Roulette is a simple but exciting game that has been entertaining casual players and avid gamblers for centuries. It is a popular casino game in both online and land-based casinos from around the world. Whether you plan on playing roulette for real money or fun, it is ideal that you explore the rules of this classic casino game inside out and understand how it works to give you a better chance of winning.
If you have ever wondered how roulette works, here is everything you need to know about the game.
Playing Roulette: In a Nutshell
When playing roulette, gamblers can choose to place a wager on inside bets, including a single number or various groupings of numbers. They can also set a wager on outside bets, including color, odd or even betting, and choosing low figures from 1 to 18 or high digits from 19 to 36.
When the gambler successfully chooses a number and places their bets, a croupier will spin the roulette wheel to determine the winning number. The roulette wheel will turn in one direction, twirling a small white ball in the other direction around a circular track around the outer area of the roulette wheel.
The ball will pass through an area of deflectors and fall onto the roulette wheel and into one of 37 pockets for European roulette wheels or into one of the 38 pockets for the American variation. Then the dealer will grant the winnings to anyone who placed a successful wager.
The Basic Roulette Rules
After understanding how the casino game works, you need to understand its rules to prevent getting a bust and hit winning streaks. Below are some of the basic rules when playing roulette.
- Before each spin of the wheel, the dealer will give all players in the table time to place their wagers on a dedicated spot.
- Gamblers can set as many bets on different pockets they want in a single round.
- You can still place a wager when the croupier puts the ball on the rim of the roulette wheel.
- Only the dealer gets to pay the winner and move the chips of the gamblers that lost.
- Never touch the marker of the winning number during the roulette session.
Odds and Payouts in Roulette
Once you understand the rules and the game's process, you are now ready to place a wager on the roulette table's betting areas. There are two options to choose from, the inside and outside bets.
Below are the differences between these two betting systems.
Outside Bets
Outside wagers consist of red or black, odd or even, and high or low bets. Placing wagers on outside bets gives you the higher odds of winning up to 50 percent of the time but at a lower-value payout. European roulette offers you a 48.65 percent chance of earning a payout while the American version gives you a 47.37 percent probability, giving you a payout of 1 to 1.
Inside Bets
Inside wagers allow you to place a bet on a single number or various groupings of numbers. It is a risky betting system that gives you lower odds of winning but earn more on payouts, offering a payout of 35 to 1.
That's the gist of how roulette works. It is a simple game that offers gamblers many opportunities. Test out your luck on the wheel and gamble responsibly.