Roulette

Roulette is a simple game to learn and once players have mastered the rules of the game, they will be entertained and amused for hours. This is an exciting game that offers a large variety of betting options. Players can even make combination bets to increase their chances of winning. The odds while playing roulette will differ based on the actual bets that have been placed.

The wheel used to play Roulette has 36 numbers ranging from 1 to 36 and a zero. Some wheels will feature a 00 spot, which is usually found on US wheels. When the wheel has this additional spot, the house’s edge will be increased. Playing on a wheel without the 00 will increase the chances of the player winning. All numbers between 1 and 36 will alternate between red and black and the 0 and 00 will be green.

Players will place bids on a numbered layout on the table. Once all bids are placed, the dealer will spin the wheel and release the ball. Players can place bets until the ball is released. At this point in time, the dealer will announce that no more bets are being accepted on the table. The ball will fall into a numbered slot and a marker will be placed on the table signifying the outcome. All bets will then be paid accordingly. These are the basic rules of the game. Many players will employ strategies when choosing how to bet on the game.

When playing roulette, making the bet is one of the most important parts of having a strategy. Each type of bet that is placed when playing roulette will result in a different set of payouts. It may be very tempting for players to place bets on a large spread, but this is not always a wise idea. The Numbers Bet is a betting strategy that is used by veteran roulette players.

A single number bet is the most common. This is when players make a bet on only one number. If that number is rolled, the player will win a decent amount of money. Many players will use this bet in combination with other bets on the table. It can pay as much as 35:1.

A two number bet involves placing bets on two numbers. The payouts for these wins are a little less, at 17:1. Three number bets will pay 11:1. It is common for players to place bets on one, two or three numbers because the payouts when the numbers are rolled are much higher than some of the other bets that can be placed.

Players can also place a four number bet which will pay 8:1 and a five number bet, paying out at 6:1. A five number bet is not a wise bet and it can only be made when playing on American roulette tables. A six number bet will provide a payout of 5:1.

Placing bets on the roulette table is part of the fun of the game and once players learn the payout ratios for the bets, they will be able to make a wise decision.

Roulette - some terms explained

Inside bets

Inside bets are bets that are placed on the main grid of the table. There are five inside bets in total: Straight up (a single number, pays 35-1), Split (two adjacent numbers on the grid, pays 17-1), Street (any of the twelve rows of three numbers on the grid or any three-number combination containing '0' or '00', pays 11-1), Corner (any available group of four numbers, pays 8-1) and Line (any available group of six numbers, pays 5-1).

Outside bets

Outside bets are bets that are placed outside the main number grid. There are five outside bets in total: Red or black (pays 1:1), odd or even (pays 1:1), high or low (high is 19 to 26, low is 1 to 18, pays 1:1), columns (one of the three columns of numbers on the grid, pays 2:1) and dozens (either 1 to 12, 13 to 24 or 25 to 36, pays 2:1).

Five number bets

Only available on American roulette. It covers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3 and pays 6-1.

Call bets

Only available on European (sometimes called French) roulette.  There are five main call bets: Voisins du zero covers the eight numbers to the right of the 0 on the wheel, 0 itself, and the eight numbers to the right. Jeu zero covers the two numbers to the right and the four numbers to the left of 0 on the wheel plus 0. Tiers du Cylindre covers the twelve numbers opposite to 0 on the wheel. Orphelins covers the eight numbers that are not covered by voisins du zero or tiers du cylindre. Neighbours means you are betting on a specific number on the wheel plus the two numbers to its left and the two numbers to its right.

Final bet

A final bet is one that covers all the numbers that end in the same digit. For example, a final bet on 2 also covers 12, 22 and 32. A final bet on numbers over 6 only includes three straight up bets - i.e. a final bet on 8 covers 8, 18 and 28.

Let it ride

A term for maintaining a winning bet and staking your winnings from that bet on the same wager. For example, if you stake $1 on 23 and you win, if you 'let it ride' you will be staking $36 on 23 on the next spin.

Them's the facts, now hit the tables!

Roulette is purely a game of chance, much like bingo, keno or picking lottery numbers. Give the finger to any systems you might see on the internet saying 'sure fire winning roulette system' - no matter how you play, or how you bet, the casino will always maintain the edge.

As long as you understand that the only way you can win at roulette is by being lucky, then you'll find roulette a thoroughly enjoyable game to play. There's nothing like having a little 'lucky streak' that makes you feel you've suddenly become clairvoyant, and there are plenty of roulette games available, including ones at live casinos. Pick your game, place your bets and see if that little ball is thinking kindly about you!