Roulette Strategies - Sophisticated and Fun

Roulette was said to be invented by French scientist Blaise Pascal in 1665, Roulette has long been a game favored by women over men. Since it's conception the wheel's overall layout and the table design have remained the same with some minor adaptations. The earliest wheels discarded by the French contained 28 numbers and 3 symbols for a total of 31, different from today’s 36 numbers and 0 or 00.

Another distinction comes from the country of origin. American wheels differ from the European versions in that they have an additional '00' on it. Still the game's basic structure, design and play are consistent around the world and since it's early beginning. Played throughout the world and adored by Europeans and Latin Americans alike Roulette is a staple for a luxurious casino atmosphere. More than any other casino game, Roulette has always symbolized glamour, helping explain the attraction for women.

Depicted in numerous movies, books and legend’s as the millionaire playboy's game of choice Roulette is a game of myth and legend unparalleled in the gaming industry. Always beautiful to look at, be it online or land-based, the game seems commands respect. It's variety of colors, spinning wheel and the tick, tick, tick of the bouncing ball compel individuals to the world's oldest banking game.

To begin most un-experienced players are often taken aback by the plethora of bets, colors and odds associated with the game. But as most beginners soon learn the game is quite easy to learn. The high payout odds, of 35 to 1 for a single number bet, are enough to entice anyone to master this game quickly. Read on to learn how to play the 'Glamour Game' quickly and easily.

Standard Roulette Equipment

Roulette Wheel - There are two styles of wheels as mentioned above. The American wheel contains 36 numbers and a 0 and 00. The European wheel has 36 numbers as well and only a 0. Other than the distinction of 0 and 00 the construction of the American and European versions are similar. The Wheel or Wheel head rests at the end of a table while the betting section, which takes up the majority of the room, is located at the other end. The wheel is generally 32" in diameter and has a groove running around its circumference. The ball spins within the Roulette wheel head's groove and as its speed diminishes it falls into the bottom track of the wheel. Located in the bottom of the track are the 36 numbers and the symbols 0 and 00 (depending on the wheel), each is designated with the color red or black and the 0 and 00 are generally in green.

Each number and symbol are separated by metal separators which when struck by the rolling ball give it a random and unpredictable motion. The numbers are arranged on the wheel in an attempt to alternate low, high, odd and even numbers as well as separate the red and black colors. When the ball comes to a rest between two of the metal separators it marks the winning number, color and any other permitted bet that pertains to a winning number or color.

Roulette Bets and Odds

Straight bet or single-number bet - This occurs when the player places a bet squarely on one number. The bet must be centered on the number and not touch any of the lines enclosing the number. If the number chosen by the player is landed on the player will receive 35 to 1 odds for this win. The odds are derived from the numbers on the table, 36. The 0 and 00 are not included in the odds payout and give the house an advantage. To better understand let's say you wagered $1 on red 7. If red 7 is landed on you would receive your $1 wager back plus $35 dollars for a total of $36.

The symbols 0 and 00 - These can be played the same as any straight bet.

Split bet or two-number bet - This bet type occurs when the player places a bet on the line between two numbers. If the winning number is one of the two numbers the chip is touching the player wins. The player receives a payout of 17 to 1 here. So for a $1 wager the player receives $17 in addition to his $1 bet on the table.

Street bet or three-number bet - A wager placed on the outside line of a layout indicates that the player wants to play the three numbers going across the layout. The payout odds for a winning bet are 11 to 1.

Square, quarter, corner or four-number bet - When a bet is placed on the intersection between 4 numbers. A win pays 8 to 1 here.

Line or five-number bet - When the player places a wager on the line separating the 0, 00 and the 1, 2, 3 numbers. This is only available on American tables and pays 6 to 1.

Line or six-number bet - Similar to a 'Street bet' only the chip is placed between the intersection of two rows on the outside line. This is like two 'Street bets' at one time. A winner will receive 5 to 1 on this wager.

Dozens or 12-number bet - There are three spaces located at the bottom of the table indicating '1st Dozen' or the numbers 1 thru 12, '2nd Dozen' or the numbers 13 thru 24 and '3rd Dozen' or the numbers 25 thru 36. A bet placed on one of these spaces will receive 2 to 1 for a win.

Column or 12-number bet - A bet placed on one of the spaces at the very end of each column pays 2 to 1. This type of wager indicates the player wants to play all 12 numbers contained within that column at once.

Low or high-number bet - Two spaces on the table indicate '1-18' and '19-36'. These are known as 'low-number' and 'high-number' bets respectively and payout 1 to 1.

Color Bet - Located below the numbers on the layout and in the center of the table are two spaces. One is colored red the other black. By placing your wager on on or the other you're betting that this color will be the next one landed on. A win here will get you 1 to 1.

Odd or Even-number bets - A 1 to 1 payout as well. By placing your chip(s) on these areas you're wagering that either the next number landed on will be even or odd.

Roulette Systems and Strategies

The Martingale System - The Martingale System is one of the oldest and most popular Roulette betting systems in casino's around the world. Originally invented for Roulette it has since been adapted for other games such as Blackjack and Baccarat where the payoff odds for a wager are close to even. The basic idea here is to double your wager immediately after losing a bet. This is continued until the player makes a win and recoups all losses and earns one unit. The system is based on the law of averages and basically states that on a 50/50 bet such as a Color or Odds bet in Roulette if one comes in eventually the law of averages states the other will come in as well.

D'Alembert System - One of the more popular Roulette systems, functions very similarly tom the Martingale. Here the mathematicians law of averages is at work again, stating that if on a 50/50 wager a bet comes in a numerous amount of times the law of averages will balance this out and bring in it's opposite. Again, if we look at the Color bet on a Roulette table, this system suggest that if the color red comes in a long series eventually the law of averages will balance this out and the color black will come ine many times as well. The D'Alembert system suggests that each time a player loses they place an additional chip or unit on their wager and when they win they take off an additional unit. Don't forget, in the long-run the bank does have the advantage with the 0 and 00 on the table.

Well, with these strategies and tips, you should have a better understanding of Roulette and how to play this Glamour Game. Before you play we suggest you try for fun first. Give the systems above a try and if you have any of your own and are successful let us know and we'll share them with the everyone else.

So try out these fast and exciting games at your favorite online casinos. Let us know what you think and if you have any tips or tricks of your own that you'd like to share with your fellow gamblers, we'd love to hear from you. Send your comments to feedback@galaxine.com.