Roulette is an age-old classic whose rules can be easily learned, yet still offers surprising depth if played correctly. Bettors place wagers on where the ball will land when a dealer spins the wheel, and its popularity dates back centuries. Yet even novice players can reap significant rewards through strategic thinking when betting.
Played at a table marked off with numbers numbered 1 through 36 with one or two zeros and various betting options for players, the game of roulette involves placing bets on specific numbers or colors within these ranges and spinning a roulettewheel into which a small ball is tossed while it spins – if it lands within their bet area they win!
Before starting the game, players must place their chips on the betting table according to their desired wagers. It is often wiser and cheaper to start by placing bets on “outside bets”, such as wagering on groups of numbers rather than individual digits as these have a greater probability of hitting than individual ones.
Once all bets have been placed, the croupier spins the wheel and throws a small metal ball onto it. As it bounces around it eventually landing in one of several pockets it indicates which bet won. Based on its payout table the winning bets will then be paid out while any losing ones removed from play.
Although roulette remains a highly popular casino game, its reputation can often lead to problems. Cheating was once prevalent, with both operators and gamblers looking for ways to gain an edge by finding an unrigged wheel or placing bets opposite larger bets on the table. This led to legal battles being fought over this issue before eventually it was determined that roulette’s odds cannot be overcome.
There are various variations of roulette available online. American roulette stands out as being particularly popular, featuring its double-zero pocket that drastically increases the house edge; European roulette offers better odds due to its single-zero pocket; while French version provides even-odds bettors additional protection through la partage and en prison rules.