Roulette is a game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. It is easy to play, but offers a surprising depth for serious betters who use the right strategy to reap high rewards. This article will explore the basics of this popular game, and provide a simple guide to betting, odds, payouts and more.
The wheel of Roullete consists of a circular disk, slightly convex in shape, with 36 compartments, or pockets, numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. A further two green compartments marked 0 and 00 appear on American wheels only. A ball is spun around the outside of the bowl, and when it comes to rest in one of the divisions a number is assigned to the player’s chip.
Each Roulette table features a betting board/Felt and a wheel. The betting board displays all the possible bets you can make, and the wheel will determine the outcome of each round played. The payouts for winning bets are also displayed on the board.
A Straight-Up bet is a wager on an individual number. You place your chips in the desired number box on the betting board/Felt, and win if the ball lands on that specific number. You must bet at least 40 chips for a straight-up bet. You can also bet on a split bet, which is placed between two numbers. You win if either of the two numbers is the winner.
Another popular bet is the Column or Dozen bet. You place your chips in the first, second or third ’12’ sections on the betting board/Felt and win if the ball lands on any of these numbers. This bet is very popular, especially in Europe where the number 7 is associated with many theories and has become known as a lucky number.
Many players think they can ‘game the system’ by watching published wheel results and placing bets accordingly. However, probability states that the odds of a particular number showing up remain the same regardless of previous spins or outcomes. This is why it is important to remember that Roulette is a game of chance, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Also, be sure to set a budget before entering the casino and always practice responsible gambling.