Crazy for Roulette

There is something special about roulette that's captured the imagination of millions of casino goers for decades. There is something classic and enduring about the spin of the wheel, the element of chance, and the possibility of huge payouts. If you think that roulette is outdated, think again. Roulette is a staple at most casinos because they recognize the allure of this simple but elegant game.

One of the first things you should know before you play roulette is that it is slower than most other casino games. Whereas other games rely on wham-bam action to keep their players excited, roulette focuses on the all-around experience. Roulette even has its own distinct set of chips. You can’t use chips from other table games at the roulette table, so when you're playing live be sure to come with cash in hand. Every player also has a different color of chips so that the dealer knows whom to pay when the ball stops spinning. Be sure to cash out when you are done playing at the roulette table; the chip rule goes both ways, so other casino games won't accept your roulette chips.

Once you've got your chips, the next step is to decide where to place your bet. Next to the wheel there is a large grid that represents every possible outcome. Individual number bets are the riskiest, but many players are drawn to the challenge (and the high payout). While there is an undeniable thrill in placing a big bet on your favorite number and hoping for the best, it's not a financially sound strategy. If you prefer winning to thrill seeking, then the best bets are outside bets. Outside bets are group bets—like even/odd or red/black—that are located on the outside edges of the betting grid. They have significantly higher odds of winning than inside bets (like single numbers). As an added bonus, outside bets make your bankroll last longer, so you can play more.

If you really want to be successful at roulette—or any casino game for that matter—you have to learn to budget. Gambling guides often refer to budgeting in special terms like “bankroll management,” but it's really just good old-fashioned common sense. Before you start playing roulette, decide how much you're willing to wager and how long you want that money to last. In roulette this step is particularly important because of the different chips used. Only change your money into chips once so you know exactly how much you want to play. Then it will be easy for you to tally your wins and losses, and you won't be tempted to bet more than you can afford in the heat of the moment.

If you are having trouble learning the bets or finding a happy medium with your budget, why not try your hand at online roulette games? Playing roulette online offers the same thrill of casino roulette but without the performance anxiety. There is no dealer in online roulette games, and most of your moves are automated, so you don't have to worry about etiquette or memorizing chip values. While online roulette offers a different experience than live roulette, some people prefer the laid back online atmosphere. The excitement of the wheel is graphically recreated, and most gambling sites let their players interact, so you won't be missing much.