How to Beat the House Edge at Roulette
Roulette is a game that has offered glamour and mystery to casino-goers since the 17th century. While many view the game as pure luck, it is possible to beat the house edge through careful observation and a simple strategy. The most important thing to remember is that the odds of winning a specific number on the roulette wheel remain the same, regardless of the results of previous spins.
The word roulete is French for “little wheel.” Roulette consists of a table with different betting sections and in the center a revolving dishlike device called a roulettewheel, into which a small ball will eventually land. The goal is to correctly guess which pocket the ball will land in after the wheel has spun.
Each casino has its own rules about how to play the game. In general, the dealer will ask players to purchase chips that correspond with their desired denomination. The dealer will then mark the chips with a special color to indicate their value. The table will also have a sign showing the minimum and maximum bet amounts allowed. Generally, the maximum bets on outside bets are higher than for inside bets.
Once a player has purchased his or her chips, the dealer will clear the table of losing bets and then pay the winners. It is a good idea to avoid using any winnings for future bets, as this will cause the bankroll to deplete too quickly. Some players like to watch other players in hopes that they can use their observations to gain an advantage. However, this is a waste of time and will not improve the odds more than coincidentally.
The simplest and most effective way to win at roulette is to start by placing wagers on groups of numbers, rather than individual digits. These are known as outside bets, and are typically cheaper and have a higher likelihood of hitting than inside bets. The Dozens bet, for example, pays 2-1 and includes numbers 1 through 12, 2 through 13, and 3 through 12. Each of these bets is clearly marked on the table map with their respective payouts. Other popular outside bets include the Red and Black, Odd and Even, and Columns bets.