Uncovering the Truth Behind Roulette Myths
There are all sorts of different myths and misconceptions surrounding roulette, which can be misleading - particularly if you're new to the game.
Here, we're going to uncover the truth behind some of the most common roulette myths, helping to understand how the game works.
In this guide, the following myths are debunked:
- The idea of hot and cold numbers in roulette
- Does skill exist within roulette?
- Strategies helping to win roulette games
- Croupier's influence on the game of roulette
- Which colour is better?
The Idea of Hot and Cold Numbers in Roulette
One of the most common myths about roulette is the belief that the game has 'hot' and 'cold' numbers. Some players think that certain numbers are more likely to come up because they have been 'hot' (coming up more regularly) or that others are 'cold' (haven't appeared a lot) and thus unlikely to hit. However, this notion is a complete fallacy.
The reality is that in roulette, every single spin of the wheel is a completely independent event - which means that the outcome of one wheel spin has absolutely no influence on the next. The probability of any given number landing is always the exact same on every spin. For example, in European roulette, the chance of any single number coming up is 1 in 37 (2.70%), and in American roulette, it's 1 in 38 (2.63%). So, there's a 1 in 37/38 chance that 7 will come up on one spin and a 1 in 37/38 chance it will come up on the next spin. There is no statistical evidence that supports the idea that some numbers are hotter or colder than others.
Does Skill Exist Within Roulette?
Another common myth is that skill can influence the outcome of a roulette game. Although games like poker or blackjack can be influenced by a degree of strategy, roulette is literally a completely different ball game.
The reality is that roulette is a game of pure chance. Each spin is completely random - driven by a Random Number Generator (RNG) in online games or simply by physical randomness in live games - and no skill or strategy can alter the outcome. Sure, you can choose how to bet, but you can't influence where the ball will land.
Strategies Helping to Win Roulette Games
Some players also think that using specific betting strategies, can help them to consistently win at roulette. Certainly, there are popular strategies such as the Martingale system (where players double their bet after each loss) or the Fibonacci system (which uses a sequence of numbers for betting). And there is definitely reasoning behind them - but they can't help you win the game.
While betting strategies can definitely help you manage your bankroll and provide a bit of structure to your gameplay, they have no influence over the house edge or your odds of winning. The house edge will always exist.
Croupier's Influence on the Game of Roulette
There's also a myth - in both land-based and online casinos - that croupiers can somehow influence the outcome of a roulette spin. Some players think that dealers can control the ball's drop or use certain techniques to affect the outcome of a game.
However, roulette wheels have been meticulously designed and maintained to ensure that they are always completely fair and random. Croupiers are trained to spin the wheel and release the ball in a certain manner but have no control over where the ball will land.
Which Colour is Better?
There's also a debate over whether betting on red or black is better or more likely to win - and some players even track outcomes to decide which colour is due to win.
However, as there are 18 red and 18 black - and the game is completely random, the probability of the ball landing on red or black is equal, minus the house edge of the green zero(s). The ball could land on red 5 times in a row - and still land on red the next spin, but the exact same is true of black. Whatever you bet on, you have an 18/37 (or 38, depending on the version you are playing) chance of winning.
Historic Results Predicting Future Results
Some players even try to track past results to predict future results based on any patterns or trends they pick up on.
This is the thought that past events can have any influence over what happens in the future, but this is not the case. As mentioned, each spin is totally independent, and the outcome of one spin has absolutely no bearing on the next. Whether a number has appeared recently or not, the odds are the exact same for every spin.
Bias Existing Within Roulette
There is the myth that roulette wheels are biased and are more likely to land on certain numbers or sections of the wheel.
These days, modern casinos use the highest-quality roulette wheels, which are designed to ensure there is no bias that could impact the outcome of the game. Then in online roulette, there are tested RNGs that ensure complete fairness and randomness.
Roulette is One Game
Then we have the common misconception that roulette is just one singular game with one set of rules and odds (although anyone who is familiar with the casino industry will know this to be untrue). Ultimately, the world of roulette offers different versions of the game with different rules and even different house edges.
There are several versions of roulette, each with unique characteristics to be aware of:
- European Roulette: With one single zero and a house edge of 2.70%.
- American Roulette: This roulette version has an extra double zero pocket and a higher house edge of 5.26%.
- French Roulette: Similar to European roulette but with rules such as La Partage and En Prison that reduces the house edge on all even-money bets from 2.70% to 1.35%. Additionally, there are other variations of these games to be aware of. You need to understand the difference between the different games so that you can choose the version that best suits you.
Remember, this is a game of chance, which means many of the myths that exist are not true. Understanding these is worth it to have a clear idea of how the game of roulette works.