Roullete, the game of chance, is one of the most popular casino games in Europe. But in America, it has a much smaller following than slot machines, video poker, blackjack, and even the newer baccarat. Nevertheless, roulette still draws a crowd in Monte Carlo and other European casinos. Its reputation for glamour and mystery has attracted many players over the years, and it offers a surprising level of depth to serious bettors who apply the right strategies.
The game’s rules and layout are simple enough for a beginner to grasp, although it is still a game of chance. The wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape with a rim that carries a series of metal partitions, called frets or pockets by croupiers. Thirty-six of these compartments are painted alternately red and black, while the other two, marked 0 and 00, are green on American-style wheels.
The player may choose to bet on a single number, various groupings of numbers, whether the number is odd or even, or if it is high (19-36) or low (1-18). Once a bet is placed, the dealer clears off the losing chips and pays the winners. In general, a winning bet is paid out in multiples of the amount wagered. The player’s remaining chips remain on the table and, unless requested to the contrary, are available for future bets.