Roulette, or Roullete as it is known in France, is a game that has long been the star attraction in many casinos and gambling dens around the world. The game consists of a spinning wheel with 36 compartments, each containing red and black slots alternately as well as a green one. The compartments are numbered in a non-consecutive order from 1 to 36, while the green slot on European wheels carries the number zero and the double zero on American wheels.
Players place their bets on the table, placing their chips into the corresponding number or section of the table. The croupier then throws a ball into the wheel and if any of the bets are successful, the player is paid out according to their betting odds. These include the single numbers, various groupings of numbers, whether they are odd or even, and whether they are high or low (1-18, 19-36). Outside bets also pay out based on the varying probability of winning such as first, second or third dozen.
While there are numerous theories about the origin of Roulette, 17th century French physicist Blaise Pascal is most widely credited for creating the game. He is said to have invented it while attempting to create a machine that would demonstrate perpetual motion. Other theories about the game’s creation point to Ancient China or Dominican monks.
While there are many ways that people try to cheat at roulette, it is not easy and casinos have a number of legal mechanisms they can use to stop players from using certain techniques. However, some players are not concerned with the legal nuances and will do whatever they can to win.