Roulette is an iconic casino game, instantly recognizable by its spinning wheel and casino the small white ball that determines players' fortunes. As a game of pure probability, roulette is easy to learn and offers a unique kind of excitement.
The Basics: Wheel Layout and Objective
The core of the game is the roulette wheel, which is divided into numbered pockets. The two primary versions of roulette are:
Single-Zero Roulette: The European version contains 37 pockets in total, with one of them being a green 0. This version offers better odds for the player, with a house edge of 2.7%. American Roulette: This variant is identified by its 38 pockets, which include both a "0" and casino a "00". The extra pocket significantly increases the house edge to 5.26%, making it less favorable for players.
The aim of the game is simply to bet on the winning number.
Types of Bets in Roulette
The bets you can make are split into two groups: Inside Bets and Outside Bets.
Inside Bets
These bets are on the numbers themselves and feature long odds with high rewards.
Straight Up: A single-number bet that pays 35:1. Split: A two-number bet that pays 17:1. Street: A bet on a row of three numbers. Payout is 11 to 1. Corner: A bet on a group of four numbers. Payout is 8 to 1.
Outside Bets
These are wagers on general outcomes and have better odds with lower payouts.
Red/Black: A simple color bet that pays even money. Odd/Even: An even-money bet on the number's property. High/Low: Betting on the number falling in the 1-18 or 19-36 group. Dozens/Columns: These bets cover a third of the numbers (excluding 0) and pay 2:1.
Roulette Systems
Because roulette is a game of pure chance, there is no strategy that can guarantee a win or overcome the house edge in the long run. Systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) are extremely risky and can lead to catastrophic losses very quickly. The only effective strategy is good bankroll management and choosing the game variant with the lowest house edge.