The rouletteRoulette is a popular casino table game originating from France. Players place bets on either a single number, various groupings of numbers, the colors red... More ball is the small, marble-sized ball that is spun around a roulette wheel (by the croupierA "croupier" is primarily a European term, referring to the casino game attendant responsible for managing the betting and game actions of table games, especially...) until it comes to rest on one of the numbered slotsSlot machines, also known as a fruit machines (e.g., in the United Kingdom), pokies (e.g., in Australia), one-armed bandits, or simply slots, are games of... More of the wheel. Players’ bets in roulette are always about where on the wheel the ball will ultimately come to a stop.
Historically crafted from ivory or wood, modern ethical and practical considerations have led to the adoption of alternative materials, primarily Teflon and nylon, though other plastics like acetal and phenolic are also utilized.
The size and weight of the ball can vary, within casinos to thwart possible cheating, and between casinos largely influenced by the design and region of the roulette wheel:
- European Wheels (Single Zero): These often use balls measuring between 18mm and 22mm.
- American Wheels (Double Zero): These might employ slightly larger balls, usually between 20mm and 25mm, though some utilize the smaller 18mm variety.
The choice of ball size and material is pivotal as it subtly affects the game dynamics. For instance, a lighter ball might bounce more erratically, while a heavier one could settle faster. These variations aim to ensure randomness and counteract potential biasesIn decision science, bias refers to systematic and predictable deviations from accepted models of rationality. In scientific language, "systematic" and "predictable" are not meant to... or predictabilities in the game.