The modern version of roulette has been around since the late 18th century. Modern tables and layouts resemble those of the early days. With the exception of some casinos in California, all tables have a wheel at the head of the table and a layout of bets running down from there. The game’s dealer, or croupier, will allow players time to make bets before launching a ball in a spinning wheel of numbers. The numbers range from 1 to 36 on the wheel. There is also one or two zeros, depending on whether the American or European version is being played. The numbered slot where ball ultimately lands determines the winning number.
Regardless of whether a wheel or other method is used to select a winning number, the bets are the same. These bets are divided into “outside” and “inside” bets based on their position on the layout and the amount of numbers covered. The first set of outside bets each cover nearly half of the numbers. The bets get paid if the ball lands in a number described by the bet. These bets are red and black, odd and even, and the first and second half of the numbers. As an example, if the ball lands on the number 11, then bets on black, odd, and the first half will win. Bets on red, even, and the second half would lose. These bets all pay even money. If the ball lands on a zero, all of these bets lose.
The next set of outside bets each cover about a third of the numbers on the wheel. These bets are the first, second, and third groups of 12 numbers and the columns of 12 numbers running down the layout. As in the example already mentioned, if 11 is the winning number the bets on the first 12 numbers and the middle column would each get paid double the amount wagered. Bets on the other groups of 12 and columns would lose. The ball landing on a zero would cause these wagers to lose as well.
Inside bets cover more specific numbers. A single number can be bet by placing chips on that number itself. Two numbers can be covered by a single bet by placing chips in the line between the numbers. Four numbers can be bet at once by covering the corner where the four numbers meet with chips. Three numbers in a row can be bet by placing chips on the line at the end of the row by the outside bets. Six numbers in two rows may be bet by putting chips on the line between two rows. Zeros can be covered with inside bets like the rest of the numbers. These bets get paid if one of the ball lands on one of the numbers covered by the bet. The fewer numbers covered by a bet, the higher the payoff.