Get ready for the biggest thrill of your life once you get rolling with the exciting game of roulette. Before playing in a game it is important to understand some things about roulette odds. There are several versions of roulette that have slightly different rules involved. This makes the game accessible and entertaining for every type of player out there. Most importantly, there are two different types of roulette wheels, one called the American roulette and one is European roulette wheel.

While there are two major variations of roulette, there are more similarities than not. To play in a game of roulette, first locate the roulette table layout. This green table is situated next to the roulette wheel and has loads of spots for you to take your best bet. Of all the choices, there are two categories of bets called the "inside bets" or "outside bets". The inside bets are the higher payout because the odds are high. Inside bets include a bet on a single lucky number, splits, or small combinations of numbers on the table layout. Place an outside bet for a lower payout but better odds. Outside bets include a bet on red or black, even or odd, a certain dozen of numbers, or a column.

The roulette table is managed by a croupier and a dealer. The roulette wheel is always spinning and anyone in the action needs to place their uniquely colored chip on the table. Once the dealer calls an end to the bets, you better have your stake on the table. If you are a winner, then you are paid out according to the inside or outside payout.

With the different varieties of roulette, let's talk about how to play American roulette since it is the simpler version to play. The American roulette wheel has numbers 1-36 and includes a 0 and a 00 slot. It is played in North America, as its name suggests. When the ball drops into its final slot, let's hope that it doesn't land in the 0 or 00. The house has two chances to take the win and American roulette puts the house edge at 5.26%.

European roulette only has the one zero slot on the wheel cutting the house edge in half to 2.7%. European roulette is played in most European countries, of course. There are a couple of rules that may be instituted in the game that are great news to improve your odds against the house. In European roulette, you may find the "en prison" or "la partage rules". If the ball lands in the zero slot in the roulette spin, "la partage" rules allow the player to receive half of their bet back. If you are playing at a table using the "en prison" rule, that means the bet will be "imprisoned" when the ball lands on the zero for one more spin. If your bet hits on the next spin, then your bet is released from prison with no winnings.

There are endless ways for you to play and enjoy roulette. With choices from European and American roulette and now the online versions offer unrivaled convenience. If you are feeling hesitant, the free online roulette rooms are a great way to experience the rules and flow of play. After hundreds of years, roulette has no evidence of shrinking popularity. Give it a whirl and you can easily see why!