The Basics of Roulette
Roulette has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Although it may seem simple at first glance, the game provides a surprising depth of strategy for serious betters.
The game is played on a table (aka layout) that features a circular wheel and a number of colored chips. The colors are to help distinguish between bettors. Players are advised to keep their roulette chips separate from other casino chips. The color of the roulette chip can be chosen by the player. Unlike regular casino chips, roulette chips do not have any value away from the wheel. When you are ready to leave a table, you simply place your roulette chips on the table and tell the dealer you would like them exchanged for normal casino chips.
In the beginning of the game, bets are placed on the number slots in the roulette wheel. Then the ball is spun and if your bet wins, you are paid. If your bet loses, the dealer removes the losing chips and resets the table for the next round.
Roulette can be played in many different variations, but the best choice for newbies is European roulette. This type of roulette has a single zero pocket, which drastically reduces the house edge to a coveted 2.7%. It is also a popular choice online as it offers a more relaxed gameplay than its American counterpart.
A common betting technique is the Martingale system, which recommends playing only even-money bets and doubling your stake after every loss. This approach can lead to large profits, but it is not without its risks. Another popular method is the Labouchere system, which requires you to set a desired win amount and vary your stake amounts depending on whether you are winning or losing.
There are many other strategies for roulette, but beginners should always start with small bets and gradually increase their stakes as they gain experience. This will help them stretch their bankroll and test out a strategy without worrying about running out of money too quickly.