The Rules Of Roulette
Online Casino, Entertainment
Source: pxfuel.com
These days, when jumping into a game of Roulette at an online casino the process couldn’t be easier. However once the game loads up, understanding how to actually play can be a touch more challenging…
Or at least, understanding how to play on any level beyond the basics.
Of course the game can be played by simply putting down bets on favourite numbers, or the red and black options. But if sticking to just the basics there is a vast array of bets that are being ignored, essentially cutting off the majority of what makes the game of Roulette so deeply appealing.
Here is a detailed, in-depth look at the full range of the rules of the game.
The Basics
First and foremost, Roulette consists of a spinning wheel and a betting table. The wheel has segmented compartments at its edge, with numbers ranging between 1 and 36. The numbers alternate between red and black. A single green 0 or optional 00 will also be present, with the double zero, 00, only appearing on the American version of the game. More on this later.
As most are well aware, a ball is dropped into the spinning wheel, and will settle into one of the numbered compartments. The number or colour of the compartment where the ball settles will determine which payouts are made.
The betting table is where some start to get confused.
The table consists of numerous betting options, with every number and colour taken into consideration. It is possible to place a direct bet on a single number, the 0 or 00. Bets may also be placed on all black numbers and all red numbers. Additionally, numerous combination betting options also exist, including all even numbers, all odd numbers, the first, second or third 12 numbers, as well as an entire column of numbers on the grid.
It all seems relatively straight forward, but the rules can get considerably more complicated, depending on how a player chooses to engage the table.
Let’s get into it.
Direct Number Bets
A brave player may choose to bet on just a single lucky number, or a handful of lucky numbers. This can be done by simply placing a bet directly on the desired number. In the case of betting on a single number, referred to as a Straight Bet, the odds in this case are 35 to 1. This means that for a $1 bet the payout would be an impressive $35, if the bet is a success. Or likewise a $10 bet would result in a $350 payout.
However, a direct bet of this type can cover more than just a single number. A Split Bet is when betting chips are placed on the line between numbers, meaning that both the numbers are covered. In this case the odds are reduced to 17 to 1, which means that the risk is lower, but that the payout will also be lower.
As would be expected, a Corner Bet is also possible, which can be done by placing chips on the corner of 4 lucky numbers. The odds are now 8 to 1.
The rules of the game allow for placing multiple of the above bets in a single round, all but covering virtually every number on the board. It should be kept in mind, however, that the amount wagered versus how much will actually paid out is what makes Roulette so interesting. Which is to say; covering every number on the board will likely not result in a payout that exceeds the initial amount wagered.
Column Bets And 12 Bets
Below the betting grid are spaces marked 1st 12, 2nd 12, and 3rd 12. This self-explanatory betting option allows for bets to be placed on the first, second and third 12 numbers. A similar option allows for bets to be placed on entire columns of numbers, with the options market as 2 to 1 at the end of each column.
These bet are generally used in combination with other bets, given that the payouts are relatively low. A good idea is to match this sort of bet with a lucky number betting, thereby minimising loses should the lucky number bet be a failure.
Source: pxfuel.com
Red, Black, Odd, Even
Betting on all the red numbers, or all the black numbers is an extremely popular option. If winning, even money is paid out.
Many like to consider it as similar to betting on a coin toss, given that it is perceived that the chances of winning are 50/50. This isn’t exactly accurate, given that the 0 and 00 are not red or black. Nor are they even or odd. So the chances of winning are actually a touch less than 50%.
Either way, the red or black, and odd and even options are still popular, and excellent when used in combination with other bets.
American Versus European
It is very important to understand if you are playing on an American Roulette wheel or European Roulette wheel. Some tend to think that there is no difference at all between the variations, but this is far from being the case.
The most notable difference is the addition of the 00 on the American version.
As already mentioned, the 0 and 00 don’t count as red, black, odd, even, and are also not included in any of the combination bets. This means that when 0 or 00 come up, virtually all bets will be failures. Hence, the addition of the 00 only adds another opportunity for all the bets on the table to fail.
In other words, it is beneficial to play the European version of the game, given that there is only a 0, and not a 00. Thanks to the single zero on the wheel, the European version has a house edge of 2.70% and its American counterpart almost double that, at 5.26%. This should be kept in mind and taken to heart.
Other European Rules
But it isn’t just the 0 and 00 that are different in the European version of Roulette. The En Prison rule, and La Partage rule are also used in many European versions of the game, further swaying odds in favour of the player. When choosing a table to play at, consider these additional benefits.
The En Prison and La Partage rules apply to all even money bets, and work in the following way. If a 0 comes up and the player has an even money bet standing, the player can choose to lose half the bet and reclaim half, or let the entire bet stand for a double or nothing. If letting it stand it will be ‘in prison’ on the same betting space. If losing again after the bet has been imprisoned, the entire amount is lost.
En Prison translates to ‘in prison’ while La Partage translates to ‘the divide,’ for the sake of interest.
Table Maximum Bets
It should be taken into account that all Roulette tables have minimum and maximum betting amounts. With all bets placed, the amount staked should be above the minimum amount, and below the maximum amount.
All online casinos helpfully display this information, in order to avoid any confusion.
Betting Strategies
Lastly, the game of Roulette can obviously be enjoyed as the player prefers. Random bets can be placed and wins or loses can be rapidly experienced, which is largely what the game is all about. However, Roulette has also been carefully designed so that multiple interesting approaches can be taken.
Combination bets that are based around carefully calculated mathematics are possible, drastically increasing the chances that payouts are achieved with every spin. Looking into betting strategies such as the Martingale, Paroli, D’Alembert or Oscars Grind is recommended once you’ve got to grips with the game’s rules.
