Roulette is a game of chance in which players place bets on individual numbers, small groups of numbers, red or black, odd or even, and high (19-36) or low (1-6) numbers. Each table carries a placard describing the minimum and maximum bets.
European roulette wheels lack a double-zero pocket and offer unique rules that reduce the house edge. Regardless of the variation played, careful bankroll management is essential to success.
Origin
The exact origins of roulette are not known. However, a number of theories have been put forward. Some claim that it was invented in the 17th century by French physicist Blaise Pascal as part of his efforts to create a perpetual motion machine. Others say that it was based on an ancient Chinese game and brought to Europe by Dominican monks. The most likely explanation is that it was derived from older games like hoca and portique, with a wheel structure similar to the modern roulette wheel. Until about 1900, encyclopaedias usually described the game with 38 numbers as either Italian or Big Roulette. The smaller version of the game with 18 numbers was often referred to as Small Roulette or German Roulette. The name ‘roulette’ comes from the French word meaning little wheel.