Roullete is one of the most popular casino games, but it can also be a bit intimidating to new players. The game involves a ball that spins around a wheel, and the winning numbers are based on probability. Despite its simplicity, roulette offers a wide range of bets for varying skill levels.
The game is played on a circular wooden disk called the roulette wheel, which has metal partitions known as separators and a central compartment numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36 (European-style wheels) or 0 and 00 (American-style wheels). A 37th pocket, painted green on European-style wheels, contains the sign 0 and two pockets each carry the signs 0 and 00 on American-style wheels.
A croupier spins the wheel and a player places a chip on the desired number. The croupier then spins the wheel again, and the ball bounces into one of the pockets marked with the desired number. If the ball lands in that pocket, the bet wins.
Inside Bets
A variety of “inside” bets can be placed on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, whether a number is odd or even, or if it’s high (19-36) or low (1-18). The payout odds for each type of bet are based on its probability.
Outside Bets
The most common outside bets are High or Low, Odd or Even, and Street, which are all even money bets with a payout of 1-1. The house edge on these bets is lower than the edge of other bets, but it still remains significant.
Split Bet/Chevalier: A straddle bet is placed by placing a chip on the line between two numbers on the layout. If one of these numbers wins, the bet is paid 17-1.
Street/Three Number Bet/Side Bet/The Trio: This is a simple bet on a row of three consecutive numbers. It’s not a complex bet, but it does require a little bit of knowledge and skill to place correctly. If you win, the payout is 11-1.
French Rules
The French-style roulette game is based on a double zero wheel. It was developed in Europe and has long been a mainstay of Monte Carlo casinos. In the United States, however, it is in danger of being passed over to newer games.
While the French-style roulette game has a smaller following than other casino games, it’s a favorite in Europe and is also a mainstay of gambling resorts in France. It’s not as popular in the United States, but it has a growing following in Canada and Mexico where it can be found in many local casinos.