Roulette is one of the most classic and elegant casino games of all time. It started in France in the 1800s as Blaise Pascal’s perpetual motion machine. As it evolved into a casino game it made numerous changes. It travelled all across Europe and eventually landed on the shores of America. The version of roulette that was popular at that time was adopted and has remained the American version of roulette.

There are 36 numbers on the roulette wheel alternating black and red. American roulette has two additional slots for the 0 and 00 for a total of 38 slots. On the American roulette wheel, the numbers are placed in an order, for example, the 11 is directly across from the 12. In the European version, the numbers are placed randomly along the wheel.

If you have a choice as to which version of roulette you will play at, consider the house edge in each variety. The American roulette version with the 0 and 00 has a huge house edge of 5.26%. In fact, the game was created with only one zero, but casinos in the earliest European casinos didn’t like their odds with just one zero, so the double zero was added. There are often not many ways to truly reduce this advantage. Every single time the wheel is spun is an independent event. Unlike a card game where the cards that have been played can be taken out of the equation, you cannot make a system to increase your chances with roulette.

Consider the odds as you choose where to place your bet. An outside bet is one that won’t pay as much as an inside bet, but is more likely to hit Outside bets include a bet on the black or red, even or odd, column or dozen. Inside bets have tougher odds and higher payouts. An inside bet includes choosing one lucky number, splitting or a combination of numbers that are grouped together on the table layout.

If you are in the on land casinos in America, you are more than likely to see the American roulette version. Be sure to understand which version it is and if there are any special rules on the game as it makes a huge difference in how to play the game. Online sites offer free play and can be an excellent way to practice the flow of the game.