Roulette is a casino game with a long history of glamour and mystery. Despite its simple rules, it provides a surprising level of depth for serious bettors who use the right strategies. Players may choose to bet on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, or whether the number is odd or even. The house edge is 7.69% for all bets.
The game’s name, French for “little wheel,” refers to the revolving disc-like device, called a roulettewheel, at the center of which are 36 numbered slots and a 0 (or 00 on American tables). A croupier spins the wheel and then throws a small ball into the compartment where it will eventually come to rest. The player wins if his or her bet corresponds with the number and the color or value range in which it sits, and if the ball lands within one of the pockets that are labeled “odd” and “even.”
There are several theories about the origin of roulette, including that it was invented by Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century French mathematician; by Dominican monks; or by Chinese. It was popularized in Europe during the 18th century, when it became a favorite in gambling dens and casinos.
How to play roulette
To get started, you must first understand how a roulette round works. The dealer clears the table of any losing bets and pays winners before beginning a new spin. He or she will announce the start of the next spin and pause for a few seconds to allow players to place their bets. Each person will then receive a set of coloured roulette chips that are valued at the table’s minimum bet amount.
When you win a bet, the dealer will place your winning chips in front of you on the table. Whenever you want to take a break from playing, simply put your winning chips on the table and ask for “colour.” The dealer will give you normal casino chips of the same value in exchange. The dealer will also keep track of your bets and payouts, which are automatically added to your account after each spin. You can change the amount you wish to bet at any time.