Roulette is a casino game that involves spinning a ball in a wheel to land on a number. The game offers a variety of betting options and payouts. Outside bets have lower odds of winning but higher payouts.
It is important to understand the game’s rules and house edge before playing. This will help you choose the best bet type for your budget.
Origin
While the exact origin of roulette is not known, there are a number of theories. Some believe that it was invented by a French mathematician named Blaise Pascal during his attempt to create a perpetual motion machine in the 17th century. Others claim that it evolved from a gaming wheel and an Italian game called Biribi, which featured an even-odd bet system. The word ‘roulette’ is thought to derive from the Latin rotella, meaning little wheel.
Other anecdotal evidence suggests that it may have been introduced to France by Dominican monks. At the time, there were a number of similar games including portique, hoca, bassette and roly poly. However, the modern game of roulette began to take shape in the 18th century when it gained popularity in gambling houses and casinos.
Variations
Roulette is a game with many variations, but there are some basic differences in gameplay and payouts. For example, the European version of the game has a single zero, which lowers the house edge and makes it more appealing to players seeking better odds. The American variant, on the other hand, has two zeros, which increases the house edge and makes it less attractive to some players. Nevertheless, despite the different rules and betting options, most of the variations are similar in terms of house edge and expected value.
Some of the most common rules include La Partage, which allows players who made even predictions to get half their wagers back if the ball lands on a zero; and En Prison, which locks losing bets for the next spin.