The game of roulette is one of the most popular gambling games in the world. It’s played both in land-based casinos and online and has been around since the 1700s. There are different variations of the game and it’s important to understand which is the best for you if you want to play smart and increase your chances of winning.
There are three main versions of the game – American, European and French – each with its own unique rules and characteristics. Learn about each and you’ll be a better roulette player in no time.
American Roulette
The wheel in American roulette consists of a solid wooden disk that’s slightly convex. It’s divided into 37 compartments or pockets with metal partitions known as separators on each side. Each compartment has a number painted on it.
Each compartment has a different color, with a green pocket carrying the number 0 on European-style wheels and red ones on American-style ones.
It’s possible to place bets on the numbers 0 through 36, with chips laid down on a betting mat in the precise location where you’d like them to be placed. You can also bet on specific groups of numbers instead of individual digits.
These bets are made on a special section of the board, called the “inside.” The payout for these bets is usually higher than the payout for an outside bet, although they have less of a chance of success.
In addition to the usual inside and outside bets, there are a variety of other betting options as well. These include line bets, corner bets and basket bets. These options are available at all types of roulette tables, and can be as simple as placing a chip on the edge of a row or as complex as betting on the two zeros to pair up in a line.
Another interesting option is a bet on the ring around the wheel, which can have a higher payout than an inside bet but has a lower chance of success. This is a great way to increase your chances of winning and can be a lot of fun.
European Roulette
The most common type of roulette is European, which is played both in brick-and-mortar casinos and on online platforms. The advantage of this type of roulette is that it has a lower house edge than its American counterpart, which makes it the preferred choice of many players.
If you’re new to the game, start by playing the free demo version of roulette at any of our casinos before investing real money. This will help you get a feel for the game and ensure that you’re betting smarter than the average player.
Alternatively, try to play in a live dealer room to experience the thrill of the game in action. This will also help you improve your strategy and make more informed decisions.
If you’re a newbie, try the French variation of roulette to maximize your chances of winning and enjoy its minuscule house edge of only 1.35%. It’s not only the best roulette version out there, but it’s also the most fun. It also has two important rules – la partage and en prison – which can help you win big without risking your bankroll.