Roullete (French for “little wheel”) is a casino game based on spinning a number-marked disc. The game’s objective is to predict which position the ball will land in, on a roulette wheel that contains 37 or 38 numbered pockets. The pockets are alternately colored red and black, with a single green pocket marked with either 0 or 00 (on European roulette wheels, the green pocket is labelled ‘Logo’). The croupier spins the wheel and a small white ball is sent into the pockets; bettors place their chips on the table, which correlates with the locations where the ball can land.
There are many different strategies for playing roulette, some simple and some complicated. Some have a high probability of winning, while others do not. Regardless of which strategy is chosen, it is recommended that players start with wagering on “outside bets” or groups of numbers rather than individual digits. This will increase the chances of hitting the jackpot while decreasing the overall house edge.
The history of roulette begins in the 17th century, with French mathematician Blaise Pascal being credited for its invention. He was reportedly trying to create a perpetual motion machine at the time, although the game gained popularity shortly after its creation and is now a staple in most casinos and gambling dens.
A roulette wheel consists of a solid, slightly convex disk, with a rim that holds metal separators. These separators are called frets by roulette croupiers, and contain thirty-six compartments painted alternately red and black. On some European roulette wheels, a green pocket is added, while on American roulette wheels, there are two green pockets that carry the numbers 0 and 00.
Each player is assigned a color of chip, which must be kept separate from the other players’ chips. When a bet is placed, the dealer will mark the appropriate spot on the table map with a special token. The total value of the bet is then recorded by the dealer and is displayed on the table. A player can cash out his or her chips at any time by telling the dealer he or she wishes to do so. The dealer will then give the player normal casino chips in exchange.
The game’s betting layout consists of inside bets and outside bets. The former include straight-up bets, split, street, corner, and six-line bets. The latter include red/black, odd/even, high/low, and dozens bets. Each type of bet has its own odds and payouts, with a single-number bet paying out the highest amount: 392 chips on a $1000 bet.
