The Basics of Roulette
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Roulette is a game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Known for its enticing array of betting options, the game’s rules are relatively simple, and serious betters can reap high rewards with the right strategy.
Roulette has many variations, but the basics are all the same: a table with numbers from 1 to 36, one or two zeros, and several other sections affording players a variety of betting opportunities. A croupier spins a small ball around a revolving, dishlike device called a roulette wheel, which eventually comes to rest in one of the 37 or 38 compartments on the Roulette table. Players place bets on a single number, various groupings of numbers, or whether the ball will land on red or black, among other options.
To play the game, you give money to a dealer at the table and ask for “colour” chips (which have a value equal to that of the table’s minimum bet). The dealer will then hand you the coloured roulette chips, which you use to place your bets on the table map. Roulette dealers often give each player a different color of chip to distinguish them from other bettors, especially if couples are playing together.
Once everyone has placed their bets, the dealer will spin the wheel and roll a ball around a tilted circular track that runs around the edge of the wheel. When the ball lands on a winning number, the dealer will clear off losing bets and pay out the winners. Then the game begins again.
Before you start playing, decide on a budget and stick to it. Every roulette table carries a placard with its minimum and maximum bets, so choose a table that offers you the best chance of winning within your limits. It is also a good idea to study the different bet types and their odds before laying down your chips.
Outside bets, which include bets on individual numbers and on groups of numbers, are generally safer and offer lower house edges than inside bets. However, they are unlikely to win the big prizes. Inside bets are the most difficult to win, as they require a precise knowledge of the layout of the Roulette table and its corresponding number slots.