Online roulette is another undisputed champion of the casino floor. This game is French in origin, hence its name which literally translates as ‘little wheel.’ Unlike most other casino games which trace their origins to bar rooms and other less distinguished locations, roulette first gained popularity among the upper class and to this day carries with it an aura of elitism. To this day it is not uncommon to see a casino’s roulette table surrounded by suited men and ladies in formal dress. The good news is not only is roulette now available for the enjoyment of players of all classes and styles, but its wide accessibility via online casinos means you can play free roulette in your pajamas from the comfort of your home.
True to its name, the center of all roulette action is the wheel, which is also appropriately located at the center or head of the table. The wheel is usually of polished wood with a handle at the center to turn it and a slanted surface. The wheel is divided into several pockets, which alternate in color from red to black (with the exception of one or two green pockets). The type of roulette you are playing will determine the number of pockets as well as the number of green pockets.
Players will frequently have the choice of either American or European roulette, though some casinos only offer one or the other. The rules and objective of the game remain the same with the primary difference being that American roulette has 38 pockets including green 0 and 00 spaces and European roulette has only 37 pockets and one green 0 space. It is widely agreed that European roulette is a better bet for most players as its fewer pockets give it a lower and more attractive house edge.
After players place their bets, the croupier (which is roulette’s version of a dealer) spins the wheel. They then release the ball on the wheel in the opposite direction of its revolution. The ball rolls in and out of pockets until settling in one when the wheel stops. The color and number of that pocket determines which players’ bets win. Players have the option of placing two different kinds of bets: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside bets are number and/or position-specific. Players may wager on individual numbers or a group of numbers as determined by their position on the betting layout. The simplest and most common bet in roulette is a straight up bet which is a wager made on a single specific number. Players may also bet on the 0 or 00 pockets, though these bets carry the worst odds. Outside bets may be made on color (red or black), odds or evens, dozens (12 consecutive pocket numbers), or columns (a row of 12 numbers on the betting layout). Outside bets have the best odds and are simple to understand and play.
Online casinos have captured the whimsy and excitement of roulette perfectly. You will encounter beautifully realized virtual tables with all the features of the live game plus some additional perks like optional chat, personalizable avatars, and automated betting and cashing options that make playing the game smooth and enjoyable. Simply purchase your chips by deducting the desired amount from your player account and use your mouse to select denominations and place wagers. Online roulette tables reward your wins instantaneously.
As you become more familiar with the game, you will no doubt encounter a lot of information regarding playing strategies and betting systems. Unfortunately, there is no factual information supporting the effectiveness of betting systems, and the best strategy in roulette is always to stick to simple outside bets with a low house edge.
