Roulette is one of the most popular casino games around the world. It offers glamour, mystery and excitement to players and it is also relatively easy to play. However, to enjoy the game to its fullest it is essential that players understand the odds. Without this knowledge they can be left frustrated by losing bets or confused when they do win.
The game involves a rotating numbered wheel with an outer rim that has 36 pockets, 18 red and 18 black. These are arranged in a zigzag pattern around the edge of the wheel and there is also a single or double green pocket depending on the version of roulette played. A small ball is thrown onto the wheel while it is in motion and as the wheel spins, the ball will bounce and fall into one of the pockets. The player may bet on the number the ball will land in, various groupings of numbers, the color (red or black) or whether it is odd or even.
Prior to the spin, bets are placed by laying down chips on a betting mat with precise placement indicating the bet. A bet on a single number is called a straight and pays 35:1. There are also bets on six or more numbers that pay out based on the number of chips required to cover the whole number. A bet on zero costs 17 chips to cover and pays 235 chips.
Once the bets are placed, the dealer will place a marker on the winning number and clear all losing bets off the table before paying out winners. It is best to cash out winnings as quickly as possible to minimise any temptation to gamble with them again. Players should never dip into their winnings for future bets as this can significantly increase the risk of the game.
A common mistake made by players is to believe that the odds of a particular number showing up on the wheel are affected by previous results. This is incorrect; the odds of a particular number showing up will remain the same regardless of what has happened before.
Traditionally, roulette wheels have been constructed from ivory but today most professional ones are made from materials such as resin, Teflon or ceramic. The material used can have a significant impact on the way the ball bounces on the wheel and how it moves when it hits it. A small light ceramic ball, for example, will jump more unpredictably as it makes its revolutions on the wheel than a big ivorine ball would. It is therefore crucial to choose a ball that suits your game plan.