Roullete, also known as Roulette, is a game of chance that involves spinning a small ball in one direction around a revolving wheel. Players make bets on which red or black numbered compartment the ball will fall into when the wheel comes to a stop. The rim of the wheel is divided into thirty-six separate compartments, painted alternately in red and black and called canoes by croupiers, with a green compartment (called a ‘zero’ on European wheels, and two green ones on American wheels) to distinguish it from the other numbers. Players can place bets on a single number or various groupings of numbers, colors, high (19-36) or low (1-18). Each of these bet types has its own odds and payouts.
Despite the many fanciful stories about its origins, including those of 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal and Dominican monks, roulette actually emerged in the casinos and gambling dens of Europe in the late 18th century. When it came to America, the game was changed significantly to reduce cheating, with the wheel placed on top of the table to prevent devices being hidden inside, and the betting layout simplified.
The game is a fun and fast-paced casino classic, perfect for newcomers to the world of table games. However, despite the simple rules and numerous bet options, there are still some strategies that can help players improve their chances of winning. As with any casino game, the house edge is always present, but some bets are better than others in terms of their odds.