Roullete is a casino game of chance in which players place bets on a number, various groups of numbers, red or black, odd or even, high (19-36) or low (1-18). The roulette wheel is spun and if the ball lands on a winning bet, the player is paid out. The player’s original bets are then left up for another spin unless they specifically request otherwise.
While many casinos have eliminated the traditional Roulette wheel and table in favor of newer games, the game remains a staple at Monte Carlo and other European casino resorts. On the grand scale of American casino games, Roulette has one of the smallest followings and draws far fewer players than slot machines, video poker, blackjack, or craps. But it still offers glamour and mystery to casino-goers and a surprising level of depth for serious bettors.
The wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape and with a number of metal partitions, called frets or compartments by roulette croupiers, around its perimeter. Thirty-six of these compartments, painted alternately red and black, are numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36; on the European version there is also a green compartment labeled “0” while the American version has two green compartments marked “00”. The roulette wheel rotates slowly with a constant velocity.
A betting board is placed on the table and a croupier places the ball in the wheel. Before the wheel spins, players make their bets, which are usually made in groups of chips. There are several types of bets that can be made, including inside and outside bets. Inside bets are made on individual or small groups of numbers on the inner portion of the table, while outside bets are placed on larger groupings or the entire outer part of the table.
When the wheel comes to a stop, the croupier puts down a marker on the winning bet and pays out winners. The dealer clears the table of losing bets and then begins a new round.
A good strategy for Roulette is to avoid making large bets, especially on single numbers, and to start with “outside” bets that cover more than a few numbers. It is also wise to limit the amount of money you bet per spin. If you do win a bet, withdraw your winnings as quickly as possible and don’t dip into them to make additional bets. While some professional gamblers claim to have developed strategies for gaining an edge in roulette, most mathematical experts agree that such systems are unlikely to produce a consistent profit. However, the game can be very enjoyable for people who play within their budget. The important thing is to have fun! If you’re having trouble deciding where to place your bets, look at the tracking board on the right of the screen. It’s a living history of the past spins, and it will help you see trends as they develop.