The Basics of Roulette
Roulette has provided glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. It is a game of chance, but with the right strategy can yield high rewards. The rules of the game are relatively simple to understand, but there is a surprising depth of betting options for serious players.
The game is played with a rotating wheel with divisions that alternate between red and black and a single green zero (on American tables only). Bettors select a number, various groupings of numbers or colors, odd or even, first or second dozen, etc. The dealer then spins the wheel and a ball that lands in one of the divisions awards bettors according to their odds. Players wager with special chips which are matched with the table’s layout and numbered to help keep track of bets. There are also outside bets which are placed on positions that do not contain numbers. These bets pay out higher amounts but are not as common.
Among the many roulette variations, European is the most popular in both physical casinos and online gaming platforms. This version has a single-zero pocket which significantly decreases the house edge. It’s this coveted advantage that makes the European variant of the game the best choice for novice players who are interested in maximising their chances of winning.
A dealer explains the different types of bets in the game before players begin making their bets. Players are usually given a specific color of chip to differentiate their bets from other players. This is important, especially for married couples who may be playing at the same casino. The dealer will then spin the roulette wheel and announce any winners after the bets have been placed. Losing bets will then be collected and added to the casino’s income, while winning bets will be paid out.
Although there are fanciful stories of how roulette came to be, it was actually invented by French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. It quickly grew in popularity in illegal gambling dens throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America. Roulette’s popularity exploded when the French brothers Louis and Francois Blanc introduced a single-zero wheel format, which massively decreased the house edge, and made it a favorite among gamblers worldwide. Since then, it has continued to be a staple in casinos and is one of the most popular games in online gaming.