The popular casino game roulette can be traced back to the 17th century with the French mathematician Blaise Pascal widely thought to have been the inventor of the roulette wheel.
The game attracts a huge audience due to its simple process and excitement of playing. Players leave their chance of winning to pure luck, meaning roulette is one of the most thrilling casino games to take part in.
But how exactly does roulette work? We’ll explain the basics of the game and the different ways in which you can make bets.
Understanding the basics
The main aim of roulette is to correctly predict the number that the ball will land on once the wheel has been spun. Players make bets using chips on a specific number or group of numbers. If the ball lands on your predicted number or group, you’ll win a certain amount based on how much you initially put down and the odds.
Predicting single numbers is obviously more difficult than choosing a larger area of the wheel but this method typically offers a larger payout. You can choose to lower your risk by selecting a larger area to give you more chance of winning.
This flexibility and ability to control risk is a big appeal of the game of roulette.
The roulette wheel
There are two main types of roulette wheels, the American one and the European version. You’ll usually find this is dependent on whereabouts in the world you’re playing.
The main difference is the amount of numbers on the wheel. The American version has 38 numbers while the European one has 37, not hugely dissimilar but still a consideration if you’re looking to increase the odds of winning. The American version features two zeros whereas the European roulette wheel has just one zero.
Placing bets
Bets can be placed both inside and outside. Inside bets relate to individual and groups of numbers while outside bets can be made on bigger groups. Outside bets can also be made on red or black or odd or even numbers, which offer equal odds.
The roulette table
As well as the wheel itself, the roulette table also features the betting layout. The wheel can either be in the middle or at the end of the table.
The numbers are referred to as pockets, with a rotor in the middle and a ball track which allows the ball to spin around the wheel.
Whether played in a traditional casino or online, roulette continues to be a popular choice among participants and creates an exciting experience. But, if you’re playing any casino game, it’s important to ensure you stay safe when gambling and limit your losses.