Here is a very simple method that gives you the chance to win big if your numbers come up.

Although you cannot change the odds against you in roulette, there is one way of betting that we recommend to make the game a bit more exciting and perhaps increase your chances if your lucky.

Here is what you do: Bet $1 (or whatever amount you like) on each of five "action" numbers. "Action" numbers are numbers that are fairly evenly spaced around the wheel. No matter where the ball lands, it will be somewhere close to one of your numbers and - with a little luck - may land in one of your numbers. If it does, you lose your other four chips but win 35 chips, for a net win of 30. Not bad! If you get on a hot lucky streak, you may hit your numbers several times and end up a big winner.

Here are three sets of action numbers for a double zero wheel, and three for a single zero wheel. Remember: it doesn't matter which set of numbers you use, your odds are exactly the same.

For a double zero wheel: (0, 20, 24, 25, 6) (28, 17, 13, 12, 16) (9, 5, 1, 19, 23).

For a single zero wheel: (0, 29, 33, 11, 25) (26, 18, 16, 11, 2) (3, 9, 5, 27, 19)

If you get lucky and hit your numbers several times (need we even say it?) then GET UP AND LEAVE A WINNER! You will have beaten some tough odds, so be one of those rare players who takes away some of the house's money. And then go play craps or blackjack where the house's low edge gives you more of a fighting chance.

Good Luck!

Tom is the webmaster at http://www.blackjack-for-everyone.com, which is a website dedicated to turning beginning Blackjack players into serious recreational players.