Types of Bets in Roulette
Roulette is a casino game that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. It has become a popular pastime around the world. Its simple rules make it easy to understand, but its high-stakes potential can entice serious gamblers.
There are several types of bets in roulette, and they all involve the croupier spinning a wheel while players place chips on different areas of the table. Depending on the type of bet, the payout odds can vary from 1 to 17-1.
Split Bet
Also known as a cheval in French, this bet involves placing your chip(s) on a line that straddles two numbers on the layout. This bet pays 17-1 if one number wins, and 11-1 if both numbers win.
Street/Three Number Bet/Side Bet/The Trio
This bet consists of placing your chip(s) on a row of three consecutive numbers, and it pays 11-1 if you win.
The Wheel
A roulette wheel is a convex wooden disk with metal partitions called separators or frets. It contains thirty-six compartments painted alternately red and black, numbered nonconsecutively from 1 to 36. On European wheels a 37th compartment, painted green, carries the sign 0.
The Roulette Wheel
A well-balanced wheel is essential for roulette to work properly. Its spindle is supported by a central shaft that connects to a wheel ring. It spins smoothly and is almost frictionless in most cases.
The House Edge
The house edge for a single-zero wheel in an American casino can range from 2.63 percent to 7.89 percent. This is not as much of a difference as you would find in craps, but it’s still a significant disadvantage to the player.
Choosing the Right Bets
There are many different types of bets in roulette, some of which are more common than others. The best bets are those that have lower house edges and higher winning odds.
You can bet on single numbers, various groupings of numbers, the color red or black, whether the number is odd or even, and if the numbers are high (19-36) or low (1-18). There are also bets that involve combinations of these choices.
When it comes to deciding how to play roulette, the key is to keep your expectations realistic. This means that you shouldn’t get carried away with your bets, and it’s important to know when to walk away from the table.