Roulette is one of the most popular casino games at both online and land-based casinos. The game is simple, having players place chips on a roulette table and predict which slot the ball will fall into when the wheel stops spinning. While there are many myths surrounding the history of the game, it is largely accepted that the first formalized wheel and table were designed by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 17th Century. The game became wildly popular in European gambling dens and has since spread throughout the world.
Roulette tables are usually four by eight feet with a standard number grid and two roulette wheels. The game can be played by up to seven people at a time. Each player receives a different color of chips to differentiate their bets from others. This is done to reduce the chances of confusion between partners. Roulette chips have no value outside of the table and are only exchanged for regular casino chips when the game is over.
A roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with a metal perimeter that spins around. Thirty-six compartments, painted alternately red and black, are numbered from 1 to 36, while on American wheels an additional green division carries the numbers 0 and 00.
Unlike other casino games, which have specific betting options, the rules of Roulette are very flexible. This allows for the creation of many betting systems, which can be used to increase your winnings and decrease your losses. However, it is important to note that a Roulette strategy cannot completely eliminate the house edge and you should always play within your bankroll.
Inside bets are made on the numbered sections of the roulette table and offer higher payouts than outside bets. The most common inside bet is called the straight-up, which pays out 35 to 1. Other popular bets include the zigzag, trio, and basket. A zigzag bet covers numbers from 5 to 11, while the trio covers bets on three adjacent numbers. A basket bet covers all of the numbers on the wheel, including the zero, and pays out 6 to 1.
If you’re looking for a game with a lower house edge, try French Roulette. This variant may look intimidating to newcomers because of its French terminology, but it is the best version in terms of your odds. Its low house edge is due to the en prison and la partage rules, which allow players to get half of their even money bet back if the ball hits zero.