Roulette is one of the most popular casino games. Its simplicity and reliance on luck make it fun to play for both new and experienced players alike. The game’s name comes from the French word for “little wheel,” and it is based around a circular table that features different betting sections. Each bet type offers different odds and payouts. These bets are divided into two groups: Inside Bets and Outside Bets.
Inside bets are bets on specific numbers or groupings of numbers based on their position on the roulette wheel. They offer higher chances of winning and smaller payouts. There are several types of inside bets, including single number bets, column bets, and split bets. Outside bets are bets on entire segments of the roulette wheel and cover a wider range of numbers. These bets are more conservative plays and offer lower payouts when they win.
The High or Low Bet: Also known as passe et manque in French, this is a wager that the ball will land on either the first 18 numbers on the layout (1-18) or the last 18 numbers (19-36). This bet pays even money (or 1-1), but if it wins on 0 or 00, you lose. This is another bet that gives the house an edge over the player.
Split Bet/Two Number Bet/Side Bet: Place your chip(s) to straddle the line between two numbers on the layout. This bet pays 17-1 if either of the two numbers wins.
Street Bet/Three Number Bet/Six Number Bet/The Trio: Place your chips(s) to straddle the line that separates two rows of three consecutive numbers on the layout. This bet pays 5-1 if any of the three numbers win.
Announced bets are special betting combinations that are only available in live casinos and some online roulette variations. These bets are placed on whole sections of the roulette wheel and have their own unique names that you’ll need to learn.
The roulette wheel consists of a solid wooden disk slightly convex in shape, with a metal separators or frets around its perimeter and a series of 37 compartments or pockets, painted alternately red and black. A specialized croupier called a ‘pitcher’ spins the wheel and drops a ball into each compartment as it passes through them. The croupier will then announce the winner, and players who bet on the number in that section win.