Roulette is one of the most popular games at both online and land-based casinos. The game is based on luck, and players place bets on the number or grouping of numbers they think the ball will fall into when the wheel stops spinning. While there are many variations of the game, the European version is the most commonly played at both physical and virtual casino sites.
The roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk, slightly convex in shape. Around its rim are metal compartments, called separators or frets by croupiers, that create thirty-six pockets or ‘canoes’ for the balls. These are alternately coloured red and black, with the exception of a single green compartment on American-style wheels. The green compartment has no monetary value, and serves only to distinguish it from the other 37 slots.
Each time the croupier spins the wheel, the ball will come to rest in one of these pockets, and the player’s bet will either win or lose. There are a number of different bets that can be placed on the table, which differ in their chances of winning and the amount of money they can potentially make. The most common bets are:
Inside Bets
Outside bets are placed on options found around the perimeter of a roulette table, and offer lower payout odds than inside bets. These bets can include a single number, various groups of numbers, the colour red or black, and whether the number is odd or even.
A successful column bet wins if the ball lands on any of the three ’12’ columns on the roulette table. To place a bet, simply place your chips in the desired column on the betting felt.
The most common strategy when playing roulette is to follow the Martingale system, where you double your stake every time you lose. However, this method can rapidly deplete your bankroll if you keep losing. Another option is to use the Labouchere system, where you change your bet amounts depending on whether you’re winning or losing. This helps to limit your losses and maximize your wins, and is an effective way to control your risk.
