Roulette is a casino game with a long and rich history. It has brought glamour, mystery, and excitement to gamblers since the 17th century. It’s also a game that has a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters. Read on to learn more about this fascinating game, from how to play the game to what types of bets offer the best odds.
A Roulette wheel consists of a circular disc with numbered divisions that alternate between red and black and include a green division numbered 0. The ball is spun around the wheel until it comes to rest in one of the numbers. The house edge of Roulette depends on the type of bet that is placed. It is lower when betting on outside bets (which cover groups of numbers) than when betting on inside bets, which only include individual digits.
The player places his or her chips on a Roulette table, usually a special mat designed to show the precise location of each bet. Each bet must be placed before the dealer spins the ball. The bets can be placed on a single number, several numbers in a row or column, the color red or black, whether the number is odd or even, or if it’s high (1-18) or low (19-36).
When betting on outside bets, players should always place their chips at the very end of any “street” that runs across the dividing line between the rows of numbers featuring 1 and 2 or the numbers that are grouped into dozens. This is because these bets pay out more frequently than other outside bets and are more likely to hit.
Depending on the type of bet, it is important to have a budget for how much you’re willing to risk on each spin. Each Roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed, which should be reviewed prior to placing bets.
Some players like to watch the other players at the table, either hoping to pick up a clue or trying to emulate their actions. It’s worth remembering that cheating at Roulette, or any casino game for that matter, is not only frowned upon by the casinos, it can also be illegal in some jurisdictions. So, unless you’re in the mood to spend time in jail for your efforts, stick with your predetermined betting limits and don’t dip into your winnings for future wagers.