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Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, offering glamour, mystery and excitement to game-goers since its development in the 17th century. While it may seem like an easy game to play, roulette offers a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters, and the right bet can reap high rewards. In this article we will break down the basics of roulette and provide a step-by-step guide to correctly placing your chips on the betting table.
A revolving wheel into which players place bets on which red or black numbered compartment it will come to rest. In European roulette there are 37 compartments numbered alternately from 1 to 36, and in American roulette two green ones, 0 and 00, are added. When the croupier spins the wheel, the small ball drops into a compartment and if it hits the bet it wins. The croupier then pays out the winning bets, and collects the losing bets.
While the house edge of a particular bet may vary, a general rule of thumb is that if a bet is placed on an outside number then it is a more likely winner than a bet on an inside number. This is because there are more outside numbers than inside ones and the chances of hitting one are higher. Outside bets include bets on odd or even, red or black, and low (19-36) or high (1-36) numbers.
When you enter the casino or a gaming hall, make sure you have a budget in mind for your roulette bets before you start playing. This way you will be able to choose a table within your price range and avoid overspending. Each roulette table carries a placard with the minimum and maximum bets allowed, so you should always know what your limit is.
Once you’ve settled on your limit, the best way to begin is by placing “outside bets” – wagers on groups of numbers instead of individual digits. These bets are usually cheaper and have a higher chance of success, making them perfect for beginners.
To make an outside bet, simply place your chips on the side of the betting table that contains the group of numbers you want to cover. You can also place a bet on the Dozens, Columns or Squares; these are all groups of 12 numbers that have equal odds of winning. Lastly, you can also bet on red or black – this is the safest option, and it will pay out even money (in other words, your original stake plus your winnings). With these bets you’ll never lose more than you can afford to spend.
