The casino game know as roulette originated in France sometime during the latter part of the 17th century and means “little wheel.” Play typically involves the operator or croupier turning the wheel on the roulette table in one direction then placing a small ball in the outer wheel that spins in the opposite direction. The ball eventually falls into the central wheel that features black and red numbered pockets. Players place bets on which compartment the ball will land.
Tables in Europe vs. U.S.A.
However, not all wheels on roulette tables are the same. In Europe, wheels feature 36 numbers and one pocket bearing a zero. In the United States, wheels have 36 numbers, one zero pocket and a double zero pocket. This extra zero compartment provides the house with an extra advantage of 5.26 percent. Players may turn the odds in their favor by making a five-number wager simultaneously.
There are no sure fire roulette strategies that ensure a win. Though fun and exciting, and a chance to meet new people, the game remains a gamble at best. Roulette pro’s suggest choosing outside pockets that may include red/black, high/low or odd/even combinations. Playing the columns having 12 numbers also increases the odds of winning.
Little Known Trivia Facts
* The phrase “raking it in” originated in European casinos where croupiers used actual rakes to pull in or push out chips.
* Albert Einstein reportedly made a trip to Las Vegas and was hear exclaiming that the only way that one might win at the game was to steal money from the table when the croupier was not looking.
* The Central Casino, located in Mar del Plate, Argentina, is the largest in South America and has 102 roulette wheels.
* The diamond-shaped deflectors on roulette wheels are called “canoes” because of their upside down shape and appearance.
* Gaming regulators test wheels by putting the devices through 10,000 spins, which ensures compliance and randomness.
