Roulette is one of the most popular casino games and can be played in both brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online. The game is based on chance, but it also offers a range of strategies that can help you win more money.
A Roulette wheel consists of a wheel and spindle that rotate around the base of a bowl, with divisions or pockets painted red or black and numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. The wheel is attached to a spindle that is balanced in a way that makes it spin smoothly without friction.
Before the roulette ball is rolled, bettors place chips on a betting mat, the precise location of which indicates the number or group of numbers being placed. These chips are known as roulette chips and have no value outside the game of roulette.
Each chip is individually marked with a specific colour and a dollar value. Each player at the table is given a specific amount of chips that can only be used by that person during a game of roulette.
Typically, there are two types of bets at the roulette table: inside and outside bets. Inside bets are those that involve a number or groups of numbers and outside bets are those that deal with the color of the numbers, whether they’re odd or even, or if the number is red or black.
The rules of the game are relatively simple and easy to understand, but there are many variations. Three of the most common roulette variations are American, European and French. These are described below:
American Roulette
The American version of the game uses a double-zero wheel. It is a more straightforward version of the game than the European version, and is widely available in most casinos. However, it has a higher house edge than the European variant.
European Roulette
This is the most popular form of the game, and is found in most physical casinos as well as online. It has a lower house edge than the American version and is preferred by players due to its higher winning odds.
In addition to its low house edge, the European wheel has a single zero pocket that increases its probability of hitting. This reduces its house edge to 1.35% compared to 2.63 percent on the American version.
La Partage (French for’sharing’): This rule allows the player to get half of his stake back on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. This is the lowest house edge of all roulette types and can be a very profitable strategy for some players.
Although the rules of the game are relatively simple, there is no skill involved and a high degree of luck is required to play well. The best way to increase your chances of winning is by specializing in the types of bets that have a higher probability of hitting. This means making sure that you’re playing the best-paying inside bets or outside bets that offer a greater payout.