How to Beat the House Edge at Roulette
Roulette is one of the oldest and most popular casino games, with its origins traced to Europe in the 17th Century. The game is played on a wheel that has divisions, or pockets, that are numbered in a non-consecutive pattern from 1 to 36 with alternate red and black, as well as two green compartments (marked 0, on American tables). The ball is spun around the base of the bowl until it lands in one of the pockets. The player then bets on what number will win by placing chips on the betting mat with precise placement. Each bet type offers different odds and payouts.
The house edge, which is the probability of losing a bet, is calculated by multiplying the number of chips wagered by the total number of spins. The simplest way to calculate the house edge is with the La Partage rule, which was introduced in casinos in France in 1837. This rule divides even-money bets into half for the house and back to the players if they happen to hit one of the green pockets. This reduces the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%, which makes it much more favourable for players.
To improve your chances of winning, understand the odds and bet types for each roulette version. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bet amounts allowed. Choose a table that offers the lowest minimum bet and highest maximum bet amount possible within your budget. Also, make sure to cash out your winnings as quickly as possible. Doing so will prevent you from digging into your winnings to place future bets.
In addition to the aforementioned symmetries, there are also some additional symmetries on the roulette wheel that can help you beat the house edge. For example, all the low red numbers and high black numbers are on one side of the zero while the second dozen (29-7-28-12-35-3-26-0-32) is on the other. These symmetries increase the probability of hitting one of these bet types, which offer higher payouts than outside bets.
Despite the odds, roulette remains one of the most popular casino games in the world. Its simple rules and the thrill of watching the ball land on your chosen number have made it a must-have for many players. While there is a chance you could win big, it’s important to remember that your luck can change at any time. Therefore, it is best to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. Good luck!