Roulette is one of the world’s favorite casino games, offering glamour, mystery and excitement all in one thrilling package. Additionally, its surprising depth provides serious bettors who utilize effective strategies with surprising depth. Although its house edge may be relatively high, there are ways to lower it through choosing bet types with higher payouts or making smarter bets.
To play roulette, players place chips on a betting mat at specific locations that indicate their bet type – from single numbers up to groups of numbers related by color or type. Bets with six or fewer numbers are known as “inside bets,” while 13+ numbers are called outside bets. A dealer then spins a wheel in one direction before rolling a small ball around an inclined circular track running along its perimeter – once landed into either red or black pockets marked pockets winning bets are paid out!
History of GamblingThe history of gaming can be understood in relation to its need to prevent cheating and create a uniform system of betting and playing. While American gamblers traditionally engaged in fraudulent practices at gambling dens and ships, European versions offered more luxurious settings with higher house edges but more lucrative chances of success than their American counterparts.
When roulette first made its way to America, the game featured a double zero and an unregulated wheel. Cheating was widespread; even novice players could figure out ways to beat the odds of the game. As a response, it was put in a basket designed to prevent cheating devices from hiding themselves within it, along with more uniform table layout. Over time, roulette evolved further until becoming what we know today.
Roulette was an invaluable resource for the downtown music scene during its glory days, providing artists such as John Zorn, Ikue Mori, and Zeena Parkins the space and resources necessary to record their work. Many of these musicians continue performing there today – creating an enduring community that has fostered younger generations of musicians who continue their legacy at Roulette.
Jim Staley, 73, relocated Roulette from TriBeCa to Greene Street last September as another step in its development; but that move wouldn’t be its last: as this season winds down and Staley announces his plans to retire as artistic director at the end of June he also remains an important resource for composers, improvisers and electronic producers who continue using it as an essential place to produce music.