Roulette is a game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. While its rules are simple enough for anyone to understand, there is a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters. This article will provide a basic introduction to the game, its bets, payouts and game outcomes.
Roulette, which means little wheel in French, is played on a circular table with one or two zeros and various other sections affording players a number of betting options. At its center is a revolving, dishlike device (a roulette wheel) into which a small ivory ball is spun to come to rest in one of the compartments around the edge of the wheel.
Each of the 37 or 38 compartments on a Roulette wheel are painted alternately red and black, except for the green ones numbered 0 and 00 (on American tables there is an additional green zero). As the wheel spins, the ball drops into one of these pockets, indicating which number and which type of bet the player has won.
When play begins, the dealer clears all losing bets from the table and pays the winners. Then, each player places a chip on the Roulette table map that corresponds to his or her desired number slot. Some bets are grouped together on the map into a single group called a “street” and these are often cheaper than individual digit bets. It is important to select a table within your budget and begin with wagers that offer the best chances of winning.
Once the Roulette wheel is spinning, players cannot change or retract their bets. When the ball reaches a particular point on the wheel, the croupier announces “No More Bets, Please” and all wagers are final. The only exception is a bet on a single number which, if successful, wins the player a large amount of money.
Roulette is a popular casino game with many variations, and players can choose the version that works best for them. The most popular version today is the European roulette wheel with a single “0” and the American roulette wheel with double “00”. Each of these versions has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand them before playing this game.