A game of chance played at a table having one or more compartments with numbered slots and in the center a revolving dishlike device called a roulettewheel into which a small ball is spun to come to rest finally in one of the compartments, indicating the winning number. Roulette, which is French for little wheel, was invented more than 300 years ago, at the end of the 17th century, by a mathematician named Blaise Pascal as part of his attempts to create a perpetual motion machine.
The game is characterized by glamour and mystery, and it has long provided excitement to casino-goers worldwide. Its rules are relatively simple, but it has a surprising depth of strategy that can yield high rewards for serious betters.
To play, players place chips on a roulette table according to their chosen bets. There are two main categories of bets, inside and outside. Inside bets are placed on specific digits or smaller groups of numbers, and have lower odds of winning, but higher payouts. Outside bets are placed on larger groups of numbers, or on the color red or black.
During the game, the dealer spins the roulettewheel while rolling a small white ball in the opposite direction around the rim of the wheel. The ball is aimed at the desired pocket, and when it stops, the player places a marker on the winning chip. Losing chips are removed from the table and the winners are paid.
Roulette offers a variety of betting options, including single-number bets, street or corner bets, and the six-line bet. The odds of each are listed in the table map and vary by type. Players can also make a “dozen” bet, which is a bet on all the numbers in one of the three vertical columns that lie along the edge of the roulette table. This bet pays 2-1.
While many people have devised betting systems to beat the house at roulette, these are rarely proven and can result in large losses if they fail to take into account the probability of losing. However, if the proper precautions are taken, a basic knowledge of probability and statistics can increase your chances of making money in this popular game.