Roulette

‘Roulette’ means small wheel in French where the game originated in the 17th century. It matured to its present format in 1790.

Probably one of the best loved casino games in movies because of the visual dynamism of the wheel and the spin and bounce of the ball gives a scene such excitement. Same too for the players as this game is purely down to luck. The house is favoured so you won’t find professional gamblers playing much Roulette.

There are 2 component parts to the game, the table, called the layout (where you place your chips to bet), and the wheel.

Rules can differ slightly depending on the country or casino but the build actually differs in America where they have an extra ‘slot’ Number ‘00’. This changes the odds again to around 2 in 38 to the bank or house. More reason not to play!

Bets range from single number (en plein) where the odds are 32 to 1 to more general betting on red or black to make the odds even. There are many combinations where you can place the chip on the layout lines to effect a bet such as between two adjacent numbers 17 to 1 odds. Or a ‘Square’ (en carré) covering the lines touching 4 adjacent numbers for 8 to 1 odds.

Bets can be placed while the ball is set in motion in the opposite direction of the wheel’s spin. The croupier will call all bets off just before the ball will lose height and strike a ‘fin’ sending the ball bouncing around the wheel. It is forced to eventually settle in a single slot.

The croupier marks the winning number and removes all losing chips. Then the winners if any get their chip back and the appropriate winnings.

A lot of complex electronics are employed to make sure age doesn’t catch up with the wheel and create an advantage for any player who spots it.