The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is a game of chance played on a table with a revolving wheel. Players place bets on numbered areas of the table and win payouts based on the odds of each type of bet.
Understand the different bet types to make the most of your bankroll. Beginners should start by placing outside bets, which offer lower odds of winning but higher payouts.
Origins
It is hard to pinpoint the exact origin of roulette. However, many historians believe it came from a game called Biribi or a similar game that only allowed even and odd bets. Others think it evolved from other games with a wheel like portique, hoca, bassette, and roly poly. During the early 1800s, when gambling was becoming increasingly popular in America, French migrants brought roulette over with them. In order to compete with other casinos, the Blanc brothers decided to get rid of the double-zero pocket on the wheel, creating a single-zero version of the game that is still played today.
While it is not known with certainty, most historians agree that the game was first popularized in 1796 in Paris. There are other theories, including the belief that it was invented by a group of Dominican monks who traveled through China and taught the game to new people as they went along.
Variations
Adding extra betting options and special rules to roulette can make it more challenging or rewarding. It all depends on the player’s experience and skill level. New players should stick to the traditional European roulette wheel, which features 38 pockets and a single zero and offers a friendly house edge. However, experienced players can take advantage of additional bets like Key Bet Roulette, which expands the possibilities for winning prizes by up to 100x.
The roulette cylinder was introduced in its primitive form by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century.