The word "roulette" means "small wheel" in French. Most historians credit a 17th century mathematician for developing the first roulette games. Roulette games caught on quickly in the Western hemisphere and the United States has a different version than the European version.
The US version has a square with double zeroes and the European version does not. You can find a variety of roulette games to play in casinos, special company sponsored events and even fundraisers.
Other than the difference in the extra set of double zeroes in American roulette games, the American version allows players to use different color chips; the European version does not. It might seem like a small difference but, in fact, it is especially difficult for some players to differentiate between their bets when using all of the same color chips. In these games, players must remain on high alert; it obviously poses a little more difficulty.
In European roulette games, there is a game called "In Prison." This Roulette game allows the player, if the zero comes up, to either surrender one half of their outside wagers or to leave them for the next game. This can make the European game a little easier because it greatly reduces the house advantage in roulette games. This is why many expert gamblers recommend that beginners start with the European version of Roulette.
Roulette is a fun and exciting game. Roulette games can be played almost anywhere, depending on your state's laws regarding gambling. Even in non-gambling states, special events and fundraisers often have roulette games to play but no money is exchanged. Many times, at these events, players are given fake money to cash in for chips that will be wagered. Roulette games can be overwhelming for some to learn and the best way to learn new strategies and concepts of the game is to practice.
