Roulette is a popular casino game that originated in France in the 18th century. The game consists of a spinning wheel, a ball, and a betting table. The roulette wheel is divided into numbered compartments or pockets, ranging from 0 (or 0 and 00 in American roulette) to 36, which are either red or black.
Players place bets on the betting table according to where they predict the ball will land on the wheel. Bets can be placed on a single number, a range of numbers, the colors red or black, whether the number is odd or even, or if the numbers are high (19-36) or low (1-18).
Once bets are placed, the croupier spins the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite direction. As the wheel slows, the ball eventually lands in one of the numbered pockets. Winners are determined based on whether the ball’s final resting place matches their bet(s).
The payouts depend on the type of bet made. For instance, betting on a single number (also known as a straight-up bet) offers the highest payout of 35:1, meaning if you bet $1, you’d receive $35 plus your original bet if you win.
Despite the various betting strategies, roulette is essentially a game of chance. The house edge (the advantage that the casino has over the players) varies depending on the version of the game (American or European), but it ensures that the casino always has an advantage in the long run.
