Roulette is a game that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its rules are relatively simple, but the game has a surprising level of depth for serious betters, and the right strategy can reap high rewards.
There are many theories about the origin of roulette. Fanciful ones include that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal, or by a Dominican monk who brought it to France from China. The game became widely popular in Europe and eventually made its way to the United States, where it remains today.
The game is played on a wheel that has 36 numbers, a 0 and, on some American tables, a 00. A croupier spins the wheel, and a small ball is sent flying around its rim until it settles in one of the slots. Bets are placed on the number or groups of numbers, whether they are red or black, odd or even, and the value range in which the number sits. If the player correctly predicts the location of the ball, they win money.
Besides the traditional bets, there are also various “inside” bets that pay out based on the position of the number on the layout. These bets are placed against the house edge and offer higher payouts, although the odds of winning these bets are much lower than for other bets. The order of the numbers on the roulette layout determines how many chips a player must place to “complete” each bet. For example, a number 1 bet pays out 392 chips for an all-in bet.
Knowing how a roulette round works can help players optimize their time to place a bet. The dealer will first clear off losing bets and pay the winners before beginning the next round. After the dealers announce that betting for the new round is closed, they will pause for a moment to allow players to reconsider their wagers.
While other experimental music venues have disappeared, Roulette has remained a vital laboratory for the downtown scene. Artists like John Zorn, Merce Cunningham and Ikue Mori have made it their home. It is a place that has been shaped by the sounds of those who have come before, and continues to inspire new generations.