Roulette, also known as the French game of rouler or bordeaux in English, is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s based on chance and has a wide variety of bets to choose from.
There are two types of roulette wheels: the European type with red and black numbers and the American version which uses green. The European version uses a wheel with 36 compartments (or pockets) that are painted red and black on alternate sides. The American version has two green pockets that are numbered 0 and 00 on opposite sides of the wheel.
The Wheel
The wheel of the roulette is a solid wooden disk that is slightly convex in shape with metal partitions called canoes around its rim. It has a spindle that is perfectly balanced and the ball can travel freely between the two parts of the wheel.
It can be spun either clockwise or counter-clockwise and the ball can land in any of the pocket positions. The numbers on the wheel are randomized and are numbered non-consecutively from 1 to 36.
The Game
After a player has placed his bet, the dealer will spin the wheel and then release the ball. Then, the table watches as the ball settles into a pocket that marks the winning number. If the croupier announces “no more bets,” the player can cash in on his or her winnings.
The Bets
There are several different bets in roulette, but they can all be classified into two categories: inside and outside bets. The inside bets are the ones that involve placing your chip(s) on a specific number, grouping of numbers or color.
The Outside Bets
The outside bets are the ones that involve placing a chip(s) on a category of numbers, such as the odd or even bet. These are more conservative plays than the inside bets and offer a lower payout if you win.
