Roulette has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its rules are simple to learn, but the game offers a surprising level of depth for serious betters. With the right approach, a little luck can mean big rewards.
The game is based on spinning a numbered wheel and betting on either the number or its color, odd or even, high or low, and whether it is red or black. When the wheel stops, the ball settles in one of 37 or 38 numbered compartments on the wheel, called the pocket. The player who correctly bets on the winning number wins the prize.
The word roulette comes from the French for “little wheel.” In its modern form, the game dates to 1655, when it was first used at a gambling den in Paris. It gained popularity in Europe and then migrated to America, where it was brought by explorers from France. It became a popular game in American casinos, and a similar version developed in Monte Carlo. The game’s enduring popularity in Europe is probably due to the fact that the house edge is lower than in American casinos.
When playing roulette, choose a table within your budget and start by placing your bets on “outside” bets, which are groups of numbers. These bets are cheaper and have a higher chance of hitting. When you win a bet, remove your chips from the table and cash them out. Then, begin betting again, only using the money you have won.
Each roulette table has a placard that lists the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Generally, tables have $5 minimum inside bets and $1,000 maximum outside bets. Before starting, decide how much you want to spend per round and stick with it.
To place a bet, speak with the dealer and tell them what denomination you want to assign each chip. The dealer will then mark the chip with that value and give it to you. Each person at the table gets a different colored chip to distinguish them from other players. The dealer will also keep track of your winnings.
A savant can beat the odds of the roulette wheel, but not everybody has that kind of genius. In the 1970s, a group of physics postgraduates dubbed the Eudaemons figured out how to use theoretical understanding and a rudimentary computer hidden in a shoe to beat the game. The group didn’t publicize their findings, though, and the method has never been replicated. The odds of beating the house are still long, but you can try your luck anyway.