Roulette is a game that brings glamour, mystery, and excitement to casino-goers. But it’s also a game that offers surprising depth for those who want to understand its rules and strategy. This article breaks down the different types of bets available, how they work, and their payouts and odds of winning.
The basic game of Roullete consists of a spinning wheel with divisions numbered from 1 to 36 and alternating between red and black. The numbers are arranged on a randomized pattern, and there is one additional green pocket labeled 0 (American roulette wheels have an extra green 00). The ball is spun around the wheel until it settles into one of the 37 pockets. If the ball lands in a number that is covered by a bet, the player wins.
Prior to rolling the ball, players place their bets by laying down chips on a betting mat. Bets placed on groups of numbers are called “inside bets,” while those on individual digits are known as “outside bets.” Players only have about 15 seconds to place their bets before the dealer spins the wheel and throws the ball.
Once the ball has landed in a pocket, the dealer clears off all losing bets from the table and pays winners. Then, players can start placing bets again with their predetermined budgets. Some players like to watch their opponents, hoping they can gain a clue about the next spin by seeing which bets their competitors make. However, this is a futile exercise.
Despite the wide range of bets available, most live roulette bets are based on the same principles. There are some exceptions, but for the most part, each bet covers a group of numbers and the odds are the same for each. This makes it easy for beginners to learn the game.
Before you play roulette, set a budget and choose a table that is within your betting limit. Each roulette table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Avoid betting more than you can afford to lose, as the game is largely a matter of luck. You should also avoid using a betting system that claims to improve your odds of winning. A simple Google search will return thousands of such systems—some easy to understand, others complicated, and some well described but not proven. The best way to improve your chances of winning is to practice before playing for real money.