The Basics of Roulete
A game of chance in which a ball is sent around a revolving roulette wheel that contains 36 numbers and a zero (or double zero on American tables). Bets are placed on a table that correspond with the slots the ball can land in.
Avoid using betting systems that claim to beat the odds of roulette, as this is a game of pure luck. Instead, choose bet types that offer the highest chance of winning.
Origin
The exact origin of roulette is a bit of a mystery. However, the general consensus is that it was conceived by French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal in 1655. He didn’t actually intend to create a gambling game, but the result was something quite similar to what we know as roulette today.
The modern roulette wheel and table first appeared in Paris in 1796, with numbered slots from 1-36 and a red and black color scheme. It is also thought that other games like portique, hoca and bassett helped to make roulette what it is today. They all had some similar features though, so it is hard to distinguish which one was the true ancestor. It is also interesting to note that the word “roulette” derives from the Latin rotella or little wheel.
Variations
Many variations of roullete exist, with each focusing on a different aspect of the game. For example, Lighting Roulette from Evolution Gaming relies on multipliers to deliver high payouts. Astro Roulette follows European Roulette rules and a single-zero wheel, but replaces traditional numbers with zodiac signs to offer unique astrology-based betting options. Meanwhile, Double Ball Roulette combines two balls to increase the winning potential, offering payouts of up to 1:12,000 for a straight bonus win. While variation may not improve the odds or expected value of a bet, it can help enhance the overall gambling experience. For this reason, it is a common feature in casino games.
Bets
To the untrained eye, the distribution of numbers on a roulette wheel appears random and without order. But the truth is that the numbers are carefully distributed to balance out the odds of winning and losing. To maximize your chances of winning, you should try to make outside bets, which have nearly a 50/50 chance of winning and pay out at a higher rate than inside bets. These include red or black, dozens (one third of the numbers), and high or low (1-18 or 19-36). You can also place a street bet on three numbers in a row. This pays out at a rate of 1:1.