Ask Frank and Alene: The Way to Play Roulette

Dear Scobe and Alene,

I don't play roulette, but I watch the game sometimes and notice that people bet several individual numbers at the same time. To me, this makes no sense and it seems like they're betting against themselves. Even though they're giving themselves more chances to pick the right number, only one number can ever win.

If I were to play roulette, I would pick one number and cover it in several ways. Let's say I picked 25 to win. I'd put a chip on 25, but then I'd also put a chip on Odd, Red, the 25/26/28/29 combination, the 25/28, the 25/26/27, the Last 12 and the 1st Row.

By doing this, I'd be risking only 8 chips and if 25 were to come up, I'd win on all my bets. By playing the multiple number combinations, I'd also be hedging my bets if one of those numbers won instead and could possibly make some money.

Is this the correct way to play the game?

Thanks for your advice.

Teresa

Dear Teresa:

You are right in your analysis but wrong in the math. No matter how you structure your bets at roulette, the house has a 5.26 percent advantage on each number or proposition you wager upon. The more numbers and propositions, the more money wagered, the more you will lose. That's the fact behind roulette play.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Scobe and Alene

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