Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, offering glamour, mystery and excitement. Its rules are simple, but a good roulette strategy can reap high rewards. Read on to learn about the basics of this game, including how to place your chips at the table and how to handle your winnings.
Roulette, also known as the little wheel, is a gambling game in which players bet on which of the 38 red or black numbered compartments on a rotating wheel the ball will drop into when it comes to rest. The odds of a particular number being hit are determined by the layout of the numbers on the wheel, and the payouts for each bet type can vary.
The original game was invented in the 17th century by Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and physicist who had been searching for a perpetual motion machine. His wheel contained not only red and black pockets but also a green pocket marked either 0 or 00, which gave the house an advantage over the player. The modern version of the game was first developed in the United States, and was soon adopted worldwide.
Before the wheel spins, players place their chips on a betting mat that corresponds to each of the numbered slots. The chips are placed directly on the corresponding number, and can be made either by placing a single chip straight up, or by selecting a group of numbers – groups that cover six or more individual numbers, and are known as “outside bets”. Bets on a single number are called “Straight up” or “Single”.
Once all wagers have been placed, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction, and rolls a small white ball in the opposite direction around a tilted circular track that runs around the outside of the wheel. The ball drops into a compartment when it reaches the end of its run, and the winning number is announced. After the results are confirmed, all losing bets are cleared from the table, and any winners are paid.
While there are several variations of roulette, it is generally best to play the European or French version. These games are available at many online casinos in the US, and they typically offer better odds than the American version with two green pockets. In addition, some European casinos also have a rule known as “la partage” which reduces the house edge even further, to only 1.35% for most outside bets. It is recommended that you try to use a roulette strategy with this rule, as it will significantly improve your chances of success. It is also important to be aware that the material of the roulette ball can have an impact on the game. Previously, the balls were made of ivory, but today’s professional balls are often synthetic, and can be made of resin, Teflon or even ceramic. A light ceramic ball moves more quickly around the wheel, and jumps more unpredictably before landing on a number than a heavier ivorine ball would.