Roulette is a game of chance that has provided glamour, mystery and excitement for casino-goers since the 17th Century. Although the game is relatively simple to understand, it offers a surprising level of depth for serious bettors who use a sound strategy.
The earliest games of chance were probably played around the world, but it was only in the late 18th century that roulette became the popular game that we know today. Its popularity was fueled by its appearance in Monte Carlo and other European gaming establishments. The game’s popularity eventually spread to America, and the American version of roulette is still in wide use today, even though it is inferior to the original European version in terms of house edge.
Roullete consists of a betting table and a spinning wheel. The wheel has numbered compartments that alternate between red and black. The numbers on a European-style wheel range from 1 to 36, and on American wheels there is an extra green compartment numbered 0.
Players place bets against the “house,” or the casino, by placing chips on a betting table that corresponds with the numbers on the wheel. The ball is released in the opposite direction of the revolving wheel, and bets are placed until the ball comes to rest in one of the numbered compartments on the roulette wheel. Several types of bets may be placed, each with different odds.
A roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape. A metal frame surrounds the perimeter, and on the rim are 37 or 38 separate compartments (called frets by roulette croupiers), each painted alternately red and black. A solitary green compartment on the American roulette wheel, numbered 0, makes the game an unfavorable proposition for the player, who must overcome the house’s edge of about 5%.
Traditionally, the roulette ball has been made of ivory. However, most professional balls used in casinos today are made from synthetic materials that resemble ivory and have the same weight and feel. This is done to prevent cheating, which can be easier to accomplish with a light synthetic ball than a heavier traditional ivorine ball.
The game of roullete is very fast and fun, and it can be a great way to spend an evening at the casino. The most important thing to remember when playing this game is to always play within your budget. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Be sure to read it before you begin betting.
When you win, cash out your winnings as quickly as possible. Using your winnings to make additional bets can put you at risk of losing your whole bankroll and ruining your chances of future wins. Besides, there is no point in gambling if you can’t afford to lose!
