Roulette is a casino game where players bet on a number or various groupings of numbers. Each type of bet has a different payout and odds. The bets are placed on a special betting mat with specific locations for each bet.
The roulette wheel consists of 38 sections, alternately colored red and black with a single green compartment numbered 0. On American tables, there is an extra green pocket labelled 00.
Origin
Although the exact origins of roulette are unclear, most experts believe that it was invented in France more than 300 years ago. Some believe that the game was derived from the older games hoca and portique, but it is more likely that it was invented by the 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal. He was reportedly trying to create the world’s first perpetual motion machine when he inadvertently invented the modern roulette wheel while observing the odds of various bets. Others claim that the game was introduced to Europe by Dominican monks who had learned about it while visiting China. These monks brought the game to France, where it was later adapted into its modern form. The modern roulette wheel and numbered slots were adopted by Paris gambling houses in the late 18th century.
Variations
Roulette games come in many different variations, some of which are more popular than others. Some are more fun to play and offer higher payouts, while others have a different house edge or betting rules. Choosing the right variation depends on your experience level and skills. For example, if you’re a beginner, you should choose a game that follows the European format and has a friendly house edge. If you’re an experienced player, however, you should consider games with special bets and higher payouts. For example, Lighting Roulette from Evolution Gaming offers multipliers up to 500x your bet and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT delivers a 1:12,000 payout for a straight bonus win.