Roulette is a popular casino game that has offered glamour, mystery, and excitement to players since the 17th century. It is one of the most popular gambling games in the world, but it can be a challenging game for beginners to understand.
The Rules
There are many different types of bets that can be made in roulette, each bringing a different payout amount and odds for winning. The most common types of bets in roulette include:
Inside Bets
A player can place a bet on a single number or grouping of numbers. These bets have different payout rates, depending on the type of numbers chosen and the number of pockets the ball will land in.
Outside Bets
A bet on a range of pocket positions can also be placed, giving the player a wider selection of wagers and higher payouts. These bets can be on odd or even, red or black, high (19-36) or low (1-18).
Announced Bets
Finally, there are special betting combinations called announced bets in roulette. These are most commonly featured in French Roulette but can be found in other online European roulette variants as well.
The Wheel
A roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with metal partitions known as separators or frets. There are 36 compartments, painted alternately red and black.
The 37th compartment is painted green and carries the sign 0. In American roulette wheels this is a double zero, while in European roulette it is a single zero.
How the Wheel Works
A spindle swivels in the center of the wheel and turns smoothly. A croupier spins the wheel with a small paddle attached to it. When the ball lands on the wheel, the dealer spins it again, which results in the roulette ball rolling around the wheel and landing in one of the compartments.
While the rules of roulette can vary, most of them are surprisingly simple and easy to understand. A quick read of the rules will ensure that you’re betting correctly and maximizing your winnings. For a little extra fun, you can try playing roulette online with an interactive wheel. This version of the game can be played for free or for real money.