In the final analysis, people probably play roulette because it is a complex, somewhat sophisticated gambling game with lots of betting possibilities that can make a player a large bankroll rather quickly. But roulette is much more than that. It is a game steeped in tradition and one that is most recognizable and associated with fancy European casinos.

Excitement

For those who know how to play it is an exciting game. It is played on a large, plush felt table surrounded by people making various bets. It features a flashy spinning wheel and a bouncing ball that can ricochet to and fro before landing in a slot and determining the winner. Just where will that ball land?

The betting also is challenging and exciting. There are choices for the “even-money” bettor or the person who craves the 35-to-one long shot. Also, the house advantage is not as great as in some other games. The French version has a 2.63 percent house edge and the American version and its 5.26 percent advantage is less than the double-digit edge found in craps.

Style, Elegance

Few games bespeak of the style and elegance of a fine casino than does roulette. The large, beautifully cared for wooden table, the fine brushed felt, and the well-dressed croupier tending the wheel all ooze with style and elegance. The roulette wheel itself can be a work of art. As finely crafted as a Swiss watch, the spinning wheel holds the key to success and its glittering chrome trim mesmerizes the players as the croupier announces, “Place your bets!”

It also is the oldest of classic casino games, dating back some 300 years. There is tradition. “Breaking the bank at Monte Carlo” means beating the roulette wheel. Roulette evokes images of the steely-eyed James Bond figure calmly watching the bounce of the ball, confident his bet will win.

Making Money

Of course there also is the motive of making money, common to any gambling game. Roulette is a game with lots of ways make money. The betting layout offers any number of betting combinations, anywhere from even money to 38-to-one odds. Any number of betting systems exist, most of which can be purchased on the internet (probably the surest way to make money from roulette). A player also can combine systems, making both high risk bets and safer wagers on the same spin of the wheel.