Roulette is a popular casino game that has offered glamour, mystery, and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. The rules are simple enough for new players to grasp, and with the right strategy, winning can be a rewarding experience. However, despite its simple rules, roulette is also a game of high volatility. As such, it is important for gamblers to understand how to minimize their losses and maximize their wins.
The game’s name comes from the French term for little wheel. On a roulette table, a croupier spins a small white ball around a revolving wheel. Bets are made on which red or black numbered compartment the ball will land in. The player can also bet on various groups of numbers, colors, odd or even, or whether the number is high or low.
There are two major styles of roulette wheels: European and American. The former has 38 pockets—18 red and 18 black, along with a single ‘0’ pocket. The latter has the same numbering, but adds a double ’00’ pocket for a total of 38 pockets. The presence of the extra ’00’ pocket significantly increases the house edge over the European version.
When you want to play roulette, choose a table that carries a placard explaining the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Then decide how much of your bankroll you are willing to risk on a single spin. Once you have decided how much you want to bet, select a color—the dealer will give you colored chips with a value equal to your selected amount.
When betting, begin with “outside” bets (groupings of numbers instead of individual digits). These bets are typically cheaper and have a higher likelihood of hitting than inside bets. As the rounds go by, monitor your progress and be ready to walk away if your winnings aren’t enough to offset your losses. Once a winner is determined, the table will be cleared of losing wagers and all winners paid.