Roulette is a casino game of chance where players bet on the outcome of a spin. The result of the spin is determined by a rotating wheel containing thirty-six pockets or divisions numbered from 1 to 36 and alternately red and black, with one green pocket labelled 0 on European tables and two on American ones marked 00.
The game was originally invented in France by mathematician Blaise Pascal but it has since become popular all over the world. It is now played in casinos and gambling houses, as well as in online casinos.
Rules and betting options
A player must place a bet before the ball is spun, based on where it will land on a mat. There are a variety of “inside” bets, where players can bet on numbers and ranges of pockets based on their position, and there are also “outside” bets, where a player can bet on various combinations of odd or even numbers, red or black.
Payouts and house edges
The odds of winning a single number are 37 to 1 while the payout for a combination bet is 35 to 1. This discrepancy gives the house an edge of 2.63 percent on an American double zero wheel and 5.26 percent on a European single zero wheel.
Despite the high house edge, it is still possible to win at roulette if you know the odds and play well. It is very important to understand the minimum and maximum bet limits in order to avoid losing too much money.
If you are a new player to the game of roulette, it is best to start with a low limit bet and gradually increase your stakes until you have a bankroll that is sufficient for the amount of money you wish to spend. Then, you can decide whether to play online or in a live dealer casino.