Roulette is one of the casino industry’s most popular games, both online and in land casinos. Based entirely on luck, it has a reputation as being fast and exciting, with a large number of betting options to appeal to all types of players. While it may not draw as many big crowds as blackjack, slot machines or video poker, it is a staple of casinos around the world and still attracts plenty of players.
Roulette has a simple game play and easy-to-understand rules. Once all bets are placed, the croupier (dealer) throws a ball into the spinning wheel. Then players watch as the ball bounces around the wheel until it lands in a pocket that marks a number on the table. The winner of the bet is then paid out according to their odds. Bets can be placed on specific numbers, various groupings of numbers or the colors red and black or odd and even.
The Dozens Bet: Also known as the first dozen, the second dozen or the third dozen, you place your chip(s) to straddle the line between two groups of three consecutive numbers on the layout. The payout is 2-1. The Street Bet/Three Number Bet/Side Bet: This is another bet that goes by a few different names, but it’s the same basic wager: you place your chip(s) to occupy any one of the outer edges of a row of numbers on the layout. If that row wins, you get a payout of 11-1.
Outside Bets: These bets are better suited for beginners, as they’re less risky and offer higher payouts. With these bets, you’re placing your chips on a group of numbers (called propositions) rather than specific numbers. Typical bets include high or low, red or black, and the first or last 18 numbers. If the ball lands on a 0 or 00, all outside bets lose.
Roulette has a long history of use in Europe, and the game grew in popularity in America as gambling dens moved eastward up the Mississippi River from New Orleans. Because of rampant cheating in the early days of gambling, however, the game was modified to prevent devices from being hidden on the table or wheel, and it settled into its present form in European casinos.