During each roulette game, players place their chips on the betting table. You can bet on individual numbers, small groups of numbers, or color combinations. The dealer will let you know when the betting is closed, and then spin the wheel.

The European Roulette wheel has 37 pockets, while the American version contains an extra zero pocket. This increases the house edge and makes it more difficult for players to win even money bets.

Origin

Despite its storied history, the exact origin of roulette remains a mystery. However, most historians agree that the game was conceived by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal. He inadvertently invented the modern wheel while attempting to produce the world’s first perpetual motion machine at Port-Royal-des-Champs monastery near Paris. Although he was not trying to create a gambling device, he inadvertently created a game that would eventually become popular in Europe and America. The earliest forms of the game were similar to today’s version and were based on the numbers 0 through 36 arranged on a revolving wheel. The modern game of roulette was first mentioned under its current name in 1716, and it became a casino staple by the 18th century.

Variations

Roulette variations include special bets, rules and payouts. While some of these games have higher house edges, others can offer better value for players. For example, some variants of the game offer high payouts for balanced bets such as columns or dozens. Players can also find roulette games that have higher multipliers such as Lighting Roulette from Evolution Gaming or Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT. These games can deliver payouts of up to 1:12,000 for a straight bonus win. It’s important to consider the size of your bankroll and your skills level when choosing a roulette variation. This will help you determine which game is best for you.