It’s one of the most popular casino games out there but when it comes to playing, the general gambler seems to throw their bets down at random. Roulette has been played on tables across the world since it was first devised in 18th century France and, although there have been modifications to it over time, the game has pretty much remained the same ever since. And, although on the outside it looks like a game of pure chance, over 300 years of play don’t go by without tips and tactics being formulated by players.
Some of you will already know, but for the benefit of those who don’t, there are two different traditional forms of roulette: American and European. The only difference between the two is that the US version has an extra zero on the table. This doesn’t improve your odds at all, as it simply adds another slot into the mix, which is why the European version has become the more popular game of the two on a global scale. Most online casinos generally offer European roulette as it’s the form most players are comfortable with.
You’ll find lots of useful online guides covering all sorts of strategies and bets that are supposed to increase your chances of winning. Many of them are worth a read, but let’s stick here to the range of common inside and outside bets you can place and the mathematical odds of you landing a return from each.
Oh, and just for reference, ‘inside bets’ cover a large range of numbers, offering a higher probability of returns for the player, whereas ‘outside bets’ cover a smaller range of numbers, reducing your odds but increasing the payout if your number(s) come in.
Inside bets
Straight Up
Single bets placed on any number from 0-36. Of course, you can bet on more than one number if you wish, and all winning bets are paid at 35/1.
Split
This type of bet is placed on the line between two numbers that neighbour each other on the table (five and eight, for example). You more than halve your odds – relative to a straight up bet – with this selection, but will win if either number comes in, with odds of 17/1. Continue reading “Roulette: You’ve got to spin it to win it”