Roulette is a very popular form of gambling, but it is not talked about very often. Despite appearing at casinos, Catholic fundraisers, and even online, there is little out there about do’s and don’ts about roulette gambling compared to other casino attractions. However, here’s a bit to take with you to your next Catholic fundraiser or trip to Vegas.

First of all, it is important to remember that the roulette round brings its own odds. There is no correlation with future or past spins of the wheel. Many people believe that if, for example, the ball lands black 3 times in a row, that red is due. That’s not statistically true. The truth is that the odds are exactly the same on each individual spin. It’s not like flipping a coin: every time you flip a coin there’s a one in two chance that you’ll get heads. It stays the same no matter how much your head is turned.

The best advice is to know the game you are playing because roulette offers so many options. For example, try playing the European roulette wheel if possible. Your odds are double on European wheels as they are on American wheels; they still support the casino, of course. Obviously, European roulette wheels are not very common in the United States, but it is helpful to know that if you find a choice between the two, your chances are a little better with the European wheel.

Another strategy used is to bet more on bets that match their payout or are close to it. Try betting, odds, high, read, black, etc. These generally pay one to one so you will have better odds and better payouts. Basically, to use the simile from the above metaphor, it’s like betting on a coin flip.

Finally, the great advice in roulette is never to believe anyone who tells you they have the secret to cracking roulette. Short of getting in and out of cheating, the odds on roulette are what they are. The fall of the balls is completely random within the confines of the wheel so there is no way you can predict or “play the odds” in your heart because, simply put, they are never in your favor.

The next time you find yourself standing at the roulette wheel at a casino, local catholic fundraiser, or even at your computer, think about what you’re doing. The odds are always the same, so the only true way to increase your odds is to play a better game of chance and look for the ever-elusive European roulette wheel.