Roulette is a game of chance played on a table with numbered compartments for red and black, plus a green zero and 00 (on American-style wheels). A croupier spins a ball around the wheel and, if your bet wins, you receive a payout based on the odds of winning.

Know the rules and bet types to maximise your chances of success. However, remember that this is a game of chance and there’s no skill involved.

Origins

Many theories exist about the origin of roulette. Some believe that the game was invented by 17th century French mathematician Blaise Pascal while others say that it originated in China and was brought to France by Dominican monks who traveled throughout Asia and Europe. Others claim that the game was derived from older games that were similar in structure such as Hoca and E-O (Even and Odd).

However, all of these claims are likely based on myths and legends. What is known is that a version of the game emerged in France by the early 18th century and was a popular pastime among the aristocracy. Today, roulette is a popular casino game that features a spinning wheel and bets made by placing chips on a betting mat.

Variations

In addition to the basic rules of roullete, there are several variations that spice up the game and make it even more interesting. Key Bet Roulette, for instance, ventures off the beaten path by adding novel betting options such as outside/inside bets that pay out on both single balls and double-bets that count each ball as a separate wager. The wheel also contains more 0s and offers an additional payout option called la partage, which gives players half of their wager back if they lose because the ball hits a 0. This makes this variation a great choice for novices and veterans alike.