The beautiful game of roulette has its humble beginnings in 18th century Europe, and since then, has travelled the globe, capturing hearts and gaining followers. Watching the spinning roulette wheel land on the magic number can be a life-changing experience. Over the years, roulette has become more universal, with different versions of the game starting to appear.
The main difference between American and European versions is the addition of another zero in the former. American roulette can be more accessible to comprehend, as the numbers on the wheel are placed in pairs, opposite one another, while with European and French roulette, the numbers are set randomly.
Roulette is relatively easy to play, which contributes to its appeal. Yet there are strategies one can apply to win in the long run. The roulette wheel has black and red pockets where the wheel lands after a spin. There are also numbers beside the pockets, starting from 0 to 36, including a double 00, making up a total of 38.
The betting table is straightforward to use, as bets can be placed on numbers and colours, inside or outside. Inside bets are more varied than outside ones.
Players can bet on a single number, or a combination of numbers by placing the chip on the lines separating the chosen numbers. Outside bets are more straightforward and pay out less, but cover more substantial portions of the wheel. The stakes can be even, or odd, black or red, columns, dozens, or spaces 1 to 18, and 19 to 36.
Players can place as many bets as they like, or perhaps choose to run with a single number or number combinations with a single bet. Players place bets on the large table
beside the wheel, and multiple players can partake in the game.
Despite the edge being slightly better for European roulette, the American version is widespread across North and South America and the Caribbean. As the numbers are placed in pairs, it is somewhat easier to work out betting options.
The rules of roulette are pretty straightforward. The croupier throws the ball around the wheel, which then lands on a number and colour pocket. The players place the bets on the table and await the outcome of the spin.
With American roulette, the house advantage is slightly higher due to the additional zero, standing at 5.26%, compared to 2.7% for the European variant. Nevertheless, American roulette offers unparalleled excitement and entertainment, with more comfortable wagering.
There is a fundamental strategy that one can follow, which will increase the game expectations. Starting with even money bets paying out 1 to 1, rather than inside bets, which can be more complicated.
Once players get used to the game, they can move on to the more lucrative inside bets. Outside bets pay out as follows; Dozen and Column bets using 12 numbers wins a 2:1 payout. Red/black, even/odd, and high/low, with 18 figures, pays out evens, 1:1.
Inside betting is more rewarding with payouts increasing substantially. The highest payout is a straight up number, with 35:1. Two spilt numbers pay 17:1. Three digits, a street, pays out 11:1, four corners, 8:1, 5 number pays 6:1, and a 6 line pays 5:1.
The amount of the win is calculated by multiplying the amount of the bet by the set payout for that specific stake, with the original bet refunded to the player along with the win. Players can, of course, place several bets at once, with increased chances of a winning payout.
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