Understanding the Odds in Roullete
Roulette is a game of chance that has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its rules are relatively simple, and a proper understanding of the odds can make it a rewarding game for players of any skill level.
To play Roullete, you place chips on a betting mat before the dealer spins a wheel and throws a ball in the opposite direction. The bets are based on what number or type of numbers you believe the ball will land on when it comes to rest. Each bet type has its own house edge and payouts. It is important to understand these before laying down any chips.
The Inside Bet: Also known as call bets, these bets involve wagering on a single number or small group of numbers. They have a higher house edge than outside bets, but pay out much more if successful. These bets are popular with new players because they offer a high payout for a low risk.
Outside Bet: The outer betting area of the table consists of rows and columns of numbers. These numbers are either red or black, and alternate between them on the wheel. There is also a green section, numbered 0 on European wheels and 00 on American wheels. The odds are that the ball will land in one of these sections. The payout for a winning bet on an outside bet is 2-1.
Dozens Bet: Also known as douzaine in French, this bet entails placing your chips on the first dozen of the roulette layout (1-18), the second, or third. You are wagering that the winning number will be in one of these groups of 12, and if it is not, you lose. This is another even-money bet that offers a payout of 1-1.
The wheel consists of thirty-six compartments, or pockets, that are painted alternately red and black and are numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. On a European-style wheel, there is a green section numbered 0, while on an American roulette wheel, there are two extra green pockets labelled 00. This makes the house edge on American games a bit higher than on European ones.