Roulette is a gambling game in which a small ball rolls around a wheel and comes to rest in one of the compartments on the track. The wheel is divided into thirty-six red and black numbered segments with a green section labelled 0.

Players wager on inside bets, which are placed on individual numbers or small groups of numbers, while outside bets are on odd or even numbers or big groups. Each table carries a placard showing the minimum and maximum bet amounts.

Origins

The origins of roulette are a bit murky. The name itself comes from the French word rouelle, meaning “little wheel”, and there are a few different theories as to its creation. One theory is that it came from a carnival game that used to be a part of traveling circuses in the 1500’s. Another is that it originated from the Chinese and was then spread to Europe by Dominican monks. Finally, it could have come from the Italian board game biribi, which shares many of the same traits as roulette. The most logical theory, however, is that it was invented in the 17th century by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal as a way to study probability. This led to the development of the modern roulette cylinder and layout.

Variations

There are a number of roulette game variations that players can choose from. Some offer additional bets or French wording while others use a unique wheel layout and different betting rules. Choosing the right roulette variation depends on player experience and skill level. New players should stick to European roulette games that follow the standard European format with a friendly house edge. Experienced players should try out roulette games with special bets or unique wheel layouts that offer a more challenging gameplay.