Roulette is an iconic casino game, instantly recognizable by its spinning wheel and the small white ball that determines players' fortunes. As a game of pure probability, roulette is easy to learn and offers a unique kind of excitement.
How the Game Works
The game centers on a wheel featuring 37 or 38 numbered slots. The two primary versions of roulette are:
European Roulette: This wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 1-36 (alternating between red and casino black) and casino a single green "0" pocket. This version offers better odds for casino the player, with a house edge of 2.7%. Double-Zero Roulette: This variant is identified by its 38 pockets, which include both a "0" and a "00". Players face worse odds in this version because of the "00".
Your goal is to correctly guess the final resting place of the ball.
Understanding the Betting Options
The bets you can make are split into two groups: Inside Bets and Outside Bets.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers on the numbered section of the table. They offer big payouts but are harder to hit.
Straight Up: Betting on one specific number. The highest payout in the game. Split: Betting on the line between two numbers. Street: A three-number bet that pays 11:1. Corner: A bet on a group of four numbers. Payout is 8 to 1.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover large sections of the wheel. They are easier to win but offer smaller payouts.
Red/Black: Betting on the color of the winning number. Odd/Even: An even-money bet on the number's property. High/Low: A wager on a high or low number that pays 1:1. Dozens/Columns: These bets cover a third of the numbers (excluding 0) and pay 2:1.
Roulette Systems
It is impossible to beat roulette consistently because every spin is random and the house edge is fixed. While popular, betting systems like the Martingale are flawed and can wipe out your funds in a short amount of time. The smartest approach is to play responsibly, set a budget, and stick to the European version of the game.