The Basics of Roulette
Roulette (or Roullete, for short) is a casino game that involves spinning a wheel and placing bets on the number it will land in. Players can place bets on a single number, various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, and whether it is odd or even. A bet on a particular number pays out 1-1, while a bet on a group of numbers pays out 5-1.
The game is played on a table that is marked off into sections for various types of bets. The revolving dishlike device called a roulettewheel contains 37 or 38 compartments, including a 0 and on some American tables, a 00. A croupier sends a small white ball spinning that will eventually land in one of the compartments. Bets are placed on the table, correlating with the pockets the ball can possibly land in.
Before playing, players should establish a budget for the session. This should be made up of funds that can easily be lost, and it should not exceed the amount of money a player is willing to lose in a given sitting. Once the amount is set, a player should choose a table that offers betting limits within that budget.
A typical roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. It will also list the payouts on different bets. The minimum bet is typically $5, while the maximum bet is often $1,000 or more for outside bets.
Once bets are in place, the croupier spins the wheel. Then he/she throws a small ball into the wheel while it’s in motion. The ball spirals and bounces around until it lands in a pocket that corresponds with a specific number. If a bet on that number is correct, the player wins.
Those who are new to roulette should start by placing bets on “outside” bets, which are groups of numbers rather than individual digits. These bets are easier for beginners to understand, and they generally have a lower house edge than those on individual numbers.
Another important tip is to purchase a roulette chip before starting play. These chips are sold by the dealer and can be purchased at any denomination a player wants. Usually, a $5 chip will be the same color as the minimum bet at a roulette table, and each person is assigned a color to help distinguish him/her from other bettors. This is especially important for spouses, who should be kept separate from each other to prevent cheating.
When playing roulette, it’s best to stick with European versions of the game, as these offer a lower house edge than the American version. However, many online casinos carry both, so if you’re not sure which to play, just ask the casino staff. They should be able to help you find the right type of roulette for your strategy and budget.