A Brief History of Roulette
Roulette wasn’t designed as a casino game at first. In 1655, French mathematician Blaise Pascal tried to create a perpetual motion machine—something that could run forever without outside energy. That experiment failed, but the wheel he built became the foundation of roulette. Over time, casinos adopted the wheel, added a zero, and later added the double zero, creating the European and American versions we know today.
From smoky Monte Carlo halls to dramatic movie scenes, roulette has remained iconic. The mix of chance, simplicity, and tension is what keeps players coming back.
Roulette Basics: How the Game Works
The rules are simple. You place a bet on where you think the ball will land after the dealer spins the wheel. If your bet matches the pocket the ball lands in, you win a payout based on the type of bet you placed. Bets fall into two categories: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside Bets: High Risk, High Reward
Inside bets are placed directly on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They carry bigger payouts, but the odds of hitting them are lower.
- Straight-up bet: Place your chip on one number. Pays 35:1. The most dramatic—and risky—bet on the table.
- Split bet: Place your chip on the line between two numbers. Pays 17:1. Covers two outcomes at once.
- Street bet: Bet on a row of three numbers. Pays 11:1.
- Corner bet: Place your chip at the intersection of four numbers. Pays 8:1.
- Six-line bet: Covers two adjacent rows of three numbers (six total). Pays 5:1.
Example: If you put $10 on a straight-up bet and win, you’d collect $350 in winnings plus your $10 back. The odds are slim, but the payoff is huge.
Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Steadier Play
Outside bets are placed around the edge of the table. They cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower payouts, but your chances of winning are higher.
- Red or Black: Bet on the color of the pocket. Pays 1:1.
- Odd or Even: Bet on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1:1.
- High or Low: Bet on either 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high). Pays 1:1.
- Dozens: Bet on a block of 12 numbers (1–12, 13–24, or 25–36). Pays 2:1.
- Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.
Example: A $10 bet on red has about a 48.65% chance of winning in European roulette. If the ball lands in a red pocket, you collect $10 in profit plus your original bet.
European vs American Roulette
The difference between European and American roulette is the double zero (00) pocket in the American version. That one extra slot increases the house edge and slightly reduces your chances of winning on every bet.
- European roulette: 37 pockets (1–36 plus a single 0). House edge ~2.7%.
- American roulette: 38 pockets (1–36 plus 0 and 00). House edge ~5.26%.
Whenever possible, choose European roulette. That small difference in odds makes a big impact over many spins.
Choosing the Right Bet Style
Your choice comes down to personality and bankroll.
- If you want big swings: Inside bets like straight-ups or splits can deliver exciting wins, but be prepared for longer losing streaks.
- If you want steadier play: Outside bets like red/black or dozens give you more frequent wins, though payouts are smaller.
- Balanced approach: Many players combine the two—placing a steady outside bet alongside a small inside bet for extra excitement.
FAQs About Roulette Bets
What’s the best bet for beginners?
Even-money outside bets like red/black or odd/even are the simplest and most forgiving for new players.
Which roulette bet pays the most?
The straight-up bet on a single number pays 35:1. It also carries the lowest odds of winning.
Is American roulette harder to win?
Yes. The extra 00 pocket reduces your odds slightly on every bet. Stick with European roulette when you can.
Can I combine inside and outside bets?
Yes. Many players place one main outside bet for steadier results and add a small inside bet for excitement. Just keep an eye on your total wagers per spin.
Wrapping Up
Roulette is easy to learn and endlessly entertaining. By understanding the difference between inside and outside bets, and by choosing the version of roulette with the lowest house edge, you can enjoy the thrill of the wheel without falling into common pitfalls. Start with simple bets, experiment as you learn, and let the spin be part of the fun.