Roulette, a game of chance with an aura of glamour and mystery, has offered casino-goers excitement, fun and the potential for high rewards since its 17th century origin. It is an easy-to-play game with a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters.
The game is played on a circular wheel, the surface of which is divided into 37 compartments, alternately painted red and black and numbered 1 to 36. A croupier spins the wheel and a ball is dropped into one of the compartments. If the ball lands in a winning number slot, the player wins and the table is cleared for the next round of play.
Prior to spinning the wheel, players place bets by laying chips on a betting mat, precise locations on which indicate the bet type and amount. The bets are grouped into two categories: inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on individual numbers while outside bets are made on groups of numbers such as rows, columns or corners. A single chip may be placed on a straight bet (single number) or on the end of any street (rows of three numbers).
Each table is clearly marked with minimum and maximum bets. The minimum bet is usually 5 chips, while the maximum depends on the table and the game variant. In addition, there will be a placard with the game rules and some basic information about how the game is played in that particular casino. The maximum bet for ‘even money’ wagers, for example, is generally higher than the maximum for ‘any way to the number’ bets.
Roulette is generally credited to the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, although it may have been derived from the earlier games hoca and portique. The game achieved its modern form in the 18th century and quickly gained popularity throughout Europe.
While there are a multitude of stories about how the game was perfected, it is important to remember that roulette is a game of chance and there is no guarantee that any bet will win. In fact, many professional gamblers have tried and failed to develop systems that will allow them to beat the house edge.
If you decide to try your luck at a roulette table, it is important to set a budget and stick to it. Choose a table within your budget and choose the maximum bet that is comfortable for you. Then select your bets carefully and start playing. When you are ready to stop, don’t be afraid to walk away. Good luck! – Article written by: Michael J. McGraw, a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. His articles have appeared in a number of online and print publications.