Roullete is a game of chance played on a circular table with a spinning wheel, where players bet on the number or type of numbers they think the ball will land on. The game offers simple rules, fast action and a surprising depth of strategy for serious bettors. You can find a roulette table at casinos all over the world, and there are plenty of different ways to play the game.
When you want to place a bet, simply give the dealer your money by placing it on the table and asking for “colour”. The dealer will then give you coloured roulette chips that represent the value you have given them. These are known as ‘piggyback’ chips because they are the size of a piggy bank and allow you to keep track of your winnings and losses. The dealer will then clear the table of losing bets and pay out the winners. Some players like to watch their opponents, either hoping that they will spot a pattern or doing the opposite of what their opponents do. This is a risky tactic, and it won’t improve your odds more than coincidentally.
A roulette wheel consists of a solid disc slightly convex in shape, with thirty-six compartments painted alternately red and black, and two additional green ones on American tables (marked 0 and 00). A ball is spun around the circumference of the wheel, and it comes to rest in one of the compartments. The wheel is a precision instrument that spins smoothly and with almost no friction.
The game of roulette has been a source of glamour, mystery and excitement in casinos for centuries. There are many fanciful stories as to its origin, but the roulette cylinder and betting layout we know today was first developed in France in the 17th century.
Before you hit the roulette table, it is a good idea to set your budget for that session and choose a table within this range. Each table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets allowed. A standard European Roulette table, for example, has a $5 minimum for inside bets and $1,000 for outside bets. You should also familiarize yourself with the table map, as the rules vary by country and casino.