Roulette, a game of chance that is played on a wheel and board, is one of the world’s most popular casino games. It has been around since the 17th century, but it has evolved to offer more than just a game of chance. It also offers a surprising depth of sophistication for serious betters, who may wish to take their game to the next level with some sophisticated strategy.
The game’s name comes from the French term for “little wheel.” It is believed to have been invented by the 17th-century mathematician Blaise Pascal, who was trying to develop a perpetual motion machine. It is also thought to have been derived from an Italian game called Biribi, which required players to guess the number that would be drawn out of a bag.
There are four main categories of bets on the roulette table: Even Money, Odd Money, High or Low, and Dozens. Each category has a different payout and has its own rules.
Dozens Bet: Also known as douzaine in French, this bet allows you to place a bet on any of the first 12 numbers on the layout or the second dozen. The payout is 2-1 and you can place up to two chips on this bet.
Odd or Even: Also known as impair et pair in French, this bet is similar to the Dozens Bet except that you’re betting on whether the winning number will be an odd or an even number. You can also place up to three chips on this bet, but you cannot win both bets.
Street Bet: This bet is also known as transversal in French and you place your chip(s) on the outside border of the row. If the bet wins, you’ll receive a payout of 5-1.
Split Bet: Another common bet on the roulette table, this bet involves placing your chip(s) straddling two numbers on the layout. If the bet wins, you’ll earn a payout of 17-1.
The Wheel:
A roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk with metal partitions known as frets or separators on its rim. Between the compartments are pockets painted alternately red and black, numbered from 1 to 36.
The wheel can be spun in either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Unlike American-style wheels, European-style roulette wheels have the zeroes painted green instead of red or black. This was done to avoid confusion and ensure that players didn’t confuse the double zeroes with the single zeroes.