Roullete (pronounced: roul-let) is a gambling game in which players bet on the number or groupings of numbers, red or black, odd or even, or high (19–36) or low (1–18). Its name means “little wheel” and it emerged in the late 18th century as an important game in the casinos of Europe. A croupier spins a small ball on a revolving wheel with inset compartments, or frets, painted alternately red and black. The number of the compartment into which the ball falls determines the winning bet. The dealer also accepts bets on groups of numbers.
The roulette table is marked to correspond with the compartments on the wheel, and the bets are placed against the house, or casino bank. Bets may be placed until the ball slows and is about to drop into a compartment. The house edge on any bet is determined by the probability of a win.
Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum betting limits for inside and outside bets. It is important to set a budget before playing and choose a table within that limit.
If you don’t have a predetermined budget, try placing bets on “outside” bets (groupings of numbers instead of individual digits) to lower your initial investment. This will help you avoid getting sucked into the game and losing money faster. It is also a good idea to only use your winnings for future bets and not dip into your original wagers.
Unlike some casino games, roulette is not played against other players and the house. This allows the player to concentrate on the game without worrying about cheating or observing other players’ actions. Nonetheless, some players still like to watch other players in an attempt to discover a secret strategy or to take advantage of them. While it is possible to make a fortune at roulette, it takes patience and practice. Avoid grandiose or complicated systems and be aware that the odds are against you. Also, remember that the house has an advantage on all even-money bets. This is known as the house edge and can be reduced by implementing the “La Partage” rule, which gives you half of your winnings back if the ball lands in the zero pocket.
