Object of the game:
To predict where a small metal
ball will land after a spinning wheel comes to a stop.
Table setup:
A multicolored design is printed
on green felt to designate the betting possibilities.
The wheel:
A Roulette wheel has 36 number
slots and the symbols for 0 and 00. Half the number
slots are red and half are black. The 0 & 00 slots
are green. Slots are arranged to distribute the even,
odd, high and low numbers, the red, black and two
green spaces evenly around the wheel. The center of
the wheel has a tall spindle. The wheel has a track
or raised edge to keep the ball from falling off during
play. The Roulette ball is 1/2- to 3/4- inch in diameter.
Basic play:
The dealer spins the wheel counterclockwise
and flips the ball into the track in a clockwise direction.
When the ball slows down, it bounces randomly until
it falls between two metal partitions marking the
winning number.
House advantage:
Casinos have a big advantage at
this game, taking as much as 5.26% of all the bets
placed on individual numbers on the table. Odds are
that a player wagering $5 per game on individual numbers
will lose $32 over four hours. You'll play 25 to 35
games per hour.
Playing roulette
When seated, you can write down
the previous numbers that have come up, but generally
the house will not supply paper and pencil.
You cannot place your bet after the
ball has started its descent toward the numbered pocket.
Cash all your roulette chips after play.
The chips are special to the roulette table, and can't
be used in any other games.
Go with trends. If red comes up a lot,
go red. There's no guarantee, but gamblers believe
in trends.
Betting
Check the minimum bet. A $5 minimum means you must
bet at least $5 on the outside of the table (groups
such as red or black, even or odd) or $5 spread on
any numbers inside.
Sample bets and payoffs
 |
Straight-up bet: A
bet on one number.
Pays 35 to 1. Any number including 0 and 00 can
be bet. |
 |
Straight-up bet: A bet on one number.
Pays 35 to 1. Any number including 0 and 00 can
be bet. |
 |
Street bet: Chip on edge of row
covers three numbers.
Pay off is 11 to 1. |
 |
Corner bet: Chip on intersection
covers four numbers.
Pay off is 8 to 1. |
 |
Red or black: Outside bet. Pay
off is 1 to 1. |
