The mathematician Pascal is recognized as inventing the roulette wheel while trying to create the perpetual motion machine. There have been some game adjustments since, but the game essentially has remained the same through the years. It is somewhat thought-provoking that the sum of the numbers on a roulette wheel adds up to 666.
It is a simple game, but there’s a little more to roulette than a wing and a prayer. Understanding the variety of wagers will improve your strategy. Are you all set to learn how to play roulette?
Game Equipment
Wheel
The roulette wheel is numbered from 0 up to 36. Some wheels have double zero (00), and others even have a triple zero (000). Each number is in a section called a pocket.
The pocket containing the zero (or double zero) is colored green. Odd-numbered pockets 1-10 and 19-28 are red, and even-numbered pockets are black. From 11 – 18 and 29 – 36, odd number pockets are black, and the even-numbered ones are red.
The ball goes in the opposite direction of the spinning wheel. If the wheel is spun clockwise, the ball will go counterclockwise and vice versa. Some experienced players can visually track the ball and have a good chance of predicting where it will land.
Layout
The wheel sits on a cloth-covered table known as the layout. The layout is a chart beside the wheel that shows the numbers, colors, and additional plays that can be made. This is where the croupier places the betting chips.
Croupier
A croupier is a name used for the dealer that conducts the game and places your chips for laying a wager. Croupiers are required to apply for gambling licenses. This ensures that proper security and background check is done before they work at a casino.
Croupiers are considered service staff, and therefore they do depend on tips to supplement a low wage. This is most common in American casinos when a player has been particularly successful at the wheel. It is frowned upon for croupiers to befriend players, and most casinos discourage them from being seen in casino attire outside of work.
Types of Bets
Bets can be made on a single number or a group of numbers, each with their own various payouts. The three main categories are inside, outside, and the less common announced bets.
Inside Bets
These are the kind you place on numbers in the main part of the layout. This is the section where one sees the numbers from 0 to 36 displayed. There are seven different types of inside bets that can be made.
Basket – 0, 1, 2, and 3 are bet on. The chip is set on the corner shared by the first line and the 0 boxes. If you are playing the American version, this bet includes the 00.
Corner – A four-number bet is made. The chips are placed on the common corner shared by the four numbers. This is also called a square bet.
Six Line – This bet is made on two lines adjacent to each other. The chips are put on shared outer corners of the lines.
Split – The bet is put on two numbers beside each other on the table. Chips are placed on the line that is shared by the squares.
Straight – This is a bet on one number only. The chip is set inside the square that the number appears in.
Street – Three consecutive numbers in a line are bet on. The chip is set on an outside corner of the row of numbers.
Trio – This bet includes three numbers, including the zero (or zeros). The line shared by the zero box and the other numbers are where.
Outside Bets
The outside kind are where the chips will be placed outside the number area of the layout. There are five different types that can be made:
1 to 18 or 19 to 36 – Putting chips in these sections indicates that the winning number will be either low (1-18) or high (19-36).
Columns – This bet is what column of the three number columns the winning number will fall in.
Dozens – Chips are placed in the sections labelled as 1st 12, 2nd 12 or 3rd 12.
Odd or Even – Bet whether the winning number will be even or odd.
Red or Black – This bet is made on which color the ball will land upon.
Announced Bets
These are combination wagers that are most common in French or European roulette games. The three main ones are called Voisins du Zero (Neighbors of Zero), Orphelins (Orphans), and Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the cylinder). More experienced players usually make these kinds of bets.
Let’s Play!
At the casino, the minimum and maximum stakes will be displayed at the tables. The chips you use for roulette are different than other games that require chips. Each person will receive a player-specific color for the game. Hand your chips to the croupier and tell them the value you have given to your chips and what kind of bet you want to make.
After each round is done and the croupier has paid all player’s winnings, the next round will begin. Time is allowed for bets to be placed, and then the croupier will announce “no more bets!” and around the ball goes again.
When the ball stops, the croupier will put a marker on top of the winning number or chips. Losing plays are cleared off the table first. Winners will get paid, and the game starts again.
When you have finished your game, tell the croupier you want to cash out. Your roulette chips will be exchanged for regular casino chips in the corresponding amount. Those are the basics of roulette gameplay.
Practicing is a great way to become more familiar with the game before you give it a go. Try playing free games. It won’t be long before you find yourself immersed in the game and wanting to take it to the next level.
