Roulette is an enthralling game that has held a place in casinos for centuries. It was first created in 18th-century France and has been a timeless classic ever since. Players of all levels are drawn to it due to its captivating mix of chance and strategy.
This game is also easy to learn and very exciting. You can’t control who wins, but you can do some things to increase your chances of winning. You can look at past results and betting patterns to help you make better decisions. But let’s start from the beginning and learn more about this popular game.
History and types of roulette
Contrary to what it looks like, this isn’t just a simple game. It has a rich history, with its name translating to “little wheel” in French. This is a reminder of its humble beginnings, as well as its enduring popularity around the world. French, European, and American variations all offer different spins – but the same ultimate outcome – potential big wins.
While these versions may look similar at first glance, there are some important differences in appearance, rules, table display, and types of bets. Understanding these differences can help players choose the right version of roulette for their preferences and goals.
Appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between the three versions is the appearance of the wheel. French and European use a single zero wheel with 37 pockets, while the American uses a double zero wheel with 38 pockets. This means that the American version has an extra pocket with a double zero, which increases the house edge and reduces the player’s chances of winning in the long run. In addition to the number of pockets, the colors on the wheel also differ slightly between the three versions.
Rules
The basic rules are similar across all versions. Players place bets on where they think the ball will land on the spinning wheel, and the croupier spins the wheel and drops the ball. If the ball lands on a pocket that matches a player’s bet, they win a payout based on the type of wager.
However, there are some important differences in the rules among the variations. For instance, the French one offers two unique rules that are not found in the others. The first is the “en prison” rule, which allows players to recover half of their even-money wagers if the ball lands on zero and it was placed on red, black, even, odd, high, or low. The bet remains “in prison” for the next spin and is released if the player wins or lost if the punter loses on the subsequent spin.
The second is the “la partage” rule, which is similar to the “en prison” but instead of keeping the bet “in prison”, the player receives half of the bet back immediately.
European Roulette does not offer either the “en prison” or “la partage” rule, but otherwise has the same basic rules as French Roulette.
Finally, American Roulette offers a lower payout for winning bets on even-money bets, reducing the player’s chance of earning big quantities in the long run. Additionally, it includes a unique bet known as the “top line” wager, which covers the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 and has a higher house edge than others.
Table Display
The layout of the roulette table is similar across all three versions, but there are some differences in the placement of the betting areas and the presence of additional betting options. French and European Roulette tables have a single betting area for inside bets (bets on specific numbers or combinations) and outside bets (bets on broader categories such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low).
American Roulette tables have two separate betting areas for inside and outside bets and include the unique “top line” bet in the inside betting area.
Types of Bets
All three versions offer a variety of different types of bets, including inside bets, outside bets, and call bets (bets based on the physical location of the numbers on the wheel). However, there are some differences.
The French variation offers a unique inside bet known as the “neighbors of zero”, which covers the numbers close to zero on the wheel. It also offers the highest payout for an individual number bet at 35:1.
European Roulette offers the same types of bets as French Roulette but with slightly different payout ratios.
American Roulette bids the “top line” wager as a unique inside bet but offers lower payouts for most others due to the extra pocket on the wheel.
Here is a list:
- Straight up: A bet on a specific number (pays 35 to 1)
- Split: A wager on two adjacent numbers (pays 17 to 1)
- Street: A bet on three numbers in a row (pays 11 to 1)
- Corner: A wager on four numbers that meet at a corner (pays 8 to 1)
- Five-number bet (top line): A bet on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3 (pays 6 to 1)
- Line bet: A wager on six numbers in two adjacent rows (pays 5 to 1)
- Column: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers (pays 2 to 1)
- Dozen: A wager on one of the three groups of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) (pays 2 to 1)
- Even/Odd: A bet on whether the winning number will be even or odd (pays 1 to 1)
- Red/Black: A wager on whether the winning number will be red or black (pays 1 to 1)
- High/Low bet: A bet on whether the winning number will be in the high half (19-36) or low half (1-18) (pays 1 to 1)
Advice to boost your winnings at a roulette table
Roulette is an exciting casino game that offers the chance to win big. If you want to increase your chances, firstly, know the different bets available. These include inside bets like straight and split bets and outside ones like column and dozen bets. Have a look at the odds and payouts for each one.
Then, set a budget for yourself before playing. This will help you avoid expending more than what you have and minimize losses. Also, when possible opt for a European table or a French one as they have better odds due to the lack of a double zero and the special rules.
Finally, keep in mind that the positioning of numbers on the wheel is not random – it’s strategic. There are different betting strategies that players use at this table, and the choice of which type of bet to place can vary depending on the one being used. Here are a few common strategies and how they may impact your choice of bet:
Strategies
Martingale Strategy
This involves doubling your bet after every loss, to eventually recoup all your losses plus a profit. With this strategy, players often choose to place even money wagers, such as red/black or even/odd, as they have a roughly 50/50 chance of winning which can help them recoup their losses more quickly.
Reverse Martingale
It involves increasing your bet after every win, to ride a winning streak and make a large profit. With this strategy, players often choose to wager on single numbers or straight-up bets, as they offer the largest potential payouts.
D'Alembert Strategy
It comprises decreasing your bet by one unit after a win and increasing it by one after a loss. With this strategy, bettors may choose to wager on outside bets, such as columns or dozens, as they offer a better chance of winning than straight-up bets.
Fibonacci Strategy
Requires betting according to the Fibonacci sequence, with each bet being the sum of the previous two bets. With it, players may choose to place their wagers on outside bets, as they offer a better chance of winning.
Ultimately, the choice of which type of bet to place will depend on your personal preferences and the strategy you are using. It’s important to remember that roulette is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win.
Winning at Roulette
Roulette, an exciting and uncertain casino game, can be mastered with the right strategies and tips. Of course, it is important to learn the rules and odds and to manage your bankroll. Setting limits and expectations is key. Additionally, some variations have better odds than others, like the European one which has a single zero pocket instead of a double zero; or the French ones with the extra rules that favor punters.
To up your chances of winning, remember to comprehend the different bets, control your bankroll, and come to the best online casinos with a realistic mindset. Enjoy the thrill of gambling responsibly!