Roulette Bets Explained

Roulette is a fast paced, energetic game, offering one of the fastest turnaround times of all popular casino games. Players who enjoy Roulette are generally in it for the thrill, and the speed with which the game unfolds. Placing bets is done quickly, and knowing the result of the bet is almost instantaneous. In a nutshell; Roulette is not a casino game for those who like their gaming slow and steady.

But, just because Roulette is a fast game, it does not mean it isn’t game that benefits from certain levels of strategy. The most common bet on the Roulette table is the red or black option. It is plain to see that the numbers on the wheel are divided up into red and black, and selecting either red or black covers many numbers on the wheel. But did you know that the red or black bet is not a 50/50 bet, as many assume? It in fact offers a 48% chance of winning, since the zero pocket is neither red nor black. Let’s look at some other Roulette bets in more detail.

Lucky Numbers

Placing a bet on a single lucky number on the Roulette table is what can be referred to as a long shot. The odds are 35:1, which are not by any means likely. If the number does come up, however, the payout is an enormous sum. For example, a bet of $10 would payout $350. Imagine if putting down a $100 bet, or a $1000 bet? The general rule of thumb for all casino games is that the risk equals the reward, and in the case of a single lucky number the risk is enormous. The trick of Roulette is, however, that many bets may be placed at a time. Betting on a single number is risky, unless a few other bets are used to balance out the risk.

First, Second and Third Twelve

A bet on a single lucky number is often balanced out by putting another bet on the first, second, or third twelve. These bets, very simply, cover the entire column of numbers they are sitting beside, each with an equal amount of numbers. The odds for one of these bets are 2:1; which is not a huge payout amount, but the chances of winning are also fairly good. If placing a bet on a single lucky number, and another bet on the first, second or third twelve, the chances of covering the lucky number bet are good, and hence reduce the overall risk of a straight loss.

Split

It is not required to place a bet on only a single lucky number. You are also allowed to place one bet on two numbers, which is referred to as a split. This is indicated by chips being placed on the dividing line between the two numbers. The odds in this case are 17:1, which is a great deal less than a bet on a single lucky number. The overall payout is still, however, the second highest after a single lucky number bet.

Simple Betting Strategies

Spreading bets around the Roulette table are key to making the most of the game. Covering the betting costs while aiming for a big win is what many players aim to do. For example, a bet on red or black, the first, second, or third twelve, and a lucky number, is a sound strategy. A red or black win is likely, and should cover most of the costs of the other two bets if they both fail. If, however, the first, second or third twelve bet wins, plus the red or black bet, some profits are made. Eventually the lucky number bet will payout, which should put you ahead and well into the green.

Remember The Martingale

The Martingale betting strategy is an old one, but its nature says a great deal about key aspects of Roulette strategies. The Martingale strategy simply requires a player put a bet on red or black. If the bet fails, the bet stays where it is and is doubled. If it fails again, it is again doubled. Eventually the bet will win, and will cover losses, plus give a small profit. The strategy is not complicated by any means, but shows how persistence will generally result in reward. The Martingale strategy is effective, but only if you never have 5 straight losses in a row. The chances of this are only 4%, and so, for a time, the strategy will be successful.

Research Strategies

Once understanding the various bets, and the nature of Roulette, it is a good idea to research as many betting and strategy guides as possible. There are many strategy guides available online, all of which can be read and studied at no cost. Utilising a number of different strategies can give excellent results, especially if you are aware of the need to exercise patience when playing Roulette.