A game of chance played with a revolving roulette wheel. The rim has thirty-six compartments painted alternately red and black and numbered from 1 to 36. There is also a zero (or two green compartments on American wheels) and some other betting sections.
To maximize your winning chances, start by wagering on outside bets. These are cheaper and offer a higher chance of hitting.
Origins
The origins of roulette are a bit mysterious. Some historians believe that it was invented in its primitive form by French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 17th century, while he was working on his quest to create a perpetual motion machine. Others think that the game was created by Dominican monks in order to provide entertainment inside their monasteries.
Whatever the truth, there is no doubt that roulette was a popular casino game in Europe long before Las Vegas became famous for its gambling. The modern version of the game evolved from games that were similar in structure, including hoca and portique, and it gained its current name when it was introduced in Paris at the end of the French Revolution. The game is a classic in casinos and gambling houses around the world.
Variations
In gambling, players are not only concerned about odds, expected value, and house edge, but also for a pleasant experience. That is why casinos offer a wide variety of roulette games. The most popular variation is European roulette, which has a single zero, offering lower odds and higher payouts. Other variations include Lighting Roulette, which uses multipliers, and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette from IGT, whose payouts can reach 1:12,000 for a straight bonus win. Double Ball Roulette is another variation, utilizing two balls instead of one.
