Roulette is one of the most famous casino games, offering glamour and mystery to players since the 17th century. Although it has a lower following than slots, video poker, blackjack and craps in America, it still draws large crowds in Europe, where it’s considered to be an essential component of Monte Carlo casinos. Roulette has a relatively low house edge, and the right bets can reap high rewards. The game is easy to learn and can be played by anyone with an internet connection and a computer.
Before each spin of the wheel, players place bets on what number they think will win by laying down chips in a specific section of the table map. Most players prefer to make “outside bets” that cover groups of numbers instead of individual digits. Outside bets are generally cheaper and offer a higher chance of winning.
A straight-up bet requires players to select a single number on the roulette board. This wager pays out 35 to 1. A split bet requires players to divide their chips between two different numbers on the table. This bet pays out 11 to 1 and offers a better chance of success than a street bet which only pays out 8 to 1.
Column-This bet requires players to place their chips on any of the three ’12’ columns on the table map. The payout is 2 to 1 if the ball stops in your wagered column. Dozen-This bet requires players to place their chip on either the first, second or third ’12’ squares on the table. The payout is 5 to 1 if the ball lands in any of your chosen numbers.
While roulette is not as complicated as craps, it can be just as confusing for first-time players. While it may seem simple to play, there are many subtle differences between American and European versions of the game. In addition, there are many variations of the game that have spawned their own rules and strategies.
While the house edge of a roulette bet is not as large as that of a craps bet, it can vary widely depending on the type of wheel used. For example, an American double-zero roulette wheel can have a house edge of 2.63 percent, while the European version has a much smaller house edge of only 1.35%. This difference is due to the fact that the European version of the game has a single zero pocket on the wheel. In addition, the French game has a rule called en prison which is similar to la partage and allows players to get half of their losing even money bets back.