagering on roulette online. As online gambling increased in popularity, so did the offerings. Now we have developers coming out with all kinds of online roulette games. Settling on the right roulette game can be daunting. However, learning a few of the most popular versions can tell you where to begin looking.

European Roulette

This roulette game is by far the most prominent to play for real money both online and offline. It’s considered the standard version of the game. The roulette wheel in this version consists of 1-36 and a single zero on the green zone. Due to the single zero, European roulette has a house edge of 2.7%. The low house advantage is one of the reasons players prefer this variant. On the roulette board, you can place an odd/even, red/black, multiple or single number bet. An online casino can have different European roulette options from multiple providers where features vary slightly, but the gameplay remains the same.

American Roulette

Another variant that is popular for real money gambling is American roulette. The rules are almost similar to European roulette except for the different layout. American roulette has two zero pockets instead of one. For this reason, the house advantage shoots to 5.26%. Because of the increased house edge, winnings can be lucrative. However, this is not a suitable variant if you are learning to play roulette. Note that the numbers on the roulette board are sequenced differently in American roulette. Therefore, you have to be careful, especially when placing a number bet.

French Roulette

French roulette resembles European roulette in design – it has a single zero. What’s different in this roulette game is the presence of special rules. French roulette has La Partage and En Prison rules that determine what happens when the ball lands on zero. With La Partage you get half your wager back if the ball lands on zero. En Prison means that rather than take your half of the bet, you leave it on the table for the next round. These rules and the single zero bring down the house edge to 1.35%.

Mini Roulette

As the name suggests, this roulette game is a miniature of the standard version. Therefore, it has the same rules as European roulette except that it has half the numbers; that is 1-12 plus a single zero. Mini roulette is a suitable choice for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by the betting alternatives in regular roulette games. This online roulette variant also incorporates the La Partage rule, which means that it increases the odds to favor the player.

Multi-Ball Roulette

If you are looking to play roulette at a fast pace, then multi-ball is the variant for you. This version allows players to use up to 10 balls at a time. Because it follows the European style, players don’t have to worry about learning new rules. However, multi-ball roulette can have different sets of bets that depend on where the ball will land. This version has higher odds of winning than a standard roulette game. The returns are lower, though, because winnings have to be divided by the number of balls. Multi-ball roulette is one of the table games available at online casinos.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

This variation allows you to play roulette with more than one wheel. It can have anywhere between two and eight that run simultaneously. This version still uses a single roulette board. So, the bets are more or less the same as in European roulette. However, the number of wheels determines how the winnings are spread out. Playing multi-wheel roulette online can be highly profitable if you hit the same number on multiple wheels at the same time. Note that multi-wheel roulette is only available at specific online casinos, particularly ones powered by Microgaming.

Live Dealer Roulette

If you have ever played table games at online casinos, then you have come across live dealer options. With these roulette games, you get to play with human croupiers just like you would in a physical casino. Rather than relying on an RNG for the results, you get to see the roulette wheel spin in real-time. The whole roulette table and dealer is set up in a studio while the action is streamed live to players. Playing live dealer roulette online adds realism to your gambling experience without taking away the benefits of internet gaming. Any roulette game can be offered at a live casino. Developers also create unique titles like Speed Roulette, Lightning Roulette, and Immersive Roulette.

Basic Rules

Knowing what to do and when is the first thing to learn when gaming on roulette online. The standard rules are largely consistent throughout the different versions of the game. So, how do you play roulette? The game contains a wheel with 37 or 38 numbers, depending on the variant, alternating between red and black with the zero on the green. It also has a table layout where the numbers are arranged sequentially. Bets are placed on this roulette board. The objective of roulette is to bet where the ball will land after each spin.

An online roulette game starts when you place a bet on the table. Then you have to hit the spin button to start the game. The ball then drops into the spinning wheel. When the game stops, the ball drops into a pocket. If it lands in the position that you predicted, then you win. Your chosen bets determine the odds and, consequently, the payout.

Types of roulette bets

When playing online roulette for real money, you have to know the best wagers to make. Roulette has a slew of bets, some of which are specific to certain variants. When you place bets in online roulette, you are betting against the casino. Since the house is always looking to get the most from players’ bets, you must be sure that you are making a smart choice. Therefore, learning about the types of wagers in this casino game is a good start. One rule to keep in mind when playing roulette is that the odds for a single number bet are higher than wagers with multiple numbers. Below are the main betting alternatives.

Inside bets

These are wagers that you place on the numbered area of a roulette table, which is the inner section. You can place a bet on one or more numbers. Inside bets have high payouts but a low chance of winning. The different types are:

Straight up – A number bet on one pick with odds of 35:1. (En Plein in French roulette)
Split bet (A Cheval) – A number bet on two selections where the chip is placed on the line between them. If either number bet hits, the payout is 17:1.
Street (Transversal) – This number bet covers three choices in a row by placing the chip on the outer border. The odds are 11:1
Corner (Carre) – You place a bet on the intersection of the four numbers you want to cover. Any of the four numbers pays 8:1.
Line (Sixain) – Also called a six-number bet, the wager is made by placing a chip on the border between two streets. It pays 6:1.
The Beast – This five-number bet is only present in American roulette and covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. It pays 6:1.

Outside bets

With these wagers, you place bets on the outer section of the roulette board. Although outside bets have a higher probability of winning than inside bets, they have lower returns. Here they are:

Red/Black (Rouge et Noir) – A bet on if the ball will land on the red or black section. The payout is even money, 1:1.
Even/Odd (Impaired Pair) – You wager on an even or odd number. It pays even money.
High/Low (PasseetManque) – This is another even-money bet on whether the ballet will land on the low (1-18) or high region (19-36).
Column (Colonne) – The wager is for the winning number to be in one of the three columns. You place the bet at the bottom of the chosen column. The payout is 2:1
Dozen (Douzaine) – You are wagering on one of a dozen numbers. So, the chip is placed on the 1st dozen, 2nd dozen or 3rd dozen. The payout is 2:1.

Roulette Odds

Before playing any casino games, it’s crucial to learn their odds. Given that online roulette relies on chance, understanding how odds work is even more important. Odds refer to the chances of hitting a certain number or section when playing roulette. This information tells you which bets are worth placing when you are gambling for real money. One key factor to remember about roulette is that it doesn’t pay what the wagers are worth. In American roulette, for example, the true odds of a straight-up number bet are 37 to 1 since the game has 38 numbers. However, an online casino will only pay 35:1. The same applies to combination bets.

Roulette odds shift depending on the variant and any additional rules. Outside bets have better odds than inside bets. Even money picks like wagering on red or black cover half of the outcome, which makes them safe. The odds on such wagers are almost 50% (48.65% in European and 47.4% in American). Players in the Philippines can easily find information on the odds for the different bets.

Roulette House Edge

Roulette is one of the table games with the highest house edge. For this reason, players must be careful with each move if they are to see any decent returns on investments. Online casinos have to make profits, and they do that by building an advantage in each game. Thus, each roulette game gives a mathematical advantage to the casino. Online roulette games don’t have a lot of range in house edge compared to a game like craps. In European roulette, for instance, the advantage can drop from 2.7% to 1.35%.

So, how do you calculate house advantage in roulette games? First, you find how much the casino keeps in each bet. In American roulette, straight-up wagers should pay 37:1, but they pay 35:1, meaning the casino keeps two units. Therefore, its edge is 2/38, which you multiply by 100 to get the percentage (5.26%). When wagering real money, it means that for every 100 pesos that you place, expect to lose 5.26 pesos. Due to the high house advantage, aggressive gamblers can find it hard to play roulette. Note that even though the payout changes for different bets, the house edge is constant.

Roulette Strategy

Let’s clear up one thing from the get-go. Roulette is a game of chance. For that reason, no single formula exists that assures you of straight wins. Nonetheless, when playing casino games, strategies are useful tools to keep on hand. You can find ways to play roulette in a way that increases your odds, reduces your risks or at least leverages the existing winning probabilities. Over the years, several betting systems have been developed, and some of them are used in online roulette games. The strategies fall into two categories – positive progression and negative progression.

Progressive betting involves a bet increase after each round. In positive progression, you increase your wagers when you win. The point is to maximise your returns when on a winning streak. Conversely, in negative progression, the bet increase comes after every loss. For example, the Martingale, which is the most popular progressive method, requires you to double your wager after every loss. Another strategy you can use to play roulette is flat betting where the amount remains the same in every round whether you win or lose.

Roulette Tips

Besides betting systems, a few other tactics come in handy when looking to get the best value from real money roulette games. Just because roulette doesn’t involve any skills doesn’t mean that you should rely solely on luck. Smart casino gaming is knowing how to make the most of the situation at hand. Making the right moves at the right time can make a world of difference. If you have never played roulette online all this might sound like a way to convince you to try it. However, a few best practices can decrease your risks and help you avoid some common pitfalls of online roulette gaming.

Know the rules of the variant you are playing

A quick search for online roulette will show you that there are a dizzying number of choices. It’s not only the standard options, such as European and French roulette. You also have unique variations from specific developers. So, before you place bets on any roulette game, learn its fundamentals. Even though the principal goal remains the same, individual variants can have different rules. When picking roulette games, familiarise yourself with the payout odds, house advantage and types of bets, among other elements. Stick to variants that offer you an advantage like En Prison.

Think About Odds

Before you decide whether to wager on red or black, high or low, multiples or single numbers, know about the odds for which you are playing. Consider the winning probability in every game and wager. If your investment is to generate a decent return, then you want online roulette options with high odds. You can reference the roulette odds section discussed earlier to see how you can calculate winning chances. Even-money bets have some of the best odds because they cover half of the selections. Whether you wager on even or odd, high or low, red or black, your bet is for 18 out of 38 combinations. Betting on a single number reduces the odds but increases the potential payout.

Learn to Manage Your Bankroll

Money management applies to all casino games. For the best value when gambling on roulette online, ensure that you have a budget and stick to it. The rule is to only bet money that you can afford to lose. So, when deciding on your bankroll, you have to consider your finances keenly. Once you have a budget, choose your wagers with this in mind. Pick reasonable unit stakes that won’t deplete your balance after a few rounds. Check the minimum limits of a roulette game before playing to make certain you can afford it.

Choose Outside Bets

Back to odds, you have to ensure you place bets with the best odds. Wagering on the outside of the roulette board offers better odds than the inside since these bets cover a large section of the wheel. Although the payouts are low, the chances of hitting outside bets are high. So, rather than wagering on a single number, look for groups. Odd or even, red or black, columns, dozens and high or low are the combinations to focus on. Outside bets are ideal for beginners and low-risk players.

Free Roulette Games – The best way to learn to play

Although roulette is an uncomplicated game, it can take a while to learn all the rules. Practice is the best way to help beginners get comfortable with online roulette. However, when playing for real money, you cannot afford trial-and-error rounds, which is where free roulette games come in. A majority of casino games have the option to play for free.

Developers usually include demo versions in their products that let players access a deposit-free variation of the game. Hence, you can play roulette without having to deposit a cash balance. Free games are also available through bonuses like no-deposit offers. Similarly to a demo, a no-deposit bonus allows you to gamble without paying an online casino. With free games, gamblers in the Philippines can play roulette online as much as they please.

Benefits of Free Online Roulette

When learning how to play roulette, you can put in as many hours of practice as you wish until you are confident that you understand the rules. You can use free games to find the most suitable variant for you. Since you are not risking any money, you can play different versions of the casino game until you find what works for you. You can also play for free to test a new market entry. Note that live dealer roulette doesn’t have the choice to play for free since it occurs in real time.

Where to Play Roulette for Free

An online casino is the first place you should look for free online roulette games. Gambling sites allow customers to access demo games even without creating accounts. So, you get an opportunity to test both the game and the platform. Some review sites include free roulette alternatives so that readers can try them if they want to. However, a review website might not have as many alternatives as an online casino. Another place to look for free roulette games is the official manufacturer site, especially if you wish to test a specific title.

Real Money vs Free Roulette

So, what are the main distinctions between playing roulette for free and real money? Firstly is the risk involved. When you play roulette for real money, you take an actual risk. Any loss puts a dent in your playing balance. Free online roulette gives you the freedom to gamble without worrying about money. However, since you are not wagering real cash, you don’t receive any tangible returns when playing for free.

You can increase your online roulette knowledge with free games because your playtime is not limited. For this reason, you can take the time to find the best online game for you. With real roulette, you can’t afford to make mistakes just so you can learn from them.

Real roulette allows you to capitalize on online casino bonuses. From welcome to reload to cashback bonuses, casinos in the Philippines offer various promotions that customers can use to play roulette online.

Conclusion

Online roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the Philippines, which is not surprising. The casino game is not only simple to play, but it can also be fun. Roulette comes in many forms, some standard and others not so much. Therefore, players with different gaming needs can expect to find something interesting. Whether you like playing for high or low stakes, at a slow or fast pace, there’s a roulette game worth your time and money. Regardless of how uncomplicated some variants appear, though, don’t start playing for real money without learning the rules and other basics. Know how to get the most from any game.

FAQ

Are online roulette games rigged?

Online casino games like roulette use random number generators to come up with results. So, players can gamble on roulette online without worrying about games being fixed. However, ensure that you only play online roulette at licenced casinos in the Philippines.

Can I play free roulette games in online casinos?

Absolutely! Free online roulette is readily available at reputable gambling sites. Most developers include demo versions in their games, thus letting gamblers play roulette without having to deposit real money. An online casino can also have no-deposit bonuses that allow free gaming.

Can you make real money playing roulette online?

Of course, you can. As with any game of chance, roulette provides some opportunities to make decent returns. For the best outcomes with real money roulette gambling, pick the right game and an effective betting strategy.

Which version of roulette has the lowest house edge?

French roulette has the same house advantage as European roulette of 2.7% for non-even money bets. However, when wagering on even-money shots, the casino’s edge reduces to 1.35% due to the special rules in this roulette variation.

What is the best bet I can make in roulette online?

The best roulette wagers depend on your skills as a player, your budget and the variant. Even-money wagers are suitable for beginners because they have higher odds of winning. If you are aiming for big payouts, inside bets are more suitable although they are high risk.