Whether you enjoy playing roulette online or in a land-based casino, knowing the rules of this game will help you make smarter betting decisions. There are several different types of roulette bets, each with their own odds and payouts.
Players place bets by placing chips on a special table mat. They have until the dealer announces “no more bets” to make their selection.
Origin
Although the origin of roulette is uncertain, it is known that the game became popular in gambling houses in the late 18th century. The modern version of the game is believed to have evolved from older games such as hoca and portique. It also incorporates elements of Chinese lotto and Biribi, an Italian game that involved betting on a numbered ticket drawn from a bag. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the game originated in China and was later introduced to France by Dominican monks. The 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal is another possible originator of the game. He designed a roulette wheel in his quest to produce the first perpetual motion machine.
Variations
While the basic rules of roulette remain unchanged, there are many different variations of this classic casino game. Some of these games feature different payouts, but most will offer the same house edge. Some variations are: Double Action Roulette, which features two concentric rings on a wheel that delivers two winning numbers per spin; Lighting Roulette, from Evolution Gaming, which offers multiple multipliers; and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT, which pays out 1:12,000 for straight bonus wins.
Bets
There are many different types of bets you can make in roulette. These are grouped into inside and outside bets, and the odds of winning vary. Inside bets have lower winning odds, but they offer better payouts. Outside bets have higher winning odds, but their payouts are lower. The Split Bet/Cheval Bet (known as the Transversal in French) is another popular type of bet. This involves placing your chip(s) to straddle the line between two numbers on the layout.