Roulette
16 Spins to Win
Table of Contents
The current form of the wheel is believed to be a fusion of English wheel games, Italian
board games, and a previously existing French board game by the name of “Roulette”.
The description of the game in it’s current form can be found in an 18th century French
novel “La Roulette, ou le Jour” by Jaques Lablee, where he describes a Roulette wheel
in the Palais Royal in Paris in 1796.
We are told that two French brothers, Francois and Louis Blanc, came along two
centuries later in 1843. They founded the first casinos in Monte Carlo and were said to
have altered the composition of the wheel and revolutionized the Roulette game. In the
German spa casino town of Homburg, the brothers numbered the wheel pockets 1 to
36, changed the colors of each pocket to red and black, and added the green zero
pocket.
Legend has it, that the brothers, Francois and Louis, sold their souls to the Devil in
exchange for these ideas...and the secret to Roulette! This is said to explain the reason
why the sum of the numbers on the wheel total 666.
Roulette was brought to America when French settlers introduced the game in New
Orleans in 1800. It was being played as we know it today since 1765 in Paris. Now,
you can find a Roulette wheel at practically every casino in the world!
If you would like to learn more about Roulette, please Read on to our next step, “How to
Play Roulette” or reserve a spot on the Big “M” Casino Cruise and come to the FREE
Roulette class!
Playing Roulette may seem easy enough, but there is actually much more to it than just
guessing a number!
The object of the game is to pick the winning number that the ball will land on in the
pocket of the Roulette wheel. You can bet the exact number, combinations of numbers,
odd or even numbers, or choose the color.
In Roulette, the dealer (called the “Croupier”), the wheel, and the ball do all of the work.
Unlike Blackjack or Craps, Roulette is more of a “spectator sport”. Your only job as the
player is to watch closely and place your bets! Also, Roulette is one of the few games
that you can play, even if it is a full table with no open seats. You just have to reach in
between the players and place your bets.
The Croupier is required to keep the wheel moving at all times, even between spins.
They will spin the ball in the opposite direction of the wheel, which causes it to jump and
spin before landing on a number.
You may still place bets after the dealer spins the ball. As the ball slows down, the
Croupier will wave their hand over the table and call out “No More Bets” when it is time
to stop betting.
To place bets, put your chips on the Table Layout. To learn more about the wheel, the
table layout, and how and where to place your bets, read on to the next two tips!
Or, even better, make your reservation today on the Big “M” Casino Cruise and come to
the FREE Roulette class!
The current American version of the Roulette wheel has 38 slots, numbered 0-36 and
includes both a single zero and a double zero (00). The European version of the
Roulette wheel has only a single zero, so it only has 37 slots. The addition of the
double zero on the American version wheel increases the house advantage. The
European wheel has about a 2% house advantage, while the American wheel has well
over a 5% house advantage.
Another difference in the American and European wheels is the placement of the
numbers. On the American wheel, the numbers are placed in pairs, opposite each other
(i.e., Red 1 is directly across the wheel from the Black 2, Red 3 is opposite of the Black
4, etc.) Numbers on the European wheel are placed in a random order.
See the wheel up close and personal! Make your reservation today on the Big “M”
Casino Cruise and come to the FREE Roulette class!
The modern day layout for Roulette tables dates back to 1842, and originated in France.
It is an elongated table, with the wheel at one end, and a notch in the table where the
Croupier stands.
Like the wheel, the American and European versions of the table are slightly different.
The American
table is not as
wide as the
European table,
and the side bet
positions are
arranged
differently. Also,
the American
version has the
double zero (00),
while the
European version
only has the
single zero.
Outside betting area - Contains boxes for the columns: red/black and odd/even.
It also contains boxes for groups of numbers including: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36.
Reserve your spot at the Roulette table on the Big “M” Casino Cruise today and come to
the FREE Roulette class!
Roulette tables have a minimum and maximum bet. Typically, most Casinos have a
minimum bet of $5. You may not combine your inside and outside bets to equal the
minimum. (For example, you can’t bet $3 inside and $2 outside, you have to bet $5 on
each if that is the minimum).
After you Buy-in, the following are the types of bets you can make and the payouts you
can expect:
Inside Bets - There are several inside bets that you can make. You can bet a number
straight up or straddle the line between numbers to select a combination of numbers.
Split bet - is a wager on two numbers and it pays 17 to 1. You make this bet by
placing your chip so it straddles the line
between any two numbers.
Street bet/Trio bet/Line bet - Pays 11 to 1. You make this bet by placing your chip
on the vertical line separating the
outside and inside betting areas. The chip straddles the first number in the row.
Corner bet/Square bet/Quad bet - Pays 8 to 1. You make this bet by placing a
chip so it is touching the four corners of the numbers you are betting.
Basket bet/Five-Number bet - Pays 6 to 1. It is a bet that either the zero, double
zero, 1, 2, or 3 will come up on the next roll. Make this bet by placing a chip on
the outside line that divides the 0 and 1.
Double Street bet - is a wager on six numbers and pays 5 to 1. You place your
chip on the line separating the outside
and inside area as you do for the street bet but let it also straddles the row above
or below.
Outside Bets - The outside bets are any of the bets made in the boxes surrounding the
numbers.
Any Red or Black - In this case, you put your chip either on the black or red field
on the outside. This covers all the black or red numbers on the field. It’s an even
money bet. (1 to 1)
Any Low or High Number Bet - Even money bet. This bet divides the field of
numbers into two groups. The numbers from 1 to 18 (low)and from 19 to 36
(high). You bet on whether the next number that comes up is between 1 and 18
or 19 and 36. In either case if 0 or 00 shows up you lose.
Any Odd or Even - Even money bet. Here, you bet if the next number that comes
up is either even or odd. Same as the bet as the bet above, each field (odd or
even) covers 18 numbers. In either case, if 0 or 00 shows up, you lose.
Column bets are also 12 number bets. Instead of 12 consecutive numbers they
consist of the numbers in one of the three vertical columns and are made in the
boxes at the bottom of the layout. These bets pay 2 to 1 as well.
Make a reservation to place your bets at the Roulette table on the Big “M” Casino
Cruise today and come to the FREE Roulette class!
Reserve your spot at the Roulette table on the Big “M” Casino Cruise today and come to
the FREE Roulette class!
The Roulette dealer must have complete control of the flow of play at the table. Here’s
a simplified step-by-step of the Roulette dealer or “Croupier’s” responsibilities:
Reserve your spot on the Big “M” Casino Cruise today and watch the Croupier in action!
Come to the FREE Roulette class and you’ll look like a pro when you place your bets!
*Photo courtesy of Jason Cartwright
Albert Einstein once said “You cannot beat a Roulette table unless you steal money
from it.” Psshh, what does he know anyway! Well o.k., we’ll admit, the best Roulette
strategies probably include the crossing of fingers and some sort of communication with
a higher power. Unlike black jack or other casino games, Roulette is basically just a
game of chance, with no surefire strategies. However, there are a few things that may
bring down the house edge a little.
House Edge - In Roulette, the house always has the edge over the players. The “house
edge” is defined as “the average percentage of a single bet a player is expected to lose
over time.” For example, on a straight-up bet (which is a bet on a single number...see
Tip #5 if you need a reminder about the bets!), if there were 36 slots in the wheel, the
house edge would be 0%. This is because, over time, you would expect to win once
every 36 spins and get your money back (1/36 odds). For example, you could place 36
chips on the table, one on each number, and walk away with your money whatever the
outcome is, with no loss or gain.
Casinos added the Zero slot (and in American casinos, a Double Zero slot as well), to
turn your odds of winning into 1/37 or 1/38. However, the payout remains 1 to 35, so
the house odds are improved. The House edge is 2.70% in European Roulette (with
only one Zero) or 5.25% in American Roulette (with the single and double Zero).
Surrender Rule - Some casinos may offer an option called “Surrender”, applying to
outside bets paying even money (such as odd/even, red/black, or high/low). The
Surrender Rule goes like this: If you place an even-money outside bet, and the ball
lands on 0 or 00, you only lose half your bet. This cuts down on the House edge and is
worthwhile strategy.
En Prison Rule - Similar to the “Surrender rule”, the “En Prison” rule also applies to
even money bets when the ball lands on 0 or 00. However, in this case, you don’t
immediately lose your bet. The bet remains on the board and is said to be “in prison”,
then is decided on the next spin. If it lands on a winning number, you receive your bet
back. If it doesn’t win, you lose your money. This cuts the House edge in half, so it is a
good strategy if this rule is available.
Smart Roulette Strategy = Smart Roulette Bets - Knowledge is the best strategy in
Roulette. All single-number bets or 5-number bet are considered the worst bets in
Roulette. This is because they have the largest gap between the true odds and actual
payout. It’s best to stick with bets whose odds mirror their payouts (“even money bets”)
If you’re feeling lucky, go with that one lucky number and get a high payout! But, if
you’re looking for strategy, it’s best to opt for the outside bets.
Want to test out some of these strategies? Reserve your spot on the Big “M” Casino
Cruise today and come to the FREE Roulette class!
Martingale System - This is where the gamer doubles the bet after every loss, so that
the first win would, in theory, recover all previous losses plus win a profit equal to the
original bet. The problem with this is that past results do not affect the future, so it is
possible for the player to lose so many times in a row, that they either run out of money
or hit the table limit. A large financial loss is certain in the long term if the player
continued to employ this system.
Labouchere System - This is a progression betting strategy like the Martingale, but
does not require the gambler to risk his stake as quickly as double-ups. This system
involves using a series of numbers in a line to determine the bet amount, following a win
or a loss. So, here’s how it would work...in theory. You would add the numbers at the
front and end of the line to determine the size of the next bet. When you win, cross out
numbers and continue working on the smaller line. If you lose, add your previous bet to
the end of the line and continue to work on the longer line. This Labouchere system is
designed so that when the player has won over a third of his bets (less than the
expected 18/38), he will win. However, as with all other betting systems, the average
value of this system is negative.
D'Alembert System - This system, also called “montant et demontant” (French words
meaning upwards and downwards), is also called a “Pyramid system”. It is based on a
mathematical equilibrium theory devised by a French mathematician named
D’Alembert. This system is mainly applied to the even-money outside bets, and is
favored by players who want to keep the amount of their bets and losses to a minimum.
The progression is quite simple: After each loss, one unit is added to the next bet, and
after each win, one unit is deducted from the next bet. For example, if you started with
an initial bet of 10 units, a loss would raise the next bet to 11 units. If this is followed by
a win, the next bet would be 10 units. Another win would lower the next bet to 9
units.This betting system relies on the idea that a player is more likely to lose following a
win and more likely to win following a loss.
There are numerous other betting systems that attempt to follow 'streaks' and look for
patterns in randomness, varying bet size accordingly. Many betting systems are sold
online and may make outlandish promises that the player can 'beat' the system by
following them. It is wise to steer away from any such promises and don’t waste your
money on these false claims.
See which Roulette system works best for you...or maybe develop your own! Reserve
your spot at the Roulette table on the Big “M” Casino Cruise today and come to the
FREE Roulette class!
Watching the Coupier spin the wheel... Watching the chips fall onto the table and
hearing the players call out their bets...Holding your breath as you watch the ball spin
around...And finally...hearing the ‘ping’ as the ball settles into the pocket (which
hopefully has your number on it!)
However, we know that experiencing life “virtually” is all the rage, and online Roulette is
no exception.
Is it legal? Yes. A bill was signed in 2006 making it illegal to transfer funds from banks
and similar institutions to online gambling sites. Online Roulette, for recreational
purposes only, is currently legal within the U.S. as long as you don’t play for real money.
The purpose of playing online black jack or poker would be to practice and hone your
strategies without losing any money. However, since Roulette is really only a game of
chance, this reasoning doesn’t apply. Nevertheless, some are still interested in playing
online Roulette to practice their betting techniques and become familiarized with the
wheel and table layout. For you, our online “gamer” friend, we have a few tips.
How to Play Online Roulette: Well, the online version is basically the same as the
Casino version, except that you don’t have to worry about the table etiquette.
There are a variety of free online Roulette websites. Just be careful to choose one that
does not require a credit card number or any form of payment. Once you’re on the site,
it will direct you where to click to begin the game. You will be prompted to use your
mouse to place your chips on the table layout that will be on your computer screen.
Different sites will vary slightly. Typically you would
2. Click the place on the table you wish to place the chips. (It will alert you if you
have reached your betting maximum).
3. Click to spin the wheel, and then watch the ball circle. When the ball lands on a
number, it will remove your chips from the table and indicate either your payout
or loss.
Online Roulette is a good way to practice the art of betting and placing your chips. This
way, you can look like a pro when you hit the actual Roulette table at Big “M” Casino!
Even better than using online Roulette for practice, is practicing at an actual Casino!
Reserve a spot on the Big “M” Casino Cruise today and come to the FREE Roulette
class!
These are Odds and Probability of Win based on United States Roulette Rules:
(Inside)
Split 1 in 19 5.26%
(Outside)
So, is it all crystal clear now? We didn’t think so. Basically, to sum it up, the less risky
bets are even money Outside bets. Then, the column and Dozen bets. The highest risk
(but also the highest payoff) are the inside bets. But, remember, this is only the
calculated probability. If you have a strong gut feeling about a number, go for it! But,
you should always remember to play smart and don’t bet it all on one number.
The odds are ALWAYS in your favor that you’ll have FUN playing Roulette on the Big
“M” Casino Cruise! Make your reservation today and come to the FREE Roulette class!
American Roulette:
Also called a US-style wheel, this wheel has 38 numbers (0
and 00 and numbers 1-36). The 00 gives American roulette
a higher house advantage when compared to European
roulette.
Backtrack/Balltrack:
The track on the outside rim of the online roulette wheel where the dealer spins the ball.
Ball:
A small white plastic ball. The dealer spins the ball counter-clockwise as the wheel
spins clockwise. When the ball lands in a pocket on the wheel, the pocket where it rests
shows the winning spin.
Biased Wheel:
Imperfect wheel where particular numbers result more frequently that chance allows.
Biased Numbers:
This denotes numbers that keep appearing, usually induced by biased wheels.
Big Number:
A number that scores more frequently than is statistically feasible. This may be an
indication of a biased number.
Black action:
Betting with $100 (black) chips.
Bottom Track:
Interior canted, fixed rim of the wheel where the ball rolls down prior to recoiling onto the
wheel head and into a number pocket.
Capping a Bet:
Also called Past Posting. A method of cheating that involves placing more chips on a
winning roulette bet.
Carré:
French word for "Square” also used to describe the Corner Bet (playing four numbers at
one time).
Casino Edge:
Advantage the casino holds on any bet. In roulette, the casino edge for the American
online roulette wheel (0 and 00) is 5.26%. Casino edge for European roulette (0 only) is
only 2.70%.
Chameleon Strategy:
Follow the winning players
and copy their betting
practices, thus "blending in"
with their luck.
Chasing Losses:
Stepping up your bets in
order to "break even" and
recover previous losses.
Check Rack:
Also known as a chip rack or
chip tray, this is the slot that
holds chips during play.
Cheval:
French word for "Horse”, also
used to describe the Split Bet
(playing two numbers at one
time).
Choppy Game:
Roulette session where no
consistent patterns emerge.
Colonne:
French word for "Column”,
also used to describe the
Column Bet (playing one of
the 3 columns on the grid). * Easily keep track of the most recent numbers won
with the Big “M” Casino’s electronic display.
Croupier:
French word for roulette dealer.
Derniere:
French word for 'last', also used to describe betting on the third group of twelve
numbers in a Dozen Bet (25-36).
Double Row:
Betting on six numbers in two rows or ‘streets’ on the grid. Winning bets pay 5 to 1. Also
called a Line Bet or a Six Number Bet.
Double Zero:
Green number appearing only on American wheels.
Double-Zero Wheel:
See American Wheel.
Douzaine:
French word for "Dozen". See Dozen Bet.
En Plein:
French term for "Into Full". Used to describe the Straight-up Bet.
European roulette:
A roulette game with a wheel that holds 37 pockets and numbers from 0 to 36. Offers a
decreased house edge when compared to American roulette.
Even Money:
A bet with a payoff of 1 to 1.
Flat Bettor:
Player who bets the same amount of money every single time.
Golden Numbers:
See Biased Numbers.
Greens:
$25 Chips, usually painted green.
House edge:
The profit margin the house earns on each game.
Impair:
French word for "Odd", also used to describe the Odd Number Bet
Layout:
Roulette table pattern on the green felt surface showing the different betting alternatives
visible.
Manque:
French word for "miss". Also used to describe the Low Bet (playing the bottom eighteen
numbers [1-18]). Pays even money.
Nickel:
$5 dollar chip, usually painted red.
Noir:
French word for "Black". Also used to describe the Black Bet (betting that the ball will
fall in a black pocket).
Non-Value Chip:
Casinos supply these chips whose cash value hinges on the number of chips purchased
in a buy-in. For instance, a buy-in of $200.00 with 40 chips comes out to $5.00 per chip.
Another term for this is the “table minimum bet”.
Orphelins:
French word for "orphans". Usually occurs in European roulette. An Orphan bet is where
a player bets on a specific number or group of three numbers that sit together on the
wheel, but are quite distant from each other on the numbered grid.
Pair:
French word for "Even". Another name for the Even Number Bet.
Parlay:
Roulette betting system of doubling the bet after posting a win; the player puts his chips
on the table and leaves them there, followed by an additional new bet, in preparation for
the next spin.
Passé:
French word for "Passed". Also used to describe the High Bet (wagering on the top
eighteen numbers [19-36]). Pays even money.
Past Posting:
A cheating technique that involves placing more chips down on a bet that has already
won, also known as Capping a Bet.
Pay Out:
The winnings the player earns.
Pinching:
A cheating technique that involves moving a losing bet from the table.
Plain:
Also called a "Straight-up bet” (playing only one number).
Premiere:
French word for "First". Also used to describe the first group of dozen numbers (1-12) in
the Dozen Bet.
Player Clocking:
Watching a player that has been winning by using Chameleon Strategy, and then
attempting to copy his bets.
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Quatre:
French word for "Four". Also used to describe a four-number bet.
Reds:
$5 chips, usually painted red. Also called "nickels".
Rouge:
French word for "Red". Also used to describe a Red Bet (betting that the ball will fall in
a red pocket).
Roulette chips:
Casinos hand out these chips for roulette play only. These chips are not allowed at any
other games as they do not carry any value denominations. In American roulette,
different colored chips are given to each player to mark their bets on the table. In
European roulette, the players are responsible for remembering which chips are theirs.
Roulette layout:
A numbered grid with colors on a roulette table where players can put down their bets.
Roulette strategy:
Any method a player uses so as to better his opportunities at winning or staying away
from taking on large losses.
Roulette system:
A method organized for players to assist them in winning at roulette or lessening house
edge, (e.g. the Martingale System).
Roulette wheel:
The wheel is the central component of the game. The pockets on the wheel alternate
between black and red and odd and even numbers (from 1 to 36). In the American
variation, the wheel has an additional green pocket labeled "00". The dealer spins the
wheel clockwise and then throws the roulette ball onto the rim, setting it to spin counter-
clockwise.
Row Bet:
Betting on three numbers in a row (or "street") on the table grid. Winning bets pay 11 to
1. Also called Street Bet or Three Number Bet.
Signature:
The claim that a croupier can create a ‘signature’ spin of the roulette ball leading to a
chance for players to figure out a future winning bet.
Single-Zero Wheel:
Also called a European roulette wheel. This wheel has
only a single zero (0).
Single-Zero Roulette:
Also called European roulette.
Sixaine:
French term for a Line Bet (betting on six numbers in
two rows or ‘streets’). See Six Number bet
Spin:
A roulette play, it starts when the dealer spins the ball around the
table and ends after all bets are placed.
Stack:
A group of twenty roulette chips. Stacks help casino employees and dealers with
counting chips in roulette play.
Tiers Du Cylinder:
French term for "third of cylinder". This rule is commonly seen in European roulette.
This bet encompasses the numbers which sit on the opposite side of the wheel from the
zero. This roulette bet includes all numbers between and inclusive of 27 and 33.
Winning bets pay 2 to 1.
Voisins Du Zero:
French term for "neighbors of zero". This bet encompasses all the numbers between
and inclusive of 22 and 25 and covers almost half of the possibilities. Players can
request this bet in French roulette from the croupier.
Wheel:
See Roulette Wheel.
Wheel Chips:
See Roulette Chips.
Wheel Head:
Part of the wheel that
holds the numbered
pockets.
Wheel Roller:
The casino employee
that spins the wheel
and the ball. Also
called Croupier or
Dealer.
Wheel Clocking:
A player uses this technique to keep watch of the outcome of the spins and find out
patterns in addition to probabilities and biases. A different means of tracking this is to
use electronic or mechanical devices with the idea of forecasting where the ball will fall.
Such devices are considered illegal and could result in eviction and/or prosecution.
Zero:
The green number on the roulette table layout. European wheels have one zero. The
wheels in American roulette have a zero (0) and a double zero (00).
Impress the others with your Roulette lingo at the Big “M” Casino Cruise Roulette table!
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O.k. “know-it-all”...time to show off that knowledge at the Big “M” Casino Cruise Roulette
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