Roullete is a gambling game in which players place bets on the color or groupings of numbers on a revolving roulette wheel. A small ball is spun around the rim of a wheel that contains numbered pockets ranging from 1 to 36 (38 on American tables). The colors of these pockets alternate between red and black, with an additional green pocket labelled 0. The game is played by placing bets against the house, or casino bank, on a roulette table.
There are many systems for playing and winning at roulette, some simple, some complicated. However, in reality it is all down to luck. The best strategy is to start with ‘outside bets’ that cover groups of numbers rather than individual digits and pay out at lower odds, such as betting on the first or second dozen (the second being the better bet as it has a much higher hit rate).
A typical roulette wheel will have 37 or 38 pockets, depending on whether it is European or American. In European roulette the pockets are arranged in three columns and 12 rows of 13 numbers each. The first 12 numbers are the first dozen and these are all red, while the second twelve are black. In addition, there is a third dozen which comprises seven of the eight odd numbers. The odds of hitting a number in the second or third dozen are 2-1.
Roulette originated in the late 18th century and became popular in the casinos of Europe. Various theories of its origins exist, including that it was invented by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, or derived from the older games of hoca and portique. Regardless of its origin, it was widely adopted in Europe and gained popularity in the United States after a ban in France from 1836 to 1933.
The name of the game derives from its French meaning ‘little wheel’. The word ‘roulette’ can also refer to a variety of other activities and devices, including:
There are numerous variations on the rules of roulette and it is important to be aware of these before you play. It is also essential to understand the odds of the game, as without this knowledge your chances of success are greatly diminished. A basic understanding of the odds can significantly improve your enjoyment and quality of play, as you will know how much to risk and how much you stand to win.
