The Basics of Roulette

Roulette is a game in which a small ball spins around and eventually stops in one of the 36 numbered compartments on a revolving wheel. On European wheels, there is also a single green compartment numbered 0.

Players wager on which number the ball will land in after a spin. Each table carries a placard that outlines the minimum and maximum bets allowed.

Origin

Although there are many fanciful stories about the origins of roulette, the fact is that it was invented in the 17th century by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal. He is credited with creating it as part of his quest to create a perpetual motion machine. The game became a popular gambling pastime in Europe and later made its way to America. As European immigrants moved to the United States, they brought their favorite casino games with them, including roulette. The original roulette wheel had two zero pockets but was eventually replaced with a single one to attract more customers.

The name ‘roulette’ derives from the Latin word rotella, meaning “little wheel.” It is a game of chance involving a spinning wheel and a small ball that comes to rest in one of the 38 (or 37 on modern European/Latin American tables) sections around the edge of the wheel.

Variations

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, and there are many variations that differ in terms of betting options and payouts. Some offer higher house edges while others provide additional features like bonus bets and special rules. If you are a new player, it is best to stick with the European roulette game because it has a lower house edge. However, if you are an experienced player, it is better to play games that have special bets and unique rules. Examples include Lightning Roulette from Evolution Gaming, which offers multipliers of up to 500x and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT, which delivers 1:12,000 for a straight bonus win.