An image of a roulette wheel
An image of a roulette wheel

Betting Guide: What is Roulette?

Roulette

If you’ve been to a Las Vegas casino, you’ve likely seen hordes of players gathered around a roulette table, feverishly spreading their chips on their chosen numbers. 

You might’ve wondered whether gamblers who play roulette, like the casino game because it’s based on skill or pure luck. Also, whether this game of chance offers the best odds and payouts.

Roulette looks thrilling, and you want to feel that thrill. But maybe you fear blowing your hard-earned money on a potentially risky game you don’t have control over.

If you’re still interested in trying roulette games online, learn the rules and strategies to play the game safely and effectively.

WynnBET.com helps you understand gameplay fundamentals, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned roulette player. We provide practical tips to prepare you for our online casino.

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Learn more about this classic casino game.

The Play

A female player places chips on number 27 in a game of European roulette.

Whether online or in-person, roulette starts with players placing their bets on the layout. They can stake on particular numbers and groups of numbers.

The croupier (dealer) spins the wheel and flings a small ball. The ball’s final position determines the winning color, number, or group.  

Bets

Roulette’s popularity is primarily due to the many betting options it offers. Still, standard roulette rules for various types of bets apply to any modern roulette version, including online roulette.

Outside Bets

The roulette wheel’s outer section offers gamblers better odds of winning than the inside.

The chance that a ball will hit the outside section (red/black, even/odd, or low/high) is 47.37%. Outside bets typically have even-money (1:1) roulette payouts. 

For instance, a $100 bet with even-money odds could give you a $100 payout if the number hits, making your total payout $200.

$100 x 1 = $100 (profit or winning)

Original bet + Profit = Total Payout

$100 + $100 = $200

Inside Bets

You place these bets on particular numbers and combinations of numbers on the betting table's inner section. Betting on inside numbers is riskier because they have a low chance of winning. Still, these inside bets could yield a more considerable payout.  

The Worst Bet

Different sources consistently mention that straight up bets and five-number bets are some of the worst. 

Straight up bet involves the numbers 1 to 36 plus the zeroes (the single zero and double zeroes in the American roulette version). This means a 1-in-37 chance of predicting the winning number in American roulette. You should avoid this bet due to your low chance of winning. 

The five-number bet (top line bet) might have the worst roulette odds, with 13.2% odds and a meager 6:1 payout. 

Despite what the sources say, ultimately, the worst bet is the one where you’re most likely to lose money.

What Is The Best Bet Roulette Bet?

European roulette’s odds are better than American roulette since the European roulette wheel has a single zero pocket instead of two. Consequently, stakes placed on European roulette can be the best betting opportunities for players.

Roulette Game Strategy

The trick to winning roulette games and minimizing losing bets is to select the best odds

One option is to place even-money bets and single-number or straight-up bets, like: 

  • Red or black

  • High or low

  • Even or odd

Though these roulette bets have lower odds and lower payouts, the risk of losing them is low, too. Other factors to consider when betting on roulette: 

House Odds

Roulette has many variants and, consequently, different house edge percentages. House edge (juice) refers to the casino’s margin or what the casino expects to profit from every game. 

It’s important to use a gambling platform like WynnBET.com, which prioritizes the bettor experience by offering promotions like reduced house edge.

Systems

Many people, particularly mathematicians, have devised betting systems they think can beat the roulette wheel. Overall, these systems revolve around even-money bets.

For instance, French mathematician Paul Pierre Levy’s Martingale strategy is founded on the idea that, in case of a loss, you should immediately double the size of the next bet until you eventually even out with a win.

It’s best to use the Martingale strategy for outside bets, including:

  • Red or black

  • Odd or even 

  • High or low

Another strategy is the progressive betting tactic, where you adjust your stake amount depending on whether your last bet was won or lost. 

Roulette Odds And Payouts

In roulette, as in any other gambling game, the odds tell players their potential payout or how much money they can win.

Types of Roulette And Table Layout

A standard roulette wheel has a spinning disk surrounded by pockets. Wheel sizes and prices vary depending on the features.

The game begins when the dealer rolls a ball, and it lands on one of the numbered spaces (pockets). The players must guess the ball’s final position.

Each pocket is numbered 1 to 36 in an alternate red and black pattern. 

Zero (0) is the only green spot on a conventional roulette wheel. It’s also the number that spells the difference between European and American roulette wheels. 

The European wheel features a single zero pocket, while the American version has a double-zero slot (00).  

Before the croupier spins the wheel, players place chips on the mat to bet which number will "hit."

American Roulette Wheel

American roulette is among the most widely played roulette games. Since the wheel has an additional double-zero pocket, it’s harder to win than the European version. 

European Roulette Wheel

European roulette, just like French roulette, provides better odds than American roulette. The wheel only has a single zero pocket, making European roulette easier to win than its American counterpart.

Equipment

Roulette’s gameplay is generally the same, whether online or in casinos. But the items for online roulette are not the same as physical roulette equipment. Digital roulette includes the following: 

  • Ball

  • Chips 

  • Table

  • Wheel

  • Marker (where the winning number appears)

Roulette Wheel: All Secrets, Myths, and Facts

Roulette’s origin is unclear. So, this game of chance is surrounded by rumors and myths. Here’s a rundown of roulette’s history:

The Perpetual Wheel

In the 17th century, well-renowned French mathematician Blaise Pascal tried creating a perpetual motion machine. He attempted to develop a device to disprove the notion that objects need an external force to move.

Some say that even though it was not Pascal’s intention, his many attempts to develop the device might’ve resulted in the world’s first roulette machine. 

Other Possibilities

Some believe that a medieval Dominican monk invented roulette.

The fact that the roulette wheel numbers total 666 adds more intrigue, giving others a reason to believe roulette was the devil's game.

Way Deep Into the Past!

Some say that roulette’s prototype originated in Ancient China. An ancient Chinese board game involves placing 37 animal figurines into a “magic” square with numbers totaling 666.

The Wheel Of All Wheels

These near-mystical conceptions only heighten roulette’s appeal to some players, making the roulette wheel an iconic casino gambling symbol worldwide.

The Composition Of A Roulette Wheel

A standard physical roulette table has a bowl, rotor, turret, and frets. These parts are usually made from wood, metal, or synthetic polymer.

Numbers On The Roulette Wheel Vs. Numbers On The Layout

The roulette wheel numbers have a complex arrangement, even though they appear scattered around randomly. 

Meanwhile, the table layout numbers are arranged sequentially to provide more convenience for players to make bets.

How The Casino Gets Its Edge

In the game of roulette, casinos get an edge because of the “0” (European roulette) or “00” (American roulette). 

For instance, you can bet on any of the 37 segments in European roulette. But the single-zero slot means you can only get 35-to-1 odds rather than 36-to-1.

Roulette is a game of chance. So you should play roulette only at licensed gaming sites that offer fair odds, like WynnBET.com.

A Host Of Betting Options

Here are popular roulette betting options:

  • Straight: Lets you bet on a single number

  • Split: Combines two adjacent numbers on the roulette wheel

  • Square: Requires four numbers that should form a square

Problems With the Wheels

The possibility of rigged online roulette games is a valid concern. So, visit reputable online casinos only, like WynnBET.com

What Makes Roulette So Popular?

Looking for a casino game with the right mix of luck and skill can be challenging. 

Some prefer to play games that require skills, like poker and blackjack. Others who want more thrill prefer luck-based games like craps and roulette.

Simplicity

Roulette is one of the most beginner-friendly casino games. While comprehensive guides on how to play roulette could help you make good bets, the gameplay itself is easy to understand.

The Only Thing You Need Is Luck

Strategic gamblers might prefer something other than a game of pure luck, like roulette. But roulette levels the playing field for newbies and casual bettors who just want a fun time gambling.

A Strong Social Element

Roulette games, especially in-person roulette, allow players to socialize with each other.

You Are Your Only Opponent

Unlike other table games where you must outwit other gamblers, you’re only up against yourself (and luck) at the roulette table.

Added Suspense And Exhilaration

The fact that roulette relies so much on chance increases the exhilaration and excitement.

The Convenience Of Playing Roulette Online

Online roulette offers all the thrills of physical roulette without you having to leave home.

Is Roulette Based On Skill Or Luck?

Some roulette players believe that specific numbers are luckier than others. But no evidence exists to support these claims.

Suppose you spin a roulette wheel thousands of times. The outcomes will likely be asymmetrical or uneven without strongly favored numbers.  

WynnBET.com is all about fun yet responsible gambling. We know that roulette’s adrenaline-pumping gameplay and thrilling odds can be addictive. 

If you, a relative, or a friend displays symptoms of problem gambling, please ask for help.   

Visit our Responsible Gaming page for more resources and information on gambling addiction. Use the ideas and suggestions to stay sharp and keep the game enjoyable, as it should be.

A Brief History Of The Roulette Casino Game

Roulette’s origin is shrouded in mystery. We’ve tackled how some say the French invented the game, while others believe that it originated in China. Still, other accounts trace the game back to other ancient civilizations.

Some cite that ancient Greek and Roman soldiers played games that involved spinning a shield or chariot wheel to determine winning bets. 

Roulette Finds A Home In Casinos

Charles III, the 19th-century Prince of Monaco, may have introduced roulette to casinos, starting with his gambling establishments in Monaco.

What Number Hits The Most In Roulette?

Some believe that special numbers like “lucky number seven” land more than other roulette numbers. In reality, all numbers are equally likely to be chosen in any spin.

Who Was Niko Tosa And What Made Him So Famous In The World Of Gambling?

In 2004, Niko Tosa, a Croatian physicist-mathematician, spent weeks attending London's Ritz Club casino. He played roulette and walked away with thousands of pounds every night, earning the highest roulette payout in the casino.  

Tosa claimed he didn’t use any device to cheat.

Decoding His Winning Strategy

Tosa and his friends would wait six or seven seconds after the ball’s release. Whenever the ball slowed down on the wheel’s wooden crevices, they would take a chance and place their stakes while betting was still open.

The Changes He Brought About In The World of Gambling

Although the game was supposed to be random and pure chaos in a wheel, Tosa’s method alarmed casinos, making predictive roulette strategies a serious concern.

Niko Tosa Was Never Caught

The club and police’s investigation found no evidence to explain Tosa's winning streak on the roulette table, so he kept his winnings.

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