Roulette is a game of chance that adds glamour and mystery to any casino floor. The name is derived from the French word for “little wheel,” and the game has offered excitement and suspense to casino-goers since the 17th century. The rules are straightforward, and the payouts can be substantial. However, a deeper look at the game reveals a complexity that can provide a rewarding challenge to serious gamblers.
The game begins when you purchase a colored chip from the dealer. You must specify the amount of money you want to bet, and the dealer will mark the chips appropriately. This allows the dealers to distinguish players from one another. This is particularly helpful at large casinos, where several people may be betting on the same table. The dealer will then spin the roulette wheel in one direction, while a ball is sent flying around a tilted circular track. When the wheel stops spinning, the dealer will announce, “No more bets!” This rule is designed to prevent cheating and extra advantages.
When placing a bet, make sure you know the odds of the different types of bets before you place them. You can choose to wager on a single number, small groups of numbers or big groups of numbers (also called outside bets). The house edge for inside bets is higher than that of outside bets. Also, be careful not to bet more than you can afford to lose. If you do win a round, cash out your winnings as soon as possible and continue betting within your predetermined budget.
Before you start playing, read the rules of roulette to learn what the game entails. The game was invented in the 17th century by Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician who was trying to create a perpetual motion machine. After a period of decline, it became popular again in Europe, and eventually made its way to the United States.
During the American version’s evolution, it was modified to prevent cheating by both operators and gamblers. The wheel was moved from the center of the table to the top, and the betting layout was simplified. The French roulette wheel is still used in Monte Carlo, but the American game continues to dominate in gambling dens across the country.
The roulette wheel has 36 numbers and a 0 or 00 on some American tables. Bets are placed on a table that corresponds to the compartments where the ball can land. The goal is to correctly predict which red or black, odd or even, first or last 18 or 19-number group the ball will land in. The house gets its edge by requiring that all bets pay out at lower odds than the true probability of landing on each type of bet. For example, a bet on a single number pays out 35-1, but only 1-1/2-1-1 for bets on the first or last 18.
