Before placing a bet, give the dealer money and ask for “colour”. The dealer will then give you coloured roulette chips of the denomination you have designated.
Place your chips on the betting area of the table until the croupier says, “No more bets.” Each table will carry a placard explaining its minimum and maximum betting limits.
Origin
There are a number of theories about the origins of roulette. Some suggest it was invented by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal. Others believe it was derived from older games like portique, hoca, bassette and roly poly. The game also seems to have been heavily influenced by the Italian board game biribi, which is similar in that players place bets on a grid of numbered squares.
In the late 18th century, the Blanc brothers popularized a version of roulette that is more or less the same as we play today. It was introduced to gambling houses in France and became very popular with French aristocracy. From there it spread throughout Europe. It would eventually find its way to America too. It is not known what happened to the original French wheel that had a double zero pocket but the single-zero version is now largely in use in casinos.
Variations
There are many different roulette game variations available online, each offering their own special features and payouts. Some offer additional betting options, while others expand on existing wagers with novel features. For example, Key Bet Roulette expands on outside and inside bets with a special prize multiplier feature, while Lightning Roulette delivers multipliers of up to 500x. For those looking for a more traditional experience, European Roulette is the choice with 38 pockets and a friendly house edge.