The Basics of Roulette

A game of chance that takes place at a table set up with numbers from 1 to 36 and one or two zeros (depending on whether you play American, European or French roulette) and a revolving wheel into which players make bets. There are also several other sections of the table offering different betting opportunities. A croupier spins the wheel and the ball eventually lands in a number or section, thus rewarding winning bets according to their odds.

The game is popular worldwide and the rules are relatively simple, but there is surprising depth to its strategy. We will cover the basics so you can be confident that you know exactly how to play and where to place your chips.

Roulette’s roots go back to the 17th century when it was first played in France. It was soon adopted in other gambling dens throughout the world and has remained popular ever since. The game’s popularity is in large part due to its glamour, mystery and high rewards for those who correctly guess the number or type of number that will come up when the dealer spins the wheel.

The rules of roulette are straightforward. The dealer spins the wheel, and a ball will eventually land in a pocket on one of the 37 or 38 numbered compartments located on either an American or European roulette wheel. The game is called roulete because the word means “little wheel” in French, and a wheel of this shape still is used for many other purposes such as engraving postage stamps and, more recently, to make holes in sheet stock for perforating them into individual stamps.

Before you start playing, you should understand the difference between inside and outside bets. Inside bets are those that are placed on a specific group of numbers, and the payouts for these bets are higher than those for outside bets. For example, a Straight Up bet on any number from 1 to 36 costs 40 chips and pays 392 chips if it wins.

An Outside bet, on the other hand, is a general bet on a group of numbers. This type of bet has a lower payout but offers better odds than a specific number. An Outside bet can be made on the Dozens, Columns or Red/Black, for instance.

When you win a bet, your winnings are paid out in chips, and the dealer will place them on the table. If you wish to withdraw them, simply ask the dealer. The dealer will indicate how much your roulette chips are worth, and then she will parcel them out to you. For instance, if you gave the dealer 20 chips at PS1 each, she will give you coloured roulette chips equal in value to those that you had given her. Then you can leave the table. But before you walk away, double check that your bets are correct!