Roulette is an iconic casino game, instantly recognizable by its spinning wheel and the small white ball that determines players' fortunes. The game's French name translates to "little wheel," and its reliance on pure luck makes it thrilling for all types of players.
Understanding the Roulette Wheel
At its heart is a large wheel sectioned into pockets, each with a unique number. You will encounter two main types of roulette wheels:
Single-Zero Roulette: This wheel has 37 pockets, casino (atuttavita.com) numbered 1-36 (alternating between red and black) and a single green "0" pocket. This is the preferred version for players as its house edge is lower. American Roulette: This variant is identified by its 38 pockets, which include both a "0" and a "00". Players face worse odds in this version because of the "00".
Your goal is to correctly guess the final resting place of the ball.
Placing Your Wagers
All roulette wagers fall into one of two main classifications.
Inside Bets
These bets are on the numbers themselves and feature long odds with high rewards.
Straight Up: A single-number bet that pays 35:1. Split: A two-number bet that pays 17:1. Street: Betting on a three-number row. Corner: Betting on the intersection of four numbers.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover large sections of the wheel. They are easier to win but offer smaller payouts.
Red/Black: A simple color bet that pays even money. Odd/Even: Betting on the number being odd or casino even. High/Low: A bet on whether the number will be in the low range (1-18) or the high range (19-36). Payout is 1 to 1. Dozens/Columns: These bets cover a third of the numbers (excluding 0) and pay 2:1.
Can You Beat the Wheel?
As a game of independent random events, no betting system can alter the mathematical house advantage. Systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) are extremely risky and can lead to catastrophic losses very quickly. The best "strategy" is to manage your bankroll, play for entertainment, and if possible, always choose European roulette over American roulette.