Roulette is, as anyone can tell you, a game of pure chance, in which the gambler has no sway whatsoever on the game itself. The croupier spins the wheel, handles the ball, and takes the bets, so the only thing you have to do is place your bet(s) on the roulette table. 

With this in mind, if you’re thinking there’s not much in the way of strategy when it comes to roulette, you’re certainly not entirely wrong. There really is no strategy involved in the game itself – as in spinning the wheel and waiting for the ball to land on your number – but there is some when it comes to the betting.

Here are four simple things to keep in mind to make the most out of any game of roulette. 

Understand How the Betting Works

This is where the actual strategy comes in and knowing the basics of how the betting works is crucial if you are to have any hope of maximizing your chances of winning. Learn about bets like inside and outside bets; corner bets, street bets and snake bets. It’s also a good idea to learn the odds and payout rates for each possible bet.

Bet on Red or Black

Betting on red or black doesn’t pay out a ton (you’ll just double your bet) but with a win rate at 47% to 48% – depending on whether the wheel is American, where it has two green slots, 0 and 00, or European, where it’s just the one green 0 – you’re more likely to actually win on it than pretty much any bet in the casino. Do be careful, though, not to over-bet if you want the game to last and to minimize your losses. Go for smaller bets and if you want to increase your bets, use your winnings, not the money you came in with.

Keep to Your Bankroll

Speaking of which, and this is true for every gambling game out there, sit down at the roulette table with a very specific budget of what you’re willing to spend – or, preferably, what you’re willing to lose – and don’t spend a cent more. This is why it’s especially important to pace yourself with your betting and to play more for fun than to win.   

Vary Your Bets

If you’re not going to bet on a near even bet like red or black then you may want to try putting your money all over the roulette table throughout the night. Varying things will keep the game interesting, which is the main thing here, as it could get repetitive quite quickly if you place the same bet over and over again. It is, however, highly unlikely that doing this will increase your chances of winning – statistically, you’re as likely to win by playing the same thing over and over again as you are by switching it up.