When playing roulette, you must choose which bets to make. Inside bets include individual numbers and small groups of numbers, while outside bets cover a larger area of the grid. Inside bets have a higher house edge, but also offer a higher payout if they win.
After you’ve placed your chips, the dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball in one of the numbered pockets. When the ball lands, the Dealer announces the winning number and places a marker on it.
Origins
While there are many theories as to the origins of roulette, most historians believe that it was conceived by 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal. While he wasn’t seeking to create a gambling device, his experiments led to the development of a weighted wheel that would later become a staple in casino and gambling games around the world.
Another theory is that roulette originated from a game called Biribi, which was played in Italy in the early 18th century. It is also possible that a simpler version of roulette, featuring only even and odd bets, was popular at carnivals in the 1500’s. Whatever its true origin, it was in Paris that the game of roulette really took off. By 1796, it was a standard feature in casinos across Europe, including the famous Monte Carlo.
Variations
There are numerous roulette game variants that vary in their betting rules, payouts, and house edges. These games can be a good choice for experienced players who want to try different variations of the game while enjoying a friendly house edge. Some of these include French Roulette, which retains the European Roulette layout but adds two additional rules – ‘En prison’ and ‘La Partage’. Other popular variations include Lighting Roulette, which is a production from Evolution Gaming that relies on multipliers, and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT, which offers a 1:12,000 payout for straight bonus wins.
