The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is a casino game of chance with a long history of glamour, mystery and excitement. But despite its reputation as a game of pure luck, roulette offers a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters, and the right approach can reap high rewards. This article will walk you through the basics of this classic game, so you can play with confidence at any online casino or land-based casino site in the US.
The roulette game is played on a table with numbered slots from 1 to 36, one or two zeros and several other divisions that afford players a variety of betting options. A revolving wheel containing the compartments is spun and a small ball is dropped into one of them. Bets are placed on either a single number or various groupings of numbers, whether they’re red or black, odd or even, and if the number is high (between 19-36) or low (1-18).
There are many fanciful stories surrounding the origin of the roulette wheel and game. Some credit the 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, while others claim that it was adapted from the older games of hoca and portique. Whatever its true origin, the roulette game quickly gained popularity in Europe.
Most modern versions of the roulette game are played with a spinning wheel and a bowl-shaped container that contains the balls. The wheel has a series of divisions that alternate between red and black, as well as a single green 0 on American tables.
The most common bets in roulette are called outside bets and include the classic bets on red or black, as well as an odd or even wager. These bets have a relatively low house edge and pay out a higher amount when they win, making them ideal for beginners who want to maximize their chances of winning.
Inside bets, on the other hand, have a much higher house edge and are riskier than outside bets. They’re typically placed on a specific section of the roulette wheel and pay out less when they win.
When playing the game, set a budget before you start betting and stick to it. Each table carries a placard that explains the minimum and maximum bets permitted, so you can choose the best option for your bankroll. It’s also important to understand how each type of bet works, including the odds and payouts. For example, a straight bet pays out 35 to 1, while an outside bet on the number 1 pays out 5 to 1. The difference in payouts between these two bets is what gives roulette its famously high house edge. To minimize this, make sure to play the game only at reputable online casinos that offer La Partage and En Prison rules, which lower the house edge on even money bets to just 1.35%. This is far better than the 2.70% you’ll find at most other tables.