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Roulette is a game that’s been a staple of casinos for centuries now. The iconic wheel helps to set it apart from other classic casino games, which are generally centred around either playing cards or dice.
But how do you actually play a game of Roulette? Well, that’s what we’re here to answer today with our comprehensive guide to how you can play Roulette – whether you’re in a land-based casino or playing at a casino online.
The basics of the game
In order to understand how to play a game of Roulette, first you need to understand the basic game components and how they work.
At the centre of Roulette is the wheel, lined with numbered slots that alternate between the colours of black and red. The only exception is the green zero pocket, or the additional double zero pocket that’s found on an American Roulette wheel.
The croupier will spin the wheel in one direction and then release a ball in the opposite direction, where it will run along the rim of the wheel before slowing, bouncing and coming to a stop in one of the pockets.
Players place wagers on which pocket they think the ball will land in, as well as broader characteristics like whether the pocket will be red or black, odd or even.
Roulette varieties
One important thing to know is that there are a few major varieties of Roulette that each play a little differently.
European Roulette is the most common variant that you’ll find at both land-based and online casino venues. This version features a wheel with 36 numbered pockets and just the single zero, meaning that it has a lower house edge compared to American Roulette.
The American variety is notable for the addition of a pocket to the standard wheel design, bringing the total to 37. This double zero increases the odds of the ball landing in a green pocket, giving the house an increased edge against players.
French Roulette is essentially the same as European Roulette, with the exception of some additional wagering options and rules. The La Partage and En Prison rules lower the relative house edge on certain wagers, countering the risk of the ball landing in the zero pocket.
How to play a game of Roulette
The gameplay of Roulette is quite simple, being divided into a couple of distinct phases. First there is the betting phase, where players will place their wagers on where the ball could stop. These are typically placed by putting counters on specific parts of the table layout, which shows the numbers and other bet options.
Once all players have placed their counters the croupier will spin the Roulette wheel and release the ball. At this point players simply wait to see where the ball will stop once its momentum runs out.
When the ball has landed, all payouts are made according to their stated odds, and the game ends.
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There you have it – playing a game of Roulette is quite straightforward once you understand how it works.
