Roulette is one of the most popular casino games around and, despite being a game of chance, has a certain amount of strategy involved. The goal of the game is to correctly guess which numbered pocket on the wheel a ball will land in once it is spun. This can be done by placing bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers or various other types of bets that are available. It is important to understand the mechanics of a roulette game before you start playing. This will help you avoid mistakes that can cost you money.
The Roulette Wheel
A roulette is a rotating dishlike device with in its center a revolving wheel with 37 or 38 compartments. The compartments, which are painted alternately red and black, are numbered non-consecutively from 1 to 36. The wheel also contains two green pockets labeled 0 and 00, which on American wheels are painted red.
In the past, roulette balls were made of ivory but today they are more often made from synthetic materials that resemble ivory in appearance and feel. Choosing the right material for the ball can have a huge impact on how the game plays. A lighter ball will make more revolutions on the wheel track and jump more unpredictably before settling on a number than a heavier, traditional ivory ball would. The difference in weight and size can also alter the way that the ball travels on the track, which will affect how it lands on the pocket.
Before the game begins, players place their bets on the table. Once everyone has placed their bets, the croupier will clear the table and pay any winners. Then, the dealer will spin the wheel and throw a ball into it. Once the ball has landed, players will know whether they have won or lost.
The Dozens Bet
The dozens bet, or impair et pair in French, is a wager that the winning number will be in one of the first dozen on the roulette layout (the first, second or third), or in both the first and second. This bet pays 2-1.
Odd or Even Bet
The odds are an important part of any casino game, but they can be particularly helpful when it comes to Roulette. This bet is based on the fact that there are 18 odd numbers and 18 even numbers. The payout for this bet is 1:1. If you are lucky enough to win, the odds of doing so will increase with each new spin of the wheel. However, if you lose, the odds will remain the same. Keeping this in mind will help you determine when to walk away from the table and try again.