All You Need to Know About Roulette in 2024
Roulette stands as a timeless classic in the casino world, shining bright among thousands of slot machines, card games, and crash games. Its wheel spins stories of chance, strategy, and luck, making it a fascinating game for many. Even today, millions around the world play roulette in the flashy casinos of Las Vegas or even online.
Let’s dive into the world of Roulette variations, betting options, and strategies.
Short History
The origins of roulette trace back to the 17th century, with the French mathematician Blaise Pascal. At the time, he – like many others – was on a quest to invent a perpetual motion machine. Little did he know, his creation would lay the groundwork for one of the most beloved casino games. Merging with elements from the Italian game Biribi, Pascal’s wheel evolved into the roulette we know today.
Types of Roulette
Roulette has spun its way into the world in a few different forms, each with its unique twist:
- American Roulette: Features a wheel with 38 pockets, including numbers 1 to 36, a single zero, and a double zero. This additional double zero increases the house edge, making it a thrilling option for those who love a challenge.
- European Roulette: This variation plays with a wheel of 37 pockets, ranging from 1 to 36 and a single zero. The absence of the double zero as in the American version means a lower house edge, offering better odds for the player.
- French Roulette is the original game, which has later evolved into American roulette. The main difference between the two is the possibility of placing “announced” bets.
The key differences between these types lie in the wheel and table layout, as well as the impact on a player’s odds due to the house edge.
Roulette Bets
When you approach the roulette table, you’re greeted with a variety of betting options, each offering a unique way to engage with the game. Let’s take a closer look:
- Even Money Bets: Ideal for those seeking a cautious strategy, these bets cover nearly half the wheel and include:
- Red or Black: Betting on the colour of the winning number.
- Odd or Even: Whether the winning number will be odd or even.
- Low (1-18) or High (19-36): Betting on the winning number being low or high.
- Inside Bets are bets made on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the table. They offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning.
- Outside Bets cover larger groups of numbers or colours, offering better chances of winning but with lower payouts.
- Column and Dozen Bets: Both types involve betting on 12 numbers, either vertically (column) or in blocks of dozens on the layout.
- Announced Bets are usually found on European or French roulette tables and involve betting on specific sections of the wheel. Some of the popular called bets include:
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): Bets on the 17 numbers closest to zero on the wheel.
- Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel): Covers 12 numbers opposite to zero.
- Orphelins (Orphans): Bets on the numbers not covered by the first two called bets.
- Jeu Zéro (Zero Game): A smaller version of Voisins du Zéro, covering the seven numbers closest to zero.
Roulette Strategy
A prudent approach to roulette is focusing on the bets that pay even money. This is the best approach for beginners and those looking to play with minimal risk. Consider placing outside bets, such as betting on red or black, even or odd, or high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers. These bets offer almost a 50-50 chance of winning, providing a safe – although not very exciting – experience.
Otherwise, there’s no secret to beating roulette – all you can hope for is to be lucky and enjoy the experience.
Roulette remains a pillar of the casino industry, captivating players with its blend of simplicity and depth. Whichever variant you play, understand the betting options and strategies before you play. This will enhance your playing experience and keep money in your pocket. Roulette is among the oldest casino games played today – but its age is the best.
