Roulette is a game containing a spinning wheel with numbered slots, into which a small ball is released.
Players bet on where the ball will land by placing chips on the corresponding number or other area of the betting table layout.
Winning bets are paid at odds that reflect the probability of the bet winning, while losing bets are forfeit.
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How Roulette Is Played
Roulette can be played either in a casual or professional setting, but always uses a standard set of equipment.
This includes a Roulette wheel, a Roulette ball, and a betting table layout with all of the available bets clearly marked.
Each player gets their own color chips to use so that their bets can be easily distinguished from those of other players.
To start a game of Roulette, each player places their chips on the betting table layout in the area corresponding to the bets they wish to make. Once all players have made their bets, the dealer spins the Roulette wheel and drops the ball into it.
The ball eventually loses momentum and falls into one of the numbered slots on the wheel. The winning number is then announced and all winning bets are paid out at odds that reflect the probability of that bet winning. Losing bets are forfeit.
Types of Bets in Roulette
There are many different types of bets that can be made in Roulette, each with its own payout odds. One of the most common type of bet is a single number bet, which pays out at 35 to 1 odds if you win.
There are also a variety of different groupings of numbers that can be bet on, such as rows, columns, and even/odd number groups.
These bets usually pay out at lower odds, such as close to 2 to 1 or 17 to 1.
There are also special bets that can be made on the Roulette wheel, such as betting on whether the ball will land on a red or black number.
These bets usually have close to even payout odds.
American vs European Roulette
There are two main types of Roulette wheels in use today, American and European.
The main difference between the two is that the American wheel has an extra slot for a double zero, while the European wheel only has a single zero.
This gives the American wheel a higher house edge, as there are more ways for the ball to land on a losing number. If you have the choice, it is always better to play on a European wheel as it gives you better odds of winning.
Odds & Payouts at European & American Roulette
| Roulette Bet | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Number | 35 to 1 | 2.70% | 2.60% |
| 2 Number Combination | 17 to 1 | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| 3 Number Combination | 11 to 1 | 8.1% | 7.9% |
| 4 Number Combination | 8 to 1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
| 5 Number Combination | 6 to 1 | 13.5% | 13.2% |
| 6 Number Combination | 5 to 1 | 16.2% | 15.8% |
| Column | 2 to 1 | 32.40% | 31.6% |
| Dozen | 2 to 1 | 32.40% | 31.6% |
| Even/Odd | 1 to 1 | 48.60% | 47.4% |
| Red/Black | 1 to 1 | 48.60% | 47.4% |
| Low/High | 1 to 1 | 48.60% | 47.4% |
Roulette Strategy
There is no guaranteed winning betting strategy for Roulette, as the game is ultimately based on chance.
However, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of winning. One important thing to remember is that the house always has an edge in Roulette, so you should never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that while there are many different types of bets you can make, some have better odds than others.
For example, the single number bets have the worst odds as there is only a 1 in 35 chance of winning, but they also have the highest payouts if you do win.
It is usually best to stick to making outside bets such as betting on red or black, even or odd numbers, or groupings of numbers as they have much better odds and payouts.
If you follow these simple tips, you will improve your chances of winning and have more fun while playing Roulette.
Inside vs Outside Roulette Bets
There are two main types of bets you can make in Roulette, inside and outside bets.
Inside bets are those that are made on specific numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets are those made on larger groups of numbers.
The odds and payouts for both types of bets differ depending on what you are betting on.
Single Number Bet: This is a bet made on a single number and pays out at 35 to 1 odds if you win. This is the hardest type of bet to win, but also has the highest payout if you do win.
Split Bet: This is a bet made on two adjacent numbers and pays out at 17 to 1 odds if you win.
Street Bet: This is a bet made on a row of three numbers and pays out at 11 to 1 odds if you win.
Corner Bet: This is a bet made on four adjacent numbers and pays out at 8 to 1 odds if you win.
Line Bet: This is a bet made on six numbers and pays out at 5 to 1 odds if you win.
There are also bets that can be made on the color of the number, whether it is odd or even, or whether it is in the first, second, or third column. These bets usually have close to even odds and payouts.
Outside Roulette Bet Odds
| Outside Roulette Bet | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red or Black | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Odd or Even | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| High or Low | 1:1 | 48.65% | 47.37% |
| Column | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.6% |
| Dozen | 2:1 | 32.4% | 31.6% |
Inside Roulette Bet Odds
| Inside Roulette Bets | Payout | European Roulette Odds | American Roulette Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight bet | 35:1 | 2.7% | 2.6% |
| Split Bet | 17:1 | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| Street Bet | 11:1 | 8.1% | 7.9% |
| Corner Bet | 8:1 | 10.8% | 10.5% |
| Basket Bet | 6:1 | N/A | 13.2% |
| Doouble Street Bet | 5:1 | 16.2% | 15.8% |
FAQs – How to Play Roulette
What is the difference between American and European Roulette?
The main difference between American and European Roulette is that the American wheel has an extra slot for a double zero, while the European wheel only has a single zero.
This gives the American wheel a higher house edge, as there are more ways for the ball to land on a losing number.
What is the best type of bet to make in Roulette?
There is no guaranteed winning strategy for Roulette, as the game is ultimately based on chance. However, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of winning.
One important thing to remember is that the house always has an edge in Roulette, so you should never bet more than you can afford to lose. Another important thing to keep in mind is that while there are many different types of bets you can make, some have better odds than others.
For example, the single number bets have the worst odds as there is only a 1 in 35 chance of winning, but they also have the highest payouts if you do win. It is usually best to stick to making outside bets such as betting on red or black, even or odd numbers, or groupings of numbers as they have much better odds and payouts.
Can I use a Roulette Strategy to improve my chances of winning?
There is no guaranteed winning strategy for Roulette, as the game is ultimately based on chance. However, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of winning.
One important thing to remember is that the house always has an edge in Roulette, so you should never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that while there are many different types of bets you can make, some have better odds than others.
For example, the single number bets have the worst odds as there is only a 1 in 35 chance of winning, but they also have the highest payouts if you do win.
It is usually best to stick to making outside bets such as betting on red or black, even or odd numbers, or groupings of numbers as they have much better odds and payouts.
Conclusion – How to Play Roulette
Roulette is a fun and easy game to play, with there being two main types of bets you can make, inside and outside bets.
Inside bets are bets made on specific numbers, while outside bets are bets made on areas of the Roulette table.
You can also make combinations of inside and outside bets to further your chances of winning. The key to playing Roulette is to know what bets offer you the best odds of winning and to always stick within your budget. With a little practice, you’ll be spinning and winning in no time.
