What is Roulette?

Roulette is a casino game played on a wheel with numbered pockets. A croupier spins the wheel and sends a ball into one of the pockets. Players place bets and receive payouts based on the odds of winning.

Inside bets are specific numbered bets with lower odds and higher payouts. They include straight-up, split, street, and corner bets. Outside bets cover large groups of numbers and have a higher chance of winning.

Origins

The exact origin of roulette is unknown. However, it is believed to have come about as a result of French mathematician Blaise Pascal’s attempt to create a perpetual motion machine. The word roullete means “little wheel,” which suggests that the game could have been derived from any number of other games with wheels. Portique, hoca, bassette, and roly poly are among the games that are often considered to be precursors of modern roulette.

Essentially, roullete involves a table with several sections for placing bets and in the center a revolving dishlike device called a roulette wheel into which a small ball rolls until it comes to rest in one of 38 (or 37 on modern European/Latin American tables) compartments around its edge. Before the ball is spun, players place bets on what number or combination they think will appear by laying chips on the betting surface.

Variations

Roulette has many variations, with each offering a unique flavor. Some variants are more complicated than others, while others offer novel betting options and prizes. Choosing the right game depends on your skill level and experience, as well as the rules and payouts you prefer. For example, the European version of the game has fewer pockets and a single zero, which lowers the house edge and increases the odds of winning.

Other variants, like Key Bet Roulette, expand your betting options by allowing you to place additional bets that can multiply your winnings by up to 100x. These are especially beneficial for high rollers.