What Is Roulette?

Roulette is a casino game that involves spinning a ball on a rotating wheel. There are many different bet types. These bets can be based on single numbers, various groupings of numbers, red or black, and high (1-18) or low (19-36).

When playing roulette, it is important to set your budget. Choose a table that allows you to play within your budget.

Origin

The exact origins of roullete are not known with certainty, but a number of theories have been put forward. Among these are that it was invented by the 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the course of his attempts to create a perpetual motion machine. Others claim that it was derived from the Italian game Lotto Reale, which featured numbered slots on a table and red and black backgrounds similar to those of modern roulette wheels.

It is also possible that the game began in China and was brought to France by Dominican monks as part of a cultural exchange. Whichever of these is true, it is clear that roullete evolved into its present form during the 18th century and quickly became a popular game in Paris gambling houses.

Variations

As with other casino games, roulette has several variants that differ in terms of betting options and rules. These variations contribute to the game’s pleasure factor. They also influence the odds and expected value of a spin. Choosing the right roulette variation depends on the player’s skill level and experience. Beginners should avoid those that include special bets and rules because they may have a higher house edge. For this reason, they should stick to the European-style games with a friendly house edge. Other popular variations include Lightning Roulette from Evolution Gaming, which features a multiplier of up to 500x the bet amount, and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT, which offers a payout of 1:12,000 for straight bonus wins.