The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, wide availability and low house edge. In addition, there are many betting combinations that make the game more exciting and diverse. However, knowing the rules of the game is vital for a smooth gameplay.
The wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape, with metal partitions or frets around it. The compartments, or pockets, are painted alternately red and black and numbered non-consecutively from 1 to 36. On European-style wheels, a green compartment labelled 0 is added. In the US version, there is a second extra green compartment labelled 00.
Those who play Roulette know that there are several betting options, each with different odds and payouts. The bets can be placed on a single number, various groups of numbers or colors and on whether the number is odd or even. They can also be placed on a specific area of the table. These bets are usually grouped into categories known as inside and outside bets.
Players place their bets on a specific number by putting chips on a special roulette betting mat, with the precise location of each chip marking the bet that is made. The chips are then flipped by the dealer after each spin. The winning bets are then cleared from the table, and the losing ones paid. The players then have to start placing bets again with their predetermined budget.
Some players are tempted to try to beat the maths by using systems to predict where the ball will land after each spin. However, it is a game of chance, and there are no guarantees that any system will improve your chances more than luck. In fact, a simple search on Google will return millions of systems that are designed to win roulette, some easy to follow, others complex and poorly explained.
A common announced bet that is not found in all online roulette variants is the neighbours bet, which covers a specific number and 2 numbers on each side of it. It is available in most online casinos that offer European Roulette, and can be placed in the special racetrack betting section of the wheel. The neighbours bet is an interesting alternative to the Voisins du Zero bet, as it covers a larger area of the wheel, with similar odds and payouts. It is not as reliable as a single number bet, and is best used in conjunction with other bets to maximise your winning potential.