Roullete (pronounced roo-LET) is the classic casino game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its simple rules and straightforward gameplay make it easy for anyone to learn but the game offers a surprising level of depth and reward for serious betters. This article covers all of the basics of this popular game so that you can be prepared to place your chips at the table and know exactly what to expect when the wheel spins.
A roulette wheel consists of a solid, convex disk with 36 numbered compartments or pockets, painted alternately red and black, except for 0 and 00 on American wheels, which are green. A croupier spins the wheel and then a ball in a metal cup with a lip is dropped into the pockets. If the ball stops in a numbered pocket, that number is the winner and the player’s bet is paid out.
The game’s rules are very simple and there are many different betting options. Each type of bet has its own payout and odds. The player bets on the number they think will win by placing chips on a special betting mat. These mats are designed to show the precise location of each bet. A bet on an individual number is called a straight-up or single-number bet. A bet on a group of numbers is known as a split or double bet. A bet on a corner, which connects four numbers, is also available.
There are many myths and theories surrounding the origin of roulette, but the fact is that it was derived in Europe in the 18th century from older games such as hoca and portique. Its current form was developed around 1790 and it became the most famous of all casino games.
It is possible to bet on a combination of numbers or colors with a bet called a basket bet. It is placed by putting chips on the dividing line between the row featuring 0 and the column with 1, 2 and 3. This bet pays out 6 to 1 which makes it a very unprofitable bet but some American casinos do offer this bet.
Regardless of the number you bet on, the house edge in roulette is 2.7%, although it can be reduced to 1.35% by using the La Partage rule, which requires that the dealer give half of all even-money bets back to the player. Before you start playing, set a budget and choose a table within that budget. Each table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed.