Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world, especially in Europe. It has the smallest following in America, compared to slots, video poker, blackjack or craps, but it still attracts large crowds to Monte Carlo and other casinos in Europe. The game has long been associated with glamour, mystery and intrigue. It’s also a fun and easy-to-play game with surprisingly deep strategy for serious players.
Roullete – the name is French for “little wheel”, a reference to its circular form. The game features a table and a revolving dishlike device with compartments for numbers 1 to 36, plus one or two zeros and several other sections affording the players a wide variety of betting opportunities. The ball is spun and, when it comes to rest, it will come into one of the compartments, indicating the winning number and its characteristics (odd or even, red or black) as well as whether the number is high (19-36) or low (1-18).
The American version of the game, derived from European Roulette, introduced in the mid-19th century, has an extra green division numbered 00, which increases the house edge considerably. Some bets are placed on a single number, while others, such as the Dozens or Columns bets, are placed in groups of twelve. Regardless of the type of bet, the house’s advantage is always the same, at around 33%.
To make a bet, the player places chips on a betting mat where each type of bet is marked by its own color and location. Before the spin of the wheel, the dealer will clear off losing bets and then pay out winners. Players are expected to keep their bets within a predetermined budget, which they should not dip into as they play.
While some players attempt to “game the system” by watching how other players behave, this is not a very effective way of increasing your odds over the long run. The fact is, the odds of hitting a particular number on a given wheel remain the same no matter how many times that number has been hit before or how often it shows up on published results.
In recent years, a number of different roulette games have emerged, both in real and virtual casinos. These new variations, in addition to the traditional single- and double-zero versions, offer more betting options for players and can include additional game elements such as a racetrack and a multicolor ball.