Roulette is a game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. But there is a surprising level of depth to this simple game, and players who know the basics can improve their odds of winning big.
The game is played on a table with a circular layout and a rotating wheel that has colored numbers on it. A croupier spins the wheel and drops a ball into one of the slots on the board. Bets are placed on the table, corresponding with the number slots that the ball can land in.
Once the winning number is announced, the dealer places a marker on that number. Before a new round begins, the losing bets are cleared from the table, and winners get paid. Then, the table is locked to prevent cheating or additional advantages. Some players like to watch other players and try to guess how they will bet, either hoping the other players know something they don’t or doing the opposite of what their opponents do. But this won’t improve your chances of winning more than coincidentally.
To play the game, you must first purchase a roulette chip from the croupier. The dealer will ask you what denomination you want to designate your chip at, from $1 to $100. The chips are different from standard casino chips in that they have a different color for each denomination. This helps the croupier distinguish between different bettors, even spouses who might be playing together.
There are two kinds of bets in roulette: Inside and Outside. Outside bets are those placed on groups of numbers, such as the Dozens, Red or Black, and Odd or Even. These bets have a lower house edge than inside bets, but offer a smaller payout if you win.
Inside bets are those placed on the numbered portion of the roulette table, such as single numbers or small groups of numbers. These bets have a higher house edge than outside bets, but they also offer a higher payout if you win. The best way to determine what bets to make is to study the layout of the roulette table and its rules. You can find this information on the casino’s website or in its promotional materials. Each roulette table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets that are allowed. Choose a table that fits within your budget and avoid betting more than you can afford to lose. It is also a good idea to cash out your winnings as quickly as possible.