Roulette is one of the most popular and well-known casino games in the world, famous for its thrilling atmosphere and socialising capabilities. Casinos around the globe host the game, and now, thanks to streaming technology developments, live online roulette allows access to a digital roulette wheel and a live dealer, allowing players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes.
Roulette is believed to have been devised in France around the 18th century. Historians have theorised that Blaise Pascal introduced a primitive form of the game in the 17th century while trying to develop a perpetual motion machine. The game itself is a combination of a gaming wheel invented in 1720 and the Italian game Biribi.
In the 19th century, the game began to take off, spreading to Europe and later to the United States, proving popular with many. Fast forward to the 20th century, Roulette has taken over casinos and become a massive favourite in brick-and-mortar casinos around the world.
The rules of Roulette are relatively simple and brief. Players purchase chips that represent a real cash value that is used to place the bets. Before the wheel is spun, players must place some of the chips (representing the cash value they are betting) on the table formatted in line with what they are betting on happening as a result of the spin.
The wheel is spun in one direction and the ball in the other until it comes to a stop and lands in a pocket. Players have a variety of betting options that include:
It is evident by the rules of Roulette that bets are a prediction made at the start of the game, but is there any element of skill involved? Whilst the game is based on pure luck, there very much is a strategy to making the most out of each Roulette spin.
To calculate the odds of winning, you must divide the number of red or black pockets by the number of the 38 possible outcomes, then multiply by 10,0, giving a percentage of your chance to win at roughly 47.37%. Whilst these odds are low, there are a variety of different strategies players may use to maximise their chances of winning.
Before we discuss any strategies, please note that there is no 100% chance of winning in Roulette. There is no way of massively guaranteeing a win or even increasing the win percentage. These strategies are only decisions that can potentially help gamers play responsibly and prevent excessive losses.
With that in mind, the first strategy that some Roulette players may want to try is a non-progressive betting strategy. This means the player does not increase their bet after each round, maintaining the stake in each round. In the long run, this can benefit from not spending and losing excessive amounts of money and keeping a limit on how much is being bet. Like every single Roulette strategy, this still has an element of risk, with losses being relatively uncontrollable. However, betting in this way can help avoid spending too much and give a more sensible approach to the game if the player has a limited bankroll.
Another strategy players may try is the progressive betting strategy. Opposite to the non-progressive strategy, this strategy involved increasing the size of the bet each spin in order to try and recuperate losses over time. This strategy has a very high risk as a result of increasing the stake each time, meaning more money can be lost over time. This strategy is usually only considered by players who have a higher bankroll.
The James Bond strategy is considered a beginner’s favourite despite requiring a sizable bankroll. The theory involves spreading your bet amongst 3 different subcategories, providing a greater chance of being effective. The split includes 5% on 0, 25% on 13-18 and 70% on 19-36. This means that losses would be reduced as a result of the strategic way of betting.
One of the most popular ways to play Roulette, reducing losses and increasing the odds of winning, is to place bets on outside bets, such as red, black, odd, or even. This strategy increases the odds of winning, potentially resulting in fewer losses.
To answer the question, Roulette is 100% a game of luck, which cannot be altered by any strategy. What players can do, however, is bet strategically on higher odds with lower rewards, manage their bankrolls by capping spending, and tactically pre-planning the bets of each spin.
Whilst it is a game of total luck, the element of risk can prove a fun gaming experience for some players. Now, with the addition of online live casinos, Roulette can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own home.
Gamble Responsibly: Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. Always gamble within your financial means and set limits to stay in control. You must be 18 or older to participate in gambling activities. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from organisations like FEJAR (Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados) at www.fejar.org. Stay safe and gamble responsibly.