Roulette is a casino game that provides glamour, mystery and excitement to players. It is played on a table with a rotating wheel and can be staked on a single number, various groups of numbers, the colors red or black, whether they are high or low, and even or odd. Correctly guessing the number or type of bet correctly earns the player winnings according to their betting odds.
While there are many myths and fanciful stories of the origins of Roullete, it is known for sure that it has been a popular casino game since its inception in France during the 17th century. It was likely derived from the earlier games hoca and portique, which were already well-established in Europe at the time. It is easy to understand why roulette quickly became a favorite at casinos and gambling houses in Europe and the United States.
A Roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape, with metal partitions around its rim, called separators or frets. The thirty-six compartments on a European-style roulette wheel are alternately painted in red and black, with a separate green section numbered 0 (on American tables there is an extra green 00 pocket, making the house edge slightly higher). The ball is spun around the bowl of the wheel until it comes to rest in one of the compartments.
Before a spin, bets are placed on the table by laying down chips. The precise placement of the chips indicates the bet that is made. Bets on six or fewer numbers are termed “Inside bets” and those on 12 or more numbers are “Outside bets”. In the United States, roulette was developed in the gambling dens of the west and east coast. The game was adapted from the French version to meet these needs and it incorporated the American double-zero wheel.
The table carries a placard listing the minimum and maximum bet amounts. Before you start to play, set a budget for yourself and choose a roulette table that fits within your limits. Ensure that the minimum bet is worth your money and not too little to make any profit. Also, choose a table that offers the lowest minimum bet on the inside bets, as they have lower payoffs than the outside bets.
