Roulette is a game of chance that has offered glamour and mystery to casino-goers since the 17th century. While many people think that roulette is simply a game of luck, the truth is that there are some strategies that can improve your odds. These systems will not make you a winner but they can help you reduce your losses and increase your winnings.
The roulette wheel consists of a static bowl and a spindle which supports a rotating wheelhead that contains the pockets for the ball to land in. The outer edge of the wheel contains a series of red and black numbers alternating with each other. There are also two green compartments labelled 0 and 00 on American-style wheels.
While there are many myths surrounding the history of this game, it is generally agreed that it was derived from older games like hoca and portique, which were popular in French gambling dens. The game reached its modern form in the 18th century and became a staple of Monte Carlo casinos and European gambling houses.
In the early days of roulette, the game was often rigged in order to give players an advantage. In the 19th century, the game began to lose popularity and was outlawed in some areas. However, the game reclaimed its popularity in the 1930s and continues to be played in some countries today.
Choosing a Roulette Table
Before you can start betting, you need to choose which table to play on. Each table carries a placard with the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Choose a table that is within your budget and choose the type of bet you wish to make. It is best to begin with outside bets as these are cheaper and offer a better probability of winning than inside bets.
Outside bets include the Dozens bet (or douzaine in French) and the Columns bet. Both bets are wagers that the winning number will be in one of the first 12 dozens on the layout, the second dozen or the third dozens. The Dozens bet pays 2-1 while the Columns bet pays 1-to-1.
The house gets its edge in roulette from the fact that the true odds of hitting a specific number on a straight-up bet are 37 to 1, while the payouts are only 35 to 1. This difference is where most players lose money.