The Probability of Roulette

Introduction:

Probability is found in the games that we play. By the roll of a die, the turn of a card, or the spin of a spinner, the fate of the game relies on probability.

 

Example: The probability of rolling an even number on a die. There are 3 even numbers that you can roll (2, 4, 6) out of 6 total possibilities (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Therefore, the probability is 3/6, which reduces to 1/2.

Task:

In the game of roulette, there are several different bets that can be made based on where you think a marble will land on a spinning wheel numbered 1 thru 36, including 0 and 00. Your task is to figure out the probability of each bet and then answer questions based on those bets.

Process:

On a seperate sheet of paper, use the Roulette game located below in the Resources section to help you answer the following questions:

1. Write the probability of each bet in fraction form, simplified.
2. Write the probability of each bet in percent form, rounded to the nearest percent.

   Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

3. Which bets have the best probability of winning?
4. Which bets have the worst probability of winning?
5. Casinos pay different amounts for different wagers. For instance, if you bet 1 chip on red and win, you get your 1 chip plus 1. When you bet 1 chip on a straight bet and win, you get your 1 chip plus 38 more back. Why do casinos offer different winnings for the different bets?
6. In your opinion, why do casinos make so much money?

Resources:

Click on each of the buttons below for an explanation of each bet.

Evaluation:

Your grade will be based solely on the questions that you answer, whether or not they are correct and complete.

Conclusion:

People often go into casinos thinking they know how to win, however the truth of the matter is that they don't have control over the game. Their fates rely only on the probability of an event happening.