Roulette is a game of chance that has mesmerized casino-goers for centuries. It is easy enough for a beginner to play, but offers a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters. The thrill of watching the little ball bounce around the wheel and settle into a number makes it one of the most popular games in casinos, and online too.
A croupier spins a wheel with numbered compartments while players position their chips on a betting table. As the wheel stops spinning, the croupier drops the ball into one of the pockets and the players watch the result. Bettors can place wagers on specific numbers, groups of numbers, or colors, and can also choose to place bets that pay out at lower odds if they win.
Before placing your bets, you should establish a betting unit based on your available bankroll. 1% of your bankroll is the recommended minimum amount. This will help you avoid making bets that are too large, which could lead to financial disaster. Also, remember to set aside a small percentage of your bankroll for loss and winning streaks.
The Line Bet (or sixain in French): This bet is similar to a street bet but the chip(s) will straddle two rows of numbers instead of three. This bet pays out 1-1. The Dozens Bet (also known as passe et manque in French): This is a bet that the winning number will be in the first dozen (12 numbers), the second 12, or the third. It loses if the 0 or 00 appears, and offers a payout of 2-1.
Outside Bets (or tiers): These bets are placed on either the red or black section of the wheel, or on the odd or even sections. These bets offer higher odds if they win, but are still risky. A single bet on any of these areas will cost you eight chips. If you bet on both, it will cost you 16 chips.
Choosing the Right Roulette Wheel
There are many different types of roulette wheels, each with its own unique features. You will need to determine which type of roulette wheel is best for you based on the type of bets you make and your preferred style of gameplay. A good starting point is to look for a European-style roulette wheel, which has a lower house edge than its American counterpart.
When playing roulette, it is important to know how much money you can bet per spin. Table minimums are posted on the roulette tables, along with a maximum for ’even money’ or ‘2 to 1’ wagers. In addition, each player will be issued a set of coloured roulette chips with the value of their bet. These can be exchanged for real cash after each spin of the roulette wheel. It is important to note that color chips are not valid for other casino games, so if you plan on visiting other casino tables, be sure to swap yours for value chips before you leave.