Roulette has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Although it is a game of chance, the right strategy can reap high rewards. But it is also important to know when to walk away from the table. The following article offers tips to help you avoid costly mistakes when playing this popular game.
The basic rules of roulette are relatively simple, but the game offers a surprising level of depth for serious players. Before the dealer spins the wheel, players place their bets on which red or black numbered compartment the ball will enter when it comes to rest in one of those compartments. Players may make individual bets or a series of bets on groups of numbers (called “outside bets”).
There are many variations on the game, but the rules and layout of the roulette table remain essentially the same from casino to casino around the world. The game originated in France and gained widespread popularity throughout Europe by the late 18th century. It is believed that the game was invented in the 17th century by French scientist Blaise Pascal as he experimented with a perpetual motion machine.
A specialized roulette wheel has thirty-six alternating red and black numbered compartments, each containing a single number or a combination of two or three numbers. The European roulette wheel has a green division numbered zero, while the American version has two additional green divisions numbered 0 and 00.
Before the croupier spins the wheel, players place their chips on a special betting mat. The precise location of each chip indicates the bet being made. Bets on six or fewer numbers are known as inside bets, while wagers on 12 or more numbers are called outside bets. The American roulette table is distinguished by its use of English instead of French terms and a different style of betting mat.
Roulette balls used to be made of ivory, but today’s professional roulette balls are typically a mixture of resin and Teflon. The size, weight and material of the ball have a noticeable impact on its performance. A small, light ceramic ball tends to make more revolutions on the wheel and jump more unpredictably before it lands on a number than a large, heavy ivorine ball.
