Roulette, or Roullete as it is known in France, has been the game of choice for casino-goers since the 17th Century and offers a certain glamour and mystery that makes the gamble an exciting experience. It is a game of chance and luck but with a little know-how and proper strategy players can increase their chances of winning big while also decreasing their losses. Different betting combinations offer different odds for wins and payouts, so knowing the rules and the various bet types is vital. These are usually divided into three categories: inside bets, outside bets and announced bets.
Before the wheel is spun, people place their bets by putting chips on a betting mat, with the precise location of the chip indicating what type of bet is being placed. There are many different bet types, some costing more than others, and they can be placed on either single numbers, groups of numbers or even whole sections of the wheel. The numbers on the wheel are alternately red and black, with a single green division marked 0 on European-style wheels and two additional green compartments marked 00 on American tables.
The wheel is spun and the ball then falls into one of the compartments, a process that takes about thirty seconds to complete. When the winning number is determined, the dealer removes the losing chips and pays out the winners. The player’s remaining chips remain on the table and can be used again for a new bet or can be withdrawn at any time.
While there are many fanciful stories of how roulette was invented, it is believed that the game evolved from two earlier games – hoca and portique – in the 17th Century and quickly became popular at gaming establishments throughout Europe. Due to rampant cheating by both casino owners and players, the game was modified in the 1800s to prevent devices from being hidden in the wheel or the table and it was also moved from the edge of the table to a raised area.