Roulette is a game that has offered glamour, mystery, and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. While the rules of roulette are relatively simple, the game can be surprisingly deep for those with the right strategy. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, the tips in this article can help you win big.
Roulette is played on a large table with a randomized number grid and a spinning wheel. The roulette wheel contains red and black numbers alternating with odd and even numbers. The number pattern continues around the perimeter of the wheel, a feature that allows players to place bets on specific rows or columns of numbers. In addition to the number patterns, the wheel has a 0 and 00, which add to the house’s edge over outside bets.
The first step in playing roulette is to purchase chips from the dealer (also known as a croupier). The dealer will ask what denomination you want to designate for each chip, and then he or she will give you a colored roulette chip. The croupier will also explain the minimum and maximum bets for the table.
You should set a budget before entering the roulette room and choose a table that fits your spending limit. Each roulette table carries a placard with its minimum and maximum betting amounts. The minimum bet is typically $5, while the maximum bet is often $1,000. Choosing a higher minimum bet ensures that you’ll have more chances to play, but be careful not to spend more than you can afford to lose.
Inside Bets
The inside bets in roulette are called “rouges” and are placed on the inner part of the table. There are two types of inside bets: straight bets and split bets. The straight bets are made by placing your chip(s) on a single number, while the split bets are placed on two adjacent numbers on the table map. Straight bets have a high payout of 5-1, while split bets have a lower payout of 17-1.
Outside Bets
If you prefer to bet on a group of numbers rather than individual ones, then you should try out the outside bets. These bets offer a more conservative play and a lower payout, but they still offer a good chance of winning. The most popular outside bets are the dozens, odds and evens, and low or high bets. If the ball lands on one of these bets, you’ll receive a payoff of 1-1.