Roulette is one of the most popular casino games and has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a game that is easy enough for the beginner to understand and has a surprising depth for the serious player. In this article we will break down the basics of Roullete to help you play it better and increase your chances of winning.
In a nutshell, the game of roulette involves spinning a ball around a wheel to predict which slot it will land in. Players place bets by laying down chips on a designated betting mat, the precise location of the chips indicating the bet being made. Bets on six numbers or less are called “Inside bets” while those on 12 or more are referred to as “Outside bets”. The game is based on luck, and it’s a very popular table game at online and brick and mortar casinos worldwide.
Fanciful stories abound about the origin of roulette, including that it was invented in the 17th century by French mathematician Blaise Pascal as part of his quest to create a perpetual motion machine. However, it wasn’t until about 1790 that the modern roulette wheel and table layout became the standard for European gambling houses and casinos.
The roulette wheel consists of a solid, slightly convex wooden disk with a metal outer edge. On the surface, it’s painted alternately red and black. Around the perimeter are metal compartments (called separators or frets by roulette croupiers) that hold thirty-six black and red balls, numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. On European-style wheels, a green compartment carries the number 0. On American roulette wheels, there are two additional green pockets marked 00.
A ball is spun around the wheel until it comes to rest in one of the numbered slots. The wheel is then tilted and the dealer will place a marker on the winning bet, removing losing bets from the table in the process. Once the winning bet is identified, the dealer will pay out the winnings and clear off the table. Regardless of your win, it’s wise to stay within your budget and not dip into your winnings for future bets.