Roulette is a gambling game where a small ball spins around a wheel and lands in one of the red or black numbered compartments. Players make bets on the outcome by placing chips on a roulette table. Different bet types pay off at different odds.
Each roulette table has a placard with information about the minimum and maximum bets allowed. It is important to choose a table that fits within your budget.
Origin
The history of roulette is somewhat shady, and there are several competing theories regarding its origin. Some historians believe that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal as part of his experiments with perpetual motion machines. Others think that it evolved from the earlier games hoca and portique. And still others suggest that it was derived from the Chinese game of rouleau and an Italian game called Biribi.
In any event, it is certain that roulette was first played in a gambling house in Paris in 1796. Its layout and wheel were similar to those used today. There are also anecdotal records of a similar game being played by Roman and Greek soldiers, who would spin shields with symbols on them and place bets accordingly.
Variations
Roulette is one of the most popular gambling games and it’s available in various variations, with each version offering different payouts, odds and house edge. Some of them have a distinct look and feel while others contain more or less 0s, have different betting options and offer unique features such as “la partage” (when the ball lands on a 0 the player receives half his wager back). However, players are not concerned only with odds, expected value and house advantage. They also look for a pleasant experience and this is where variation plays its part. Double Action Roulette, for example, is a very interesting variant.