Roullete is a casino game with roots in the Italian game Biribi. It involves a table marked off with numbers from 1 to 36 and one or two zeros and several other sections affording players a variety of betting options, with in the center a revolving, dishlike device known as a roulette wheel into which a small ball is spun to come to rest finally in one of the compartments. The game is played with a set of colored chips that each player designates for his or her wagers. Various combinations of bets are made, each with its own odds and payouts.
Unlike craps, the house edge in roulette is relatively low. But even money bets do lose if the ball lands on 0. The house edge is higher on American double-zero wheels than European ones.
Roulette has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its rules are relatively simple, and the proper strategy can reap high rewards. But roulette is also a game of chance and a dangerous one for those who do not approach it with caution and discipline.
To play the game, the dealer (or croupier) clears the table of losing bets and then players place their bets. Then the croupier spins the roulette wheel. When the wheel stops, the croupier announces the winning number, and players either cash out their winnings or place new bets with their remaining chips.
The game of roulette offers a variety of bets, but the most common are inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on specific numbered slots and have lower betting odds, but the payoffs are high. Outside bets are based on groups of numbers instead of individual digits, and they have a greater chance of hitting. Aside from these bets, players can also place a column bet and a six-line bet.
Many players try to beat the house by analyzing the other players’ betting patterns. Some even try to predict the direction of the ball in advance. But none of these strategies have proven successful in the long run. The best way to win at roulette is to bet with a predetermined budget and know when to walk away.
Frank Scoblete grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and spent the ’60s getting an education; the ’70s editing, writing and publishing; and the ’90s and ’00s in theatre and casino gambling. He has authored 35 books and is a widely recognized casino specialist.
After the success of Deadwood bourbon, it was only a matter of time before someone brought out a high-rye whiskey for bartenders and consumers who want a quality product at a reasonable price. Enter Roulette, a 100-proof rye that’s been aged four years and sells for about $29 per bottle. Its high rye content and smooth taste make it a competitor to the likes of Old Overholt and Rittenhouse.