Roulette is a casino game played on a table marked off with numbers from 1 through 36 and one or two zeros, affording players multiple betting opportunities. At the center of the table is a revolving, dishlike device known as the roulette wheel, into which a small ball is spun to eventually land in one of 37 or 38 compartments that contain colored numbers. Various types of bets can be placed, and the payout for winning bets varies.
Unlike other table games, roulette does not use standard casino chips. Instead, players purchase special colored chips from the croupier (that’s what they call the dealer). The croupier then marks each color with its corresponding value and hands them to players. Each player also receives a unique color to distinguish them from other bettors.
Before playing, you should first understand the game’s rules. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. These bet limits are designed to prevent large bets from driving up the house edge for the entire table. You should always choose a table that offers bet limits that are within your budget.
The Numbers on the Roulette Wheel
The numbers on the roulette wheel are randomized and alternate between red and black colors, and between odd and even numbers. The numbers are also grouped into sections that add up to 12 or 13 numbers. This enables the casino to offer the “La Partage” rule, which reduces the house edge by half, from 2.7% without it to 1.3% with it in place.
When you’re ready to play, the croupier will spin the wheel in one direction and throw a ball into it in the opposite direction. Once the ball has landed in a pocket, the dealer will announce, “no more bets.” The croupier will then clear the table, pay out winning bets and then begin the next round.
Inside and Outside Bets
There are several types of bets in roulette, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Inside bets are placed on individual numbers and have a higher probability of hitting, but they also have the highest house edge. Outside bets, on the other hand, are placed on groups of numbers and have a lower house edge but lower payouts.
In addition to the La Partage rule, European roulette has an added feature called En Prison, which further reduces the house edge and increases the player’s odds of winning. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced gambler, it’s important to know how each type of bet works and how to play them effectively.