The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is a casino game with a long history that provides glamour, mystery and excitement for players. While the rules of roulette are relatively simple, the game offers a surprising level of depth for serious bettors who understand how to play with a proper strategy.
A Roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape, around which are metal compartments (called frets by croupiers) numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36 in alternate black and red colors, with an extra green zero division on American wheels. The numbers form a 12-point symmetrical diamond pattern and the high-red and low-black sections balance each other out to make up one of the game’s twelve “dozens”.
Prior to spinning the wheel, players place their chips on a betting mat in precise locations indicating what they are betting on. The player then pushes a button, which spins the wheel and causes the ball to come to rest in one of the compartments. When a number hits, the player’s bets are paid out. The payouts are based on the type of bet made.
Bets are placed in one of two categories: inside bets and outside bets. Inside bets consist of a single number, various groupings of numbers, odd or even, or whether the number is high or low. Outside bets cover a larger area of the table and include all the numbers except for the zero. The two types of bets are based on the probability that a particular number will win.
Before playing, it is recommended to establish a bankroll and decide on the size of your bets. This is the best way to maximize your profits. It is also a good idea to choose a Roulette table that allows you to bet within your budget. Each Roulette table carries a placard with information on the minimum and maximum bets that are allowed.
Unlike some online casino games, Roulette is played against a human dealer. The dealer handles the bets and pays out wins in real-time. Players can choose between European and American Roulette, but the latter tends to have a higher house edge than the former. Look for tables that offer the La Partage rule, which lowers the house edge to 1.35% on all bets.
There are many online casinos that provide roulette for players to enjoy. Some have a live dealer and others do not. The live dealer version of the game has advantages over the other types because it provides more interaction between the players and the croupier.