The game of Roullete – French for wheel of fortune – has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Though it may seem simple enough, roulette has a surprising level of depth for serious betters and the right strategy can reap high rewards.
Fanciful theories of its origin include those attributed to 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, by Dominican monks, or even the Chinese. What is known is that by the early 1800s, the game had a solid footing in casinos and gambling houses throughout Europe.
A Roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with 36 equally spaced divisions marked from 1 to 36 in alternating red and black and with one additional green division labelled 0 on American tables. The Roulette table (aka the layout) also has a series of symmetrical divisions which determines the order in which the chips must be placed for each type of bet.
Each type of bet is governed by its own odds and payouts. Outside bets – those placed on groups of numbers – pay less than inside bets and have a lower probability of winning. The most common outside bet is on the Dozens which pays 2-1 and consists of betting on either the first, second or third dozen. Each of these bets is defined by its own symmetrical division on the roulette table and has a different payout.
Inside bets, on the other hand, are much easier to win. They consist of bets on individual numbers which must match a specific pattern in order to win. This makes them an ideal bet for beginners to the game and has helped to keep the house edge low compared with other roulette bets.
The size, weight and material of the ball used in roulette also has an impact on the overall odds. For example, a small, light ceramic ball moves faster on the wheel track and jumps more unpredictably before landing on a number than a larger, heavier ivory ball.
Before you start playing roulette, it is important to decide on a bankroll. A good way to do this is to set a percentage of your total bankroll that you will bet each spin. This will allow you to manage your money effectively and make wise decisions.
Once you have determined the size of your bankroll, choose a roulette table that accepts bets within your budget. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. For example, the minimum bet on a European roulette table is $5 while the maximum is $1,000.
Many of the best online casinos offer roulette in both their live and virtual environments. These games offer players the same betting options as the traditional casino game with the added benefit of real-time croupiers. They can also be played on mobile devices, allowing players to gamble from anywhere in the world. Players should remember that these sites are licensed and regulated by their respective jurisdictions.