Gambling is not a new phenomenon. Though many associate the classic casino games with the modern world, the truth of the matter is that placing wagers on games of luck, skill, or athletic achievement dates back to the ancient world. In other words, for as long as people have been around, we’ve been gambling. It is no wonder, then, that there are so many unique games to gamble on.
Among the most popular gambling games is roulette. Named for the red and black wheel that makes the game work, roulette is a classic game that has been around since the 17th century. Originating in France, the game quickly spread worldwide to where you can play at any site for Canadian players, along with a slew of other classic casino games.
As with any game that has been around for hundreds of years, roulette has branched off into different versions. Of them, the most popular, and perhaps oldest, is French roulette. The version that started it all remains a staple of casinos, not just land-based but online as well. In this article, we would like to focus on French roulette and explain the core of the game.
The Basics of the Game
We will start where all things should be, with the basics. French roulette is a casino table game that, as with many sweet and savoury dishes, originates in France. It requires a wheel (usually marked with black and red pockets) and a table engraved with a grid that has those same pockets laid out. The goal of the game is for players to wager on where a little metal ball will land once the wheel is spinning. At first glance, the game may seem quite basic. But there are some things to note.
For example, the French roulette wheel’s pockets are numbered from 0 to 36. There are eighteen red pockets and eighteen black pockets. The additional 0 pocket is usually green in colour and serves as an outlier in the game. Based on this description, a savvy gambler might already know their options. However, there are plenty of people who are new to roulette, which is why it is important to discuss the different betting choices you can make.
The Betting Options
At the top of the list is, obviously, betting on the exact number that the ball will land on. As there are 37 pockets, the odds of winning this type of wager is 1 in 36, and it is considered, by far, the most difficult wager to win in roulette. The odds are stacked significantly against the gambler on this one, and it is highly unlikely to get a positive outcome. For that reason, the casinos have devised different betting options that give players a fighting chance.
For example, rather than wagering on the exact pocket, a player can make a color-based bet. As there are only two colours, the winning option is 1 in 2. Even with the addition of the “0” pocket, the odds are not all that different, which is why many roulette players argue that the additional pocket makes a negligible difference. Colour wagers may just be the most popular type of bet to place when playing French roulette, particularly for new players. As the payout is 1/1, the risk is not that high.
Looking at the number side of things, there are odds and evens options. Basically, a player is wagering on whether the ball will land on an odd number or an even one. Once again, we have a 1 to 1 wager that appeals to new players who are interested in getting the hang of the game. On the roulette table, the odds/even wagers are located to the left, right next to the black or red bet. Collectively, odds/evens and red/black bets are called “outside” wagers, as they are quite a bit broader than making a specific call.
French vs. American Roulette
Though there are a lot of different roulette types in the world, the two most popular and recognizable ones are French and American roulette. At first glance, the two games are identical. However, upon closer inspection, one may discover that the American roulette wheel has two green pockets marked “0” and “00.” Inexperienced gamblers will certainly not know the difference, but those who’ve been playing for a year or two will instantly know to gravitate towards the French tables.
But what makes French roulette the better choice? The primary reason most gamblers prefer French roulette has to do with the house edge. A house edge is the percentage that shows the amount of money wagered on a game in the long run that the casino will retain. The opposite is called a “return to player,” and it is one of the most important terms that every gambler must know. When discussing these terms, it is important to remember that they don’t refer to a single game but rather the long run.
In French roulette, the house edge amounts to about 2.7%, meaning that the total amount of cash retained by the casino will be 2.7% of everything that has been wagered on that game. However, in American roulette, the house edge is almost doubled to 5.25%. The reason for the higher house edge has to do with the addition of that extra pocket, which completely changes the odds of winning. Still, there are some risk-takers who like the challenge. But if you are looking for a casual game, French roulette is certainly the better choice.
Things to Remember
French roulette is a gripping game that has been enamoring fans since the 17th century. Like its much younger cousin, slots, roulette is a game of pure chance. No amount of skill or strategy can help change the outcome, which is perhaps why it has fascinated some of the smartest people in history. Notable, Albert Einstein was a huge fan of French roulette. Reportedly, he once stated that the one sure way to win the game is to distract the croupier and run off with the cash while nobody is looking.
