The Basics of Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games. It offers glamour, mystery and excitement for gamblers. Its rules are simple enough for casual players, but it also offers a surprising level of depth for serious betters. The objective of the game is to correctly predict which slot the ball will land in when the roulette wheel stops spinning. Roulette has been around since the 17th century and is largely based on luck.

The word rouleau comes from the French verb roiler, meaning to roll or turn (as in a die). The game is played at a table that is marked off with various sections affording the players many betting opportunities and in the center of which a revolving dishlike device called a roullete has 37 compartments colored alternately red and black, one or two zeros, and several other sections with various groupings of numbers, such as odd or even, high (19-36) or low (1-18). A small ball is spun about this surface and when it lands in one of the compartments, a number and its characteristics are determined.

While fanciful stories exist about the origin of the game, its true form was developed in France in the early 18th century and derived from the older games of hoca and portique. It reached its present form about 1790 and became the main attraction in the gambling houses of Europe. In the United States, the double-zero roulette wheel made its way up the Mississippi and into western gambling dens. It was here that the roulette wheel was placed on top of the table to prevent cheating devices, and the game became much more American in character.

Each roulette table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets allowed. When playing, always bet within your budget and don’t try to anticipate other players’ moves. It is best to start by making outside bets, which are less expensive and offer higher odds of winning.

It is also a good idea to avoid overly complicated and risky bets. Despite its popularity, roulette is a game of chance and the house edge can be quite high. If you are lucky enough to hit a bet, cash out your winnings and leave the table before losing your entire bankroll. Also, do not dip into your winnings for future bets; this will only reduce your chances of hitting. To maximize your chances of winning, be sure to make your bets as quickly as possible after the dealer clears the table of the previous round’s losing chips.