Roulette is a casino game involving a spinning wheel and a ball that comes to rest in one of the many divisions. Players place bets on a single number, groups of numbers, the color red or black, whether the number is odd or even and whether the wheel has a double zero (American tables only).
The dealer spins the wheel in one direction while throwing the ball around a tilted circular track in the opposite direction. If a player’s bet matches the location of the ball, they are paid according to their betting odds. Bets are made by laying chips on a betting mat. The precise placement of the chips indicates the bet being made.
Unlike some casino games, there are no complex rules or strategies for winning at roulette. The most important thing is to understand the odds of different bet types. This will help you choose the bets that offer the best chance of success and minimize your losses.
Before play begins the dealer will clear the table of any remaining bets and then reveal a “puck” or small object that identifies the winning number. The dealer will then give you coloured chips, with a value equal to the amount of money you have given her. You can then use these chips to place your bets on the next round.
A common bet is the line bet placed on the dividing line between the zero row and the rows featuring 1, 2 and 3. This bet pays out even money but has a house edge of 6.35 percent (or 2.75 percent without the La Partage rule). Some casinos also offer a basket bet which, like the line bet, is staked by placing chips in the same way as for an outside bet. It pays out even money but has a lower house edge than the line bet, at 5.26%.
A favored strategy of experienced roulette players is to make a series of bets on the number or grouping of numbers that has the highest probability of winning. This is called the James Bond system. While this system isn’t easy to master, it has been shown to provide a good return on investment. It requires a reasonable bankroll, though.