The Basics of Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s easy enough for novices to pick up, yet it offers a surprising level of depth and strategy for serious betters. It’s also a staple at most online and land-based casinos.

The game’s name is French for “little wheel.” It consists of a table with various bet options and a revolving dishlike device (the roulettewheel) in the center that has 37 or 38 compartments labeled red or black, odd or even, high or low. A small ball is spun around the wheel and comes to rest in one of the slots, revealing whether the player’s bet was a winner or not.

Generic versions of the game can be traced back to the 15th Century, but the first formal wheel was designed by 17th Century mathematician Blaise Pascal. It enjoyed popularity throughout Europe and the United Kingdom until a ban in the mid-19th Century. Roulette resurfaced in Monte Carlo, where it became associated with glamour and leisure. In the United States, the French double zero wheel made its way to gambling dens where makeshift games had already been set up. The game evolved into its American version, which is now a staple at most casino tables.

Before you play, decide on a betting budget and choose a table within that range. Each table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Between spins, give the dealer your money by placing it on the table and asking for “colour.” You will receive coloured chips equal to the value of your buy-in divided by the table’s minimum bet. Ideally, you should never dip into your winnings to bet again, as this will only increase the house edge.