How to Navigate Roulette Side Bets Like a Pro

min read
An extreme closeup of various bets placed on different numbers on a casino roulette table.
BetMGM Jul 15, 2024, 10:32 AM

The steepest learning curve for new roulette players is becoming familiar with all the different ways to bet on the game. Among all online casino games, roulette has perhaps the greatest amount of jargon and the best varieties of wagers.

While that’s part of what makes the game so popular, it can also be intimidating for less experienced players. The diversity of bets not only includes the traditional wagers but side bets as well.

Roulette side bets can turn one play into a huge win if you are extremely fortunate. At the same time, they can turn what might be a win into a loss. Luck plays a huge role in those outcomes, as does your knowledge of the game.

Side Bets Are Types of Roulette Bets

There is one thing all casino table games have in common; before the action takes place, all players must place their wagers. You must bet where the ball will land on the wheel in roulette.

There are numerous ways to do so, but that is considered a standard bet in roulette. Side bets kick the action up a notch.

The main difference between side bets and standard bets is that players can place side bets after making their traditional wagers. You must place your standard bet first; the side bet is a separate wager on the same wheel spin.

Many of the side bets have longer odds than some of the traditional wagers. That makes it essential to learn about the most common side bets while learning how to play roulette on BetMGM. This legal roulette casino is one of the best on the market not only to learn how to play roulette but also experiment with a huge variety of different roulette games.

Common Side Bets in Roulette

While side bet options vary from one roulette variant to the next, some common examples can clue less experienced players into how things work.

One side bet option is the Lucky Ball side bet. In roulette games that allow for it, you can place a separate wager on one of four slots, all of which have a distinct color.

After all the bets are in, the game randomly assigns a number on the wheel to each color. If the ball lands on the number associated with the color you wagered on, you win your side bet.

Payouts for this wager can be as high as 120:1. The risk is appropriately high, as you need the ball to land on a specific slot on the wheel and you don’t know which slot that will be until after you’ve made your bet.

It’s negotiating that reward and risk that separates the amateurs from the pros when it comes to roulette side bets.

Calculating the Value of Side Bets in Roulette

Your odds of winning only change based on the circumstances of your bets. If your bet is more likely to win, your odds will improve. If you make a less probable wager, your potential payout gets bigger.

Therefore, managing your bankroll is all about using it to maximize your potential wins while minimizing your losses. The only way to do that is to take calculated risks when the opportunity arises.

For example, you might want to start with some less risky bets to see if you can string together a few wins. Then, if you manage to build up your bankroll, you can take a bigger risk knowing that even if you lose, you could still end the game having broken even.

That is when these side bets enter into your strategy, as they can really help you capitalize on a run of good luck. You might want to think carefully about placing them any other time, however, as that could equate to chasing losses.

Refusing to chase losses is one of the hallmarks of responsible and winning gambling. Another is utilizing BetMGM promotions to your advantage. New players at BetMGM can deploy their casino welcome bonus to assist them in learning about roulette side bets as it will minimize their risk. There’s no better way to become a master of roulette side bets than to gain the necessary experience.

You can register for BetMGM, pick your roulette game, and start building that experience today. In no time, your friends will be asking you how to make side bets on roulette.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
About the Author

BetMGM

Read More

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.