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Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world. The game is based on luck and has many betting options, making it easy for beginners to play and rewarding for experienced players. But there are some things you should know before playing this fast-paced game.
Before the wheel is spun, the player places chips on the table on the desired number or type of bet. The chips are placed on a special mat with precise markings, indicating the bet being made. Bets on six numbers or less are known as inside bets, while those on 12 or more are called outside bets. Each type of bet pays out differently and has a different probability of winning.
Once the bets are placed, the croupier will spin the wheel and throw a ball into one of the pockets on the table. The game is then over, and winning bets are paid out. Losing bets are removed from the table, and the dealer will announce, “no more bets!” to close the betting for that round.
The roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with thirty-six compartments painted alternately red and black. A ten-sided green compartment, referred to as a canoe by roulette croupiers, is also present on European-style wheels; while American-style wheels have two additional green compartments that carry the symbols 0 and 00. A metal rim surrounds the roulette wheel, and a spindle supports the wheelhead at its center.
While the game is played purely on chance, there are some strategies that can help you make better decisions when placing your bets. First, establish the size of a betting unit based on your available bankroll. Then, place your bets in a sequence that will maximize your chances of winning. If you are new to the game, start by wagering on “outside bets” which cover groups of numbers instead of individual digits. This strategy is usually cheaper and more profitable.
