Roullete is a casino game involving a spinning wheel with one or two zeros, numbered pockets and other sections affording the players a variety of betting opportunities. A small ball is spun and landed in one of the compartments on the revolving wheel; if the number matches a player’s bet, that player wins. Players may wager on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, whether they are odd or even, and if the number is high or low.
The game originated in France and was brought to America by French colonists, who introduced it into gambling dens and casinos in the New World. The American version of the game was adapted to prevent cheating by using a fixed wheel, simplified betting layout and other safeguards. Roulette is a game based on chance and has no skill involved, but there are many systems that claim to improve the odds of winning.
When playing roulete, the player starts by placing chips on the table for their preferred bet. The dealer then spins the wheel and the ball settles in one of the pockets. Once the bets are settled, the dealer clears the losing chips off the table and pays out winners. Those who are still betting should avoid dipping into their winnings, as it will only reduce the odds of future wins.
Each roulette table carries a placard explaining the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Players should choose a table that offers the minimum bet within their budget and avoid going over it.
Inside bets pay out better than outside bets, but they have a higher house edge. To lower the house edge, some players choose to bet on specific numbers or groupings of numbers. In addition, some players make a “High or Low” bet, which is an even money bet that wins if the ball lands on either the first or last 18 numbers (1-18 or 19-36).
Outside bets have lower payouts and a greater chance of hitting, but they can be more fun. The Line Bet/Six Number Bet/Sixline Bet (called a transversal in French) is made by placing your chip(s) to straddle the line between two rows of numbers. If you win, you get 5-1. Another popular outside bet is the Dozens Bet, which covers the first 12 numbers on a row of the table. Each of these bets requires a minimum of three chips and a maximum of 40.