The Basics of Roullete
Roullete, or roulette, is a simple game of chance that’s been bringing excitement and glamour to casino-goers since the 17th century. While the rules of the game are relatively straightforward, there is a surprising level of depth for those who choose to play it with strategy. The best way to win is by correctly guessing where the ball will land when the wheel spins, which requires understanding the odds of each bet type.
Inside bets are placed on the numbered portion of the table, while outside bets are on categories of numbers (called propositions) rather than individual numbers. Inside bets have a higher house edge than outside bets, but offer a much better payout when you win. The Street Bet/Three Number Bet: You place your chip(s) to straddle the line between two rows, essentially betting on three consecutive numbers. This bet pays out 17-1.
The Dozens Bet: Also known as douzaine in French, this is a wager that the winning number will be in the first 12 or second or third dozen on the layout. You can bet on one or more of these dozens, and you cannot bet on the zeroes, which are called pips in French. The house gets its edge from the 0 and 00 on the wheel, so all outside bets lose when the ball hits them. This is why even-money bets pay out 1-1; the dealer will immediately divide your bet in half, keeping half for the house and giving you the other half back if the ball lands on a green pips.
Once everyone’s bets are in, the croupier spins the wheel and a ball into a pocket. The croupier will then announce, “no more bets.” Players may still be placing bets at this point, but as soon as the wheel stops spinning the croupier will clear away the losing chips and place a marker on the winning number. You can then continue betting within your predetermined budget. Some players like to watch the other players to see what numbers they’re betting on, but this won’t improve your chances of winning more than randomly.