Roulette is a casino game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th Century. While many players consider the game to be a simple, luck-based pursuit, it offers surprising depth for serious betters who can apply a little science to this man-made nastiness and reap high rewards.
The Roulette wheel and table are set up to resemble the game of backgammon, but instead of a board with numbers, each bet is placed on a color-coded circle of chips. There are several types of bets, and each has its own odds. Each spin of the Roulette wheel is made by spinning a small ball on a tilted circular track around the outer edge of the roulette wheel. Once the ball reaches the end of its journey, it is spun again to begin a new round.
Once the wheel and betting table are clear, players can place their bets. Each table is marked with the minimum and maximum bets, as well as the house edge. Players can also choose to wager on groups of numbers instead of individual digits, which are often cheaper and have a higher chance of hitting. Choosing the right type of bet for each round is essential to maximizing your winnings.
To start, players must know that the house edge in Roulette is much lower than the average table game. This is because the Roulette wheel has a single zero, whereas other tables have two. The single zero reduces the house edge to 2.70%, compared to 1.35% on a double-zero wheel. The dealer will immediately divide even-money bets in half, keeping one for the house and giving the player the other, when the Roulette wheel stops spinning. This is called the La Partage rule, and it dramatically reduces the house edge in Roulette to a fraction of its original 2.70%.
Aside from the single-zero, there are a few interesting symmetries on the Roulette wheel. First, the low red numbers and the black high numbers are all on one side of the wheel, while the second dozen consists of numbers 29-7-28-12-35-3-26-0-32 (or, to be more specific, a straight bet on any of these numbers pays 392 chips).
As far as Roulette strategy goes, it is important to set a budget before you hit the casino floor. This will ensure that you don’t overspend, and it will also help you keep track of your bankroll. It is also a good idea to practice your strategy before you head to the casino, so you will be ready when it’s time to play for real money.
