The Basics of Roulette
Roulette is a classic casino game that is simple enough for beginners to enjoy, but offers a surprising level of depth for serious betters. It is also a game that can be played both online and in land casinos. The rules of the game are straightforward, but the odds of winning are complex and require careful consideration.
The first step in playing roulette is to determine which bet type best suits you and your bankroll. There are a number of different bet types, each offering a slightly different house edge. You can choose to bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers (known as a dozen), the color red or black, whether it is odd or even, and more. Each bet type has its own payout amounts.
Once you’ve decided where you want to place your chips, you must first purchase them from the dealer or croupier. You’ll get a special colored chip that corresponds to the denomination you select. These chips have no value outside of roulette, and should be exchanged for real money chips before you leave the table.
After you’ve purchased your chips, the dealer will spin the wheel in one direction and roll a small ball around a tilted circular track that runs around the edge of the roulette table. If the ball lands on a number, the dealer will place a marker on it, clear the table, and pay any winning bets. The dealer will then announce ‘no more bets’ to prevent cheating or additional advantage.
In addition to the standard bets, you can also make a special bet called a ‘Dozens’ or “French Roulette” bet. With this bet, you’re wagering that the winning number will be in either the first or second dozens on the layout. This bet is very similar to a straight-up bet, but with a much higher payout of 2-1.
The Dozens bet is based on the fact that there are 18 odd and 18 even numbers on the European wheel. Since the 0 and 00 are not included in this group, this bet has a lower house edge than other inside bets. The Dozens bet is also a great way to cover more of the table and increase your chances of winning.