What is Playing Snake in Roulette?

Ever heard of "Playing Snake" or "The Red Snake Bet" in roulette? Some recreational roulette players mention this term once in a while, and it refers to specific type of roulette bet. Although it may seem like a cool idea, playing snake doesn't actually increase your odds of winning in roulette. The house enjoys the edge on all roulette action, because of the randomness of the wheel. Therefore, playing snake, making a box, or creating an "X" with your chips will not necessarily make you win more money.

Definition of The Red Snake Bet (Playing Snake in Roulette): To place the Red Snake bet in roulette, on must place an equal number of chips on the following red numbers: 1,5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 30, 32, ending on 34. These numbers create visible snake like pattern on the roulette table (see graphic below). This is a fad bet and does not increase your odds of winning. The house always has the edge in roulette.

Thoughts on Playing Snake:

1. Like every other "fad" bet ( betting ideas that circulate the gambling community with little or no actual mathematical benefit to the player ), the Red Snake bet does not increase a player's odds of winning. The house always enjoys the edge in roulette, no matter what bets you place.

2. Sometimes Las Vegas roulette dealers will say "I don't want people playing snake at my table". Most of time, unless the dealer is misinformed, they're just joking around, because they are well aware that the red snake bet doesn't actually work. Players who make this bet just encourage the legend of the idea, and it makes for casual conversation at a roulette wheel.

3. If you win money playing snake, hold you horses: you're just having a lucky day. Lucky days are fun because no matter what you do, you win. Be assured, playing snake everyday won't always be lucky.

4. What are the payouts for roulette bets? The following chart shows the typical payouts for American Double Zero roulette. European Single Zero payouts are different. Also, if there are any special twists in the game, such as an extra "magic ball" or "jackpot ball", the odds might shift a bit.

5. Can roulette be beaten by the player? Yes, it is possible, but only with extensive observations of a roulette wheel's spin results and deviations. Additionally, one must also consider how the dealer spins the ball. If a dealer is constantly changing up his/her spin technique, you'll have a hard time casing the wheel. If, however, a dealer does the same spin nearly everytime, and the wheel shows a favorable deviation towards certain numbers, it may be possible to win. One Russian syndicate family learned how to beat roulette and took casinos for millions in Europe.