Playing Roulette with a Live Dealer

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It’s the classic casino game that’s instantly recognizable to people all over the world. Roulette was invented hundreds of years ago, but it is still going strong to this day. In fact, it’s more popular than ever thanks to the rise of the internet and online live dealer casinos.

On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about playing live dealer roulette games in the USA. Along with an explanation about how they work, you’ll also find basic rules and strategy. We discuss some of the top casinos for live roulette in the country, along with a step-by-step guide to playing with a live dealer.

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There are also specific details about the diverse forms of online live dealer roulette that you’ll encounter. After reading this guide, you will be ready to get playing roulette with a live dealer online.

How Does Live Roulette Work?

When you enter a live roulette game, you’ll be faced with a live dealer who announces when to place bets. You will place your bet and then watch the dealer drop the ball onto the spinning roulette wheel. The camera shows the ball rattling around on the track before it eventually settles on a number. If your bet covers that number, you will be paid out based on the odds and your stake.

The main difference between live online roulette and virtual versions of the game is that it is run by a human, and it doesn’t rely on RNG. That stands for Random Number Generator, a complex algorithm that makes virtual online casino games fair. It’s completely reliable, but many players enjoy the added authenticity that comes with watching a dealer place the ball.

Roulette is a simple game, and it only has two stages. It begins with betting, and this can continue until the ball has left the outer rim of the wheel before it lands on the track itself. The dealer will then announce that no more bets can be placed. The second stage is waiting to see where the ball lands and the winning bets being paid out.

Playing roulette with live dealers at online casino is like playing in a physical one in the way that it behaves. The main difference is the speed between rounds. The dealer doesn’t have to spend time collecting bets and paying out winnings as this is all done digitally on the screen.

Live Roulette Basics

The gameplay of roulette is so simple, and it’s just a case of seeing where the ball lands. The main thing that you need to know before playing is all the different bets you can place and the odds on these. Then you can assess the value of the payouts and develop a solid strategy for playing.

Check out the table below for all the different bets you can place on roulette. You’ll see their payouts and odds based on whether you’re playing American or European roulette.

BetExplanationAmerican OddsEuropean OddsPayout
Straight UpBet on any single number2.60% 2.70%35:1
SplitAny two numbers5.30%5.40%17:1
TrioThree adjoined numbers7.90%8.10%11:1
StreetThree numbers in a line7.90%8.10%11:1
CornerA bet in the middle of a square of four numbers10.50%10.80%8:1
Five-numberCovers 00, 0, 1, 2, 313.20%13.50%6:1
Double StreetAny six numbers that make two lines15.80%16.20%5:1
Snake BetA bet that covers 1, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, and 3431.58%32.43%2:1
ColumnOne of the three rows of numbers31.60%32.40%2:1
DozenThe first, second, or third dozen of numbers31.60%32.40%2:1
ColorA bet on red or black47.40%48.60%1:1
Odd/ EvenA bet on odd or even numbers47.40%48.60%1:1
High/ LowAny number from 19-36/ Any number from 1-1847.40%48.60%1:1

The house edge for an American roulette wheel is 5.26%, whereas a European roulette wheel has a house edge of 2.6%. This is because the American roulette wheel has a double zero, but the European game has a single zero. The RTP in American roulette is 94.74%, opposed to 97.30% in European roulette.

In land-based casinos in the USA, players often don’t get to choose between an American or a European wheel. They simply must play the American version. When playing online, however, we strongly advise you to search for European games as these have much better odds.

Top Casinos with Live Roulette for USA Players

On this site, you’ll find recommendations for the top live dealer roulette casinos in the USA. The sites we choose have to meet a certain set of criteria, so you can be safe in the knowledge that the ones we list are reliable and regulated.

  • We only recommend sites that are cleared to operate in states where online casinos have been legalized
  • These sites must be licensed and regulated by the relevant authorities
  • They must offer live dealer roulette games for users from the United States
  • They must have a welcome offer without any sneaky stipulations in the terms and conditions.
  • They must have varied payment methods with competitive withdrawal speeds.

How to Play Online Roulette with a Live Dealer | Step by Step

If you’re already tempted to get playing live roulette with a real dealer, you can do so in a few simple steps. Follow the numbered guide below to see how easy it is to get started.

  1. Make sure you are in one of the six US states in which online casinos are allowed to operate. These are Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
  2. Check our reviews and discover the top-rated online casinos for live roulette. Choose one and navigate to the home page.
  3. Make sure you activate the welcome offer and sign up using accurate credentials. The site will have to verify your details and if something is incorrect you may find your account restricted.
  4. Deposit some funds using your desired payment method.
  5. Find the live casino tab and check if there is an additional category for roulette games. Sometimes they have their own section. At a few sites, though, they are interspersed with other table offerings.
  6. Choose your favorite roulette game.
  7. Read the rules to familiarize yourself with the game.
  8. Place a bet on an outcome of your choice.
  9. Watch while the dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball onto the track.
  10. If you win, your winnings will be paid out immediately.
  11. Play again or walk away.
  12. Some sites will allow you to place a limit on the amount you can bet.

Some sites offer a chat feature so you can communicate with the dealer. This can be handy if you want to check the odds of a bet. If you win some money, you can then leave the live roulette section and go to your account. From there, simply select “withdraw” to get the funds out of the casino and into your account.

Please note that if you have won money from a welcome offer, the winnings may be subject to wagering requirements. This means that you need to bet the winnings a certain number of times before you can withdraw them. Read the terms and conditions carefully before you accept an online casino offer.

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Why Play Live Roulette with a Live Dealer?

There are countless reasons why people choose to play live online roulette with a real dealer. In fact, it has become the preferred way of playing online and live options have usurped the virtual games in terms of popularity. Here are a few of the main aspects that make live roulette such a much-loved pastime:

  • Real casino feel
  • Impressive show
  • Numerous wagering options
  • Streaming in HD
  • Multiple tables to choose from
  • Professional and well-trained live dealers
  • Access to welcome bonuses and VIP schemes
  • Can be played from anywhere in legalized gambling states

Some would say that live roulette is even better than playing it in a physical casino. Read on to discover what we concluded after comparing the two forms of play side by side.

Live Roulette vs. Land-Based Roulette

There are plenty of similarities between live roulette and regular land-based roulette, but there are also several differences. In the tables below, we’ll go through some of the main pros and cons of each form of roulette.

Land-based Roulette

ProsCons
Face to face dealer actionLack of variety
Real casino feel and atmosphereCan be busy around the table
Waiter service for food and drinksLack of welcome offers
Easy to cash in chipsMay only be able to play American version in the USA
Can walk to different tablesHave to travel to the casino

Live Roulette

ProsCons
Face to face dealer actionNo waiter service
Plenty of varietyCashing in chips can take longer
Access to European versionLittle social interaction
Sense of casino atmosphereAwareness of separation through a screen
Plenty of offers and promotionsCan’t look around at other tables

When comparing the pros and cons of live roulette and the land-based version of the game, it’s clear that they both have their strengths and weaknesses. It could be argued, however, that live roulette slightly edges it. There is much more variety, and the games are more accessible in an internet setting.

One of the main draws for online roulette players is the wealth of offers and promotions available. Along with welcome offers upon joining a site, members can get access to daily and weekly promotions. Land-based casinos usually don’t have these lucrative deals because the competition isn’t as fierce in an offline setting.

Live Roulette Bonuses

There are numerous bonuses that you’ll only ever find when playing online roulette with a live dealer. By taking advantage of welcome offers and VIP schemes, you can get a lot of bang for your buck at online casinos.

The most common bonus you’ll come across online is a deposit match up to a certain percentage. This is a welcome offer that has the power to double the money that you initially invest. For example, Betway online casino is offering a welcome bonus of 100% up to $1000. You simply need to deposit between $10 and $1000 and the company will double it for you.

It’s always a good idea to read the terms and conditions of these bonuses first, though, as there are sometimes sneaky stipulations in the small print. Usually, if you win money with the bonus funds you will have to wager it a certain number of times before you can withdraw it. We try to only recommend casinos that are transparent about how their bonuses work.

Keep an eye out for loyalty schemes at different online casinos in the USA too. For instance, Bovada Casino has a loyalty program that allows you to collect points while you play. For every $10 wagered on live roulette, you’ll earn two points. These points can later be redeemed for cash to use on the games.

Playin Live Roulette on Mobile

You can play live dealer roulette from a desktop or on mobile. Many players now choose to log on from their smartphone or tablet, and this has led developers to improve their offerings for these devices. Obviously, everything is a bit smaller on mobile, but it still offers all the same functionalities.

The best live casino provider in the business is Evolution, and its games can be found at most online casinos in the USA. The company doesn’t create any products that use RNG and has instead put all its focus into live dealer options for mobile and desktop. Some of the other great developers for mobile live roulette games include Playtech, Extreme Gaming, NetEnt, and Microgaming.

Live dealer roulette games on mobile offer a smooth and comfortable experience. You can see the dealer operating the game, but you also have all the betting options clearly laid out in front of you. There is not much difference these days between playing on mobile or on desktop.

Different Roulette Versions

There are a few enticing deviations of roulette that you’ll come across when playing at online casinos in the USA, and it’s helpful to know what each of them offers. Check out the brief descriptions of some of the top games below. You can also find our more detailed guides on each of these games if you need more information.

Lightning Roulette

Lightning Roulette is a game specifically designed for live dealer roulette sites. It uses the classic French rules but has a few features that add to the experience. Every round is lightning quick, meaning that you place many bets in a short space of time. There is also the opportunity for huge multipliers of up to 500x your bet.

Double Ball Roulette

Double ball roulette is another twist on the classic game, with two balls in play. The balls are fired onto the wheel using a special launch tube with compressed air, and at some casinos players have the chance to set the balls off themselves.

With two balls in play, you have a better chance of winning. However, the payouts have been adjusted accordingly, and you won’t receive the same returns as you would in a normal game.

American

The American version of roulette has a double zero instead of a single zero. This increases the house edge because there is less chance of landing a red or black bet. The payouts for other bets are the same as European roulette as well, despite their being an extra numbered slot on the wheel.

French

French roulette is a close relative of European roulette, and it uses one green pocket numbered zero. The main difference is that the betting surface uses a slightly altered layout.

Immersive Roulette

Immersive roulette is the classic form of the game, but with a more cinematic feel. You get to see a close up of the ball in 200 frames-per-second HD video. There’s even an instant, slow motion replay after the ball has landed in its final resting position. This game brings you closer to the roulette wheel than you ever thought was possible.

Responsible Gambling

The main reason to play live dealer online roulette should always be to have fun. Gambling is not a viable way to make money, and you have just as much chance of losing as winning. Before you start playing, it’s wise to give yourself a few ground rules. Here are some ideas to help you play safely:

  • Set yourself a daily or weekly bankroll limit and don’t exceed it.
  • Set a target amount that you are happy to lose or win and walk away when you hit it.
  • Tell friends that you are playing and ask them to help you out if it becomes a problem – this can safeguard you as your mindset may change from when you start gambling to when you get caught up in it.
  • Use features on the site that limit the amount you can bet each week.

If playing online casino games ever stops being fun or you believe you have a problem, there are helplines that you can call. In the USA the best option is to contact the National Council on Problem Gambling. Refer to the table below for the ways to contact this service.

Call1-800-522-4700
Live Chatncpgambling.org/chat
Text1-800-522-4700

Live Roulette FAQs

Is live online roulette safe and regulated?

All the sites that we recommend are safe and regulated. They have security protocols such as SSL certificates, encryption, and multi-factor authentication in place. They also have licenses from their respective states. Before you play live roulette online USA, make sure you read some reviews about the site you are using.

Is live online roulette available throughout the USA?

No, you can only play live online roulette in states where online casinos have been legalized. There are six states in the USA that allow online casinos. These are Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Are the welcome bonuses for live roulette online worthwhile?

Most of the time, welcome bonuses are highly beneficial for players as they give you some free playing money to use before you invest your own. However, you need to check the terms and conditions to see what the stipulations are. You will usually have to wager your winnings a certain number of times before you can withdraw them.

Is it easy to withdraw my live dealer roulette winnings?

It is easy to withdraw your online live roulette winnings, but pay-out times vary depending on the banking method that you select. Be sure to check the help section at the site you are playing at for more information on pay-out speeds.

Why is live online roulette better than virtual roulette?

The great thing about live online roulette is that it is operated by humans, rather than technology. That means there’s no RNG involved, and you can observe the dealer’s actions when shuffling or spinning the wheel. It also offers an authentic casino atmosphere.

Do different online casinos have different odds for the same roulette games?

Online casinos use a lot of the same games that have been made by the top developers in the business. These titles have the same odds regardless of where you play them. Diverse forms of roulette sometimes have different odds, however. For example, American roulette has a higher house edge than European roulette.