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The Most Common Roulette Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Last updated: 21.11.2025
Emily Thompson
Published by:Emily Thompson
The Most Common Roulette Mistakes and How to Avoid Them image

For centuries, the allure of the roulette wheel has captivated players as they place their bets and anxiously await the exhilarating sound of the clattering ball and the reveal of the winning number.

However, even this marvellous game has its rules, and mistakes can happen. Just like in any game, roulette blunders can be costly. We'll go over the top roulette mistakes, how to avoid them, and what's truly the best way to play roulette in Singapore.

Mistake #1: Playing on the American Wheel

Online roulette games come in different formats, with the most common being the American and European versions. These games use similar rules, bets, and payouts. The key difference lies in the wheel: the European version has 37 numbered pockets, while the American wheel has 38, due to the inclusion of an extra '00' pocket.

In European roulette, the odds of winning a straight-up bet are 1 in 37. In the American version, these odds are slightly longer at 1 in 38, yet many online casinos offer payouts of 1 in 35 for both wheels. The additional pocket on the American wheel significantly increases the house edge. The American wheel has a house edge of 5.26%, compared to the European wheel's 2.70%. That's a substantial difference for games that otherwise share the same rules, bets, and payouts.

Surprisingly, the European version isn't even the best option. For the best odds, always opt for the French wheel, which offers a favourable house edge of just 1.35%. It uses the same layout and rules as the European game but incorporates the player-friendly 'La Partage' and 'En Prison' rules. Keep in mind that many online casinos in Singapore may not offer this specific version.

Mistake #2: Over-relying on Even Money Bets

It's common for beginners to pin their hopes on even-money wagers like odd/even, high/low, or red/black. These bets offer an almost 50% chance of winning, specifically 48.60% on the European wheel and 47.40% on the American version.

However, statistically, players are still likely to lose money even if they stick exclusively to even-money bets. The casino will still win more often than not, which isn't great for your bankroll. While these bets are good for landing small wins occasionally, don't expect them to significantly boost your winnings in Singapore.

Mistake #3: Not Using a Strategy Wisely

You'll come across many articles advising roulette players to use betting systems to enhance their winning chances. However, these systems don't actually improve the odds of winning; they are more about bankroll management than a guaranteed winning strategy.

That said, incorporating a betting system into your bankroll management plan can be beneficial. Consider the Martingale system, which suggests doubling your stake after each loss. If you have a daily budget of, say, $500, setting a small base amount like $1 or $5 gives the system room to withstand a losing streak.

Here's an example:

  • Bet $5 and lose (down $5).
  • Bet $10 and lose (down $15).
  • Bet $20 and lose (down $35).
  • Bet $40 and lose (down $75).
  • Bet $80 and win (up $5).
  • Revert to the initial $5 bet.

As you can see, this strategy aims to recover lost wagers with a single win. It can be even more effective with two consecutive wins. However, using such a system requires a substantial bankroll to endure a series of losses. It's also best applied to even-money bets.

Mistake #4: Not Setting Clear Bankroll Limits

Many beginners don't budget for their casino sessions, simply playing when they feel like it. This approach can lead to trouble. Setting a budget for your roulette play ensures you track your wins and losses. Remember, responsible gambling means betting only what you can afford to lose.

While good bankroll management is crucial, don't expect to win big with a small budget. As mentioned earlier, you'll need a considerable bankroll to implement your betting strategies effectively.Expert players often recommend having a bankroll that's at least 1,000 times your standard bet size. So, if you're betting $1 per spin, aim for at least $1,000. Even a $500 bankroll for $1 bets would be a good start.

Don't forget to set stop-loss and win limits. A stop-loss limit is the maximum you're willing to lose. For example, you could set a 20% stop-loss on your $1,000 budget, meaning you stop playing after losing $200. Likewise, it's wise to stop playing once you've reached a certain win goal. Quit while you're ahead!

Mistake #5: Missing Out on Online Casino Bonuses

One significant advantage online casino players in Singapore have over those who play at physical casinos is the availability of numerous bonuses and promotions. The best online roulette casinos welcome new players with match deposit bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and reload bonuses. Loyal players can also expect regular cashback offers and tournament invitations.

As a new roulette player, squeeze every coin out of these promotions. The thing is that playing roulette online can be expensive, with an average player making at least 300 spins per hour. And the more spins you play each hour, the more you lose, thanks to the house edge. Fortunately, online casino bonuses can help prolong your bankroll by allowing you to place free online roulette bets.

But whichever bonus you claim, always remember to read the terms and conditions. Some casinos can give players unrealistic wagering requirements, like a 70x playthrough requirement for a $500 deposit bonus. Also, the casino can specify the qualifying games, bonus validity period, and maximum bet limits.

Mistake #6: Not Playing Live Casino Games

Beginners are often in a hurry to play roulette games, and RNG titles serve them well. Although there’s no harm in playing RNG games, live roulette titles offer something unique. Social players will undoubtedly enjoy chatting with the dealer and other players for a more life-like experience. Live variants also have in-game stats for hot and cold bets/numbers, results history, and more.

With that in mind, the best live roulette titles are from Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Microgaming, Ezugi, and NetEnt. These games boast sharp HD or 4K graphics and multiplier values to boost payouts. Evolution’s XXXtreme Lightning Roulette is an excellent example, boosting payouts by up to 2,000x. Playtech’s Quantum Roulette is another option with a maximum multiplier of 500x.

But don’t be greedy, because these multipliers mainly apply to the hard-to-hit straight-up bets, which come with longer odds. In addition to that, live casino games often don’t qualify for bonus use. So, play these games for fun like someone inside a land-based casino. Note that the minimum bet limits can be as low as $0.10.

Mistake #7: Chasing Losses

This guidepost discussed playing online roulette with betting systems like Martingale, Paroli, Fibonacci, and more. But don’t let these betting systems dictate your gameplay. Some players keep hoping that the next wager might result in a win and help them reduce their losses with a win or two.

That’s a dangerous roulette mistake because nothing is certain. No one, including the dealer, is sure if the next bet will result in a win. Roulette is a luck-based game, so each number has a 50:50 chance of appearing in a spin. For this reason, know when to stop playing and try your luck the next day. Having a stop-loss limit will undoubtedly help you with this.

Mistake #8: Playing at the Wrong Online Casino

Last but definitely not the least mistake that beginners make is playing at the wrong casino. The iGaming industry is full of scam gambling sites that lure unsuspecting players with big bonuses and extensive game libraries. Players will only realize when it’s too late after the casino has rigged them out or the website has refused to pay their winnings.

Thankfully, you can sniff a scam casino from afar. Confirm if the website is legal in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Sweden, Malta, Gibraltar, and Curacao to avoid falling victim to casino scams. These countries have strict regulatory bodies that ensure all licensed casinos offer their players free, fair, and transparent services.

Once you confirm that an online casino is legal in your country, check out its background. Visit platforms like AskGamblers.com and Trustpilot to see how players comment on the casino’s services, like payouts, support, bonuses, and more. And yes, you can pick one from the well-researched options here at OnlineCasino Rank.

Avoiding Common Roulette Mistakes

Here are some very important roulette tips to avoid these types of mistakes:

  1. Learning the Rules: Players must spend some time familiarizing themselves with the game's rules and odds before they put any money on the line. Informed decision-making is the key to saving money, which will help players throughout the process.
  2. Developing a Betting Strategy: Players need roulette strategies to keep their spending under control. Although the Martingale, Fibonacci, and D'Alembert methods enjoy widespread use, it's essential to remember that relying on betting systems won't always ensure success.
  3. Setting Limits: It's important to decide how much money a player wants to spend without going over it. That way, players won't be tempted to chase their losses and can relax and enjoy roulette online without worrying about going broke.
  4. Focusing on Probability, Not Superstition: It's important to remember that the new spins have no effect on any previous ones. Players should make choices based on statistics and likelihood, not on logical errors.
  5. Choosing the Right Roulette Variant: European and French roulette are more appropriate than American roulette due to the lower house edge. In the long term, this will improve the player's odds of winning.

How to Choose the Best Online Roulette Sites

Before wrapping up these tips and tricks, here's the right way to choose the best online roulette site to enjoy a bunch of roulette games:

  1. Licensing and Regulation: Players must always ensure sure a trustworthy gambling authority, like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority, has issued the online roulette casino with the appropriate licenses and regulations before playing for real money.
  2. Game Variety: European, French, and American roulette games are all available at reputable online casinos. However, there should also be other original and creative variations of roulette.
  3. Mobile Compatibility: A decent online roulette site should allow players to play on the go by providing a mobile version or app.
  4. Bonuses and Promotions: Although the motto here is "safety first", casinos should also provide bonuses and promotions to make the experience more exciting. Among the bonuses we expect are cashback, deposit bonuses, and no-deposit bonuses.
  5. Customer Support: It would be best to go to a site with excellent client service in case of any queries or problems. Plus, customer support nowadays can be available in multiple languages.

Conclusion

In sum, roulette is an exciting gambling game that can keep players entertained for hours. Players can improve their gambling experience and their odds of winning by learning about the most common roulette errors and taking measures to prevent them.

To play roulette online properly, players must choose the right online casino, learn the rules, and also practice enough to enjoy the game to the fullest.

FAQ

What are some of the most common roulette mistakes?

Common mistakes in roulette include playing without understanding the rules, betting without a clear strategy, attempting to recover losses, relying on unfounded assumptions, and choosing the wrong roulette game variant.

How can I avoid making mistakes in roulette?

To play roulette successfully and minimise errors, players should thoroughly familiarise themselves with the game's rules, develop a betting strategy, set personal limits, prioritise statistical odds over mere belief, and select the most suitable roulette version for their play style.

Are there any strategies to avoid making common roulette mistakes?

Players can manage their bankroll more effectively and make informed bets using strategies such as the Martingale, Fibonacci, and D'Alembert systems. However, it is crucial to remember that no strategy guarantees a win in roulette.

Is it common for new players to make mistakes in roulette?

Yes, it is quite common for new or inexperienced players to make costly errors. This often stems from a lack of familiarity with the game's rules, betting strategies, or the underlying odds. By dedicating time to study the game and implement effective strategies, players can significantly reduce the likelihood of making such mistakes.

What are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid in roulette?

Among the most significant errors players make are chasing losses, believing in common myths, or opting for roulette variations with a higher house edge, such as American roulette. To improve their chances of success at roulette, players should concentrate on three key aspects: understanding the rules, setting strict limits, and choosing to play European or French roulette.

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