Roulette is a simple game based entirely on luck, but it has also brought glamour and mystery to casino floors since its 17th-century origins. While it is a fast-paced game with high rewards, there are some simple rules that every player should know before placing their bets.
Roulette consists of a spinning wheel and a table with various betting options. The dealer, called a croupier, spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small ball in the opposite direction around a tilted circular track that runs around the outer edge of the roulette wheel. When the wheel comes to a stop, the ball rests in a compartment, or a “canoe” as they are sometimes called by casino croupiers, marked with a specific number. Players who correctly predict which number or type of bet the ball will land on win money.
Before the start of a new round, the dealer clears all losing bets from the table and pays winners. Then, players place their chips on the desired numbers or bets and the croupier announces “no more bets.” This prevents any cheating by keeping all bets down until the dealer is ready to announce the next spin.
Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed on it. It is important to choose a table that allows you to play within your budget. Generally speaking, the minimum bet is lower for inside bets than for outside bets.
Outside bets (also known as “outside”) are placed on groups of numbers rather than individual digits. These bets have a higher payout if they hit, but the odds of hitting are lower than with inside bets.
The Line Bet/Six Number Bet/Sixline Bet (also known as a cheval in French) is another way to place an outside bet. This bet consists of placing your chip(s) to straddle the line between two rows on the table map. If you win this bet, your payout is 17-1.