Roulette

Roulette is the grand dame of casino gambling. The original roulette wheel mechanism was invented by the famous mathematician Blaise Pascal in 1657. The game develops through several variations during the 18th century. At the end of the 18th century, in 1796, a Roulette game was introduced in Parisian casinos that had all the features of modern day Roulette.

The Roulette Wheel

Source: King

A typical (European) Roulette wheel is pictured above. It has 36 black and red pockets numbered from 1 to 36. A European Roulette wheel also has a green "0" (single zero) pocket. An American Roulette wheel has a green "0" (single zero) *plus* a green "00" (double zero) pocket.

The wheel constantly rotates counter clockwise. The dealer releases the ball clockwise on the track around the wheel. After a number of rotations the ball lands in a pocket. The dealer places a marker on the corresponding number on the roulette table, and proceeds to collect the losing, and pay the winning bets.

The Roulette Table

A standard roulette table has a green felt with a layout printed on it much like in the picture above. This particular layout is used in American roulette, because of the double zero spot on the left top side (which doesn't exist in European roulette). You make a bet by placing chips on the betting areas of the layout.

For example, say you place your chips on 32 Red. If the ball doesn't land on that number you lose your bet. If the ball *does* land on 32 Red you are paid out 35 to 1. More bets are possible, each with it's own specific odds.

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