The Most Common Roulette Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
For centuries, the roulette wheel has been a source of fascination, with Kiwis placing their bets and eagerly anticipating the satisfying clatter of the ball and the reveal of the winning number.
However, even this marvellous game has its rules, and mistakes can happen. Just like any game, roulette blunders can be costly. We'll go over the top roulette mistakes that Kiwi players often make, how to steer clear of them, and what's truly the best way to play roulette for maximum enjoyment.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Wheel – American vs. European
When you play online roulette in New Zealand, you'll encounter different wheel variations, with the most common being the American and European versions. While these online casino games share identical rules, bet types, and payouts, there's a crucial difference. The European wheel features 37 pockets, whereas the American wheel has 38, thanks to an extra '00' pocket. This seemingly small detail makes a significant impact.
In European roulette, your odds of winning a straight-up bet are 1 in 37. In contrast, the American version offers longer odds at 1 in 38, even though most NZ online casinos list the payout as 1:35 for both wheels. That extra pocket on the American wheel directly increases the house edge. This results in a higher house edge of 5.24% compared to the European wheel's 2.70%. That's a huge difference for games that otherwise use the same rules, bets, and payouts.
For savvy players in New Zealand, the European version often isn't even the best option. Always aim for the French wheel if available, which boasts a tantalisingly low 1.35% house edge, despite using the same layout and rules as the European game. The key lies in the French wheel's favourable 'La Partage' and 'En Prison' rules, which significantly reduce the house edge on even-money bets. Unfortunately, most online casinos don't offer this version, but it's worth keeping an eye out for.
Mistake #2: Relying Solely 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. This is understandable, as these bets offer nearly a 50% chance of winning. To be precise, you're looking at 48.60% odds on the European wheel and 47.40% on the American version. These are decent odds, but they won't make you rich.
However, statistically, players will still lose money over time, even when sticking to even-money bets in roulette. The casino will always have a slight edge. Therefore, using even-money bets is fine for registering small wins here and there or for enjoying longer play sessions. But don't expect to dramatically boost your bankroll solely with these bets.
Mistake #3: Playing Without a Strategy (or the Wrong Kind)
You'll find many articles advising roulette players to use betting systems to supposedly improve their chances of winning. The reality is that many of these 'gurus' offer false hope, akin to snake oil salesmen. A betting system doesn't improve your odds of winning per spin; it's more about bankroll management. It won't magically change the game's inherent probabilities.
However, incorporating a betting system into your overall bankroll management strategy can be beneficial. Take the Martingale system, for example, which suggests doubling your stake after each loss. If you have a budget of, say, $500 NZD for a session, start with a low base amount like $1 or $5 to give the system room to endure a losing streak.
Here's a simplified example using the Martingale approach:
- 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, you're up $5 (original bet covered + profit).
- Return to your initial $5 bet.
As you can see, this strategy aims to recover lost wagers with a single win. It works best when applied to even-money bets. However, using a betting system like Martingale requires a substantial bankroll to withstand prolonged losing streaks. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
Mistake #4: Not Setting Clear Bankroll Limits
Many beginners jump into online casino sessions without a budget. They might check their wallets and play when the mood strikes. However, failing to budget for your roulette play means you might not track wins or losses effectively. Remember, responsible gambling in New Zealand means betting only money you can comfortably 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 betting strategies effectively. Expert players often suggest having a bankroll size that's at least 1,000 times your standard bet. So, if you typically bet $1, aim for at least a $1,000 bankroll, although $500 would be a reasonable starting point for $1 bets.
Don't forget to set stop-loss and win limits. A stop-loss limit is the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session. For example, on a $1,000 bankroll, you might set a 20% stop-loss, meaning you call it a day after losing $200. Equally important is setting a win limit – know when to quit while you're ahead!
Mistake #5: Ignoring Online Casino Bonuses
One significant advantage for online casino players in New Zealand compared to land-based ones is the abundance of bonuses and promotions. Top online roulette casinos often welcome newcomers with tempting offers like match deposit bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and reload bonuses. Loyal players can also expect regular cashback deals and invitations to exciting tournaments.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Mobile Compatibility: A decent online roulette site should allow players to play on the go by providing a mobile version or app.
- 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.
- 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 Kiwis make?
Mistakes in roulette include playing without knowing the rules, betting without a strategy, chasing losses, relying on hunches, and choosing the wrong roulette game. It's crucial to understand the game before placing your bets.
How can I avoid making mistakes in roulette?
To play roulette successfully, players should learn the game's rules, develop a betting strategy, set limits, focus on odds rather than gut feelings, and pick the right roulette version. Responsible gambling is key.
Are there any strategies to avoid common roulette mistakes?
Players can manage their bankroll and make informed bets using strategies like the Martingale, Fibonacci, and D'Alembert systems. However, remember that no strategy guarantees a win. Always gamble responsibly.
Is it common for new players to make mistakes in roulette?
Yes, new players often make errors because they are unfamiliar with the game's rules, betting strategies, and odds. Kiwis can reduce the chance of mistakes by learning the game and using effective strategies. Always set a budget and stick to it.
What are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid in roulette?
Never chase losses, believe in myths, or play a roulette version with a higher house edge, such as American roulette. To improve your chances of winning at roulette, focus on learning the rules, setting limits, and playing European or French roulette. Remember, gambling should be fun!
