Roullete is one of the world’s most popular casino games and it is known for its glamour, mystery and excitement. Despite its relatively simple rules, it has the potential to be very lucrative for those who know how to play it well. The best way to maximise your chances of winning is by following a roulette strategy that suits your budget and risk-taking appetite.
A roulette wheel consists of a wooden disk, slightly convex in shape, with compartments around its edge. Thirty-six of these compartments are painted alternately red and black and are numbered 1 to 36 in a nonconsecutive pattern. There is also a green compartment marked 0, and on American roulette wheels a second green pocket labelled 00. A roulette croupier spins the wheel and then places a ball into one of the compartments. If the ball lands in a number that you have placed a bet on, you win.
Before you start playing, it’s important to decide on the size of your betting unit based on your available bankroll. This will determine the amount you can bet per round. Having a clear understanding of your budget will help you avoid making bad decisions that can cause you to lose your money.
It’s best to choose a European table whenever possible, as the house edge is lower than that of an American one. The latter has two extra green pockets labelled 0 and 00 which increases the house’s advantage, so it is not recommended for those who want to follow a roulette strategy that will make them win more.
Choosing the right bet is an essential part of any roulette strategy. There are several different types of bets that you can place, and each has its own odds and payouts. Inside bets are bets on individual numbers, while outside bets are bets on categories of numbers. Inside bets are typically higher-paying than outside bets, but they have a greater chance of losing.
The Dozens Bet: Also known as douzaine in French, this bet pays 2-1 if the winning number is in the first 12 or last 18 numbers on the table layout. You can also bet on either of these groups of numbers, but not both. Outside bets are more likely to win than inside bets, but they have lower payouts.
Some online casinos offer both the European and American versions of roulette. If you have a choice, always play the European version, as it has a lower house edge and offers better odds for even-money bets. Some also have a special rule called “la partage” that splits any even-money bets that land on zero, leaving half for the house and half for the player. Having this rule reduces the house edge to just 1.35%, which makes it more attractive for those using a roulette strategy to win.