Definition

Noun: * The ball used to play roulette: A small, hard sphere, typically made of ivory, plastic, or synthetic materials, that is spun around the outer edge of a rotating roulette wheel. Players place bets on where this ball will come to rest.

Usage

The term "roulette ball" refers specifically to the physical object central to the game of roulette. It is always used in the context of the game itself, its equipment, or the action of playing.

Examples

• The croupier spun the roulette ball in the opposite direction of the wheel's rotation.
• All eyes were fixed on the roulette ball as it bounced and clattered before finally settling into a numbered slot.
• A high-quality roulette ball is perfectly round and balanced to ensure a random outcome.

Advanced Usage

• "The ball is in motion": A formal phrase used by croupiers to indicate that no more bets can be placed once the roulette ball has been set spinning.
• "To track the ball": An attempt, often considered futile against a properly maintained wheel, to predict where the ball will land based on its speed and revolutions.

Variants and Related Words

• Ivory ball: A traditional material for roulette balls, now largely replaced due to conservation efforts.
• Croupier: The casino employee who spins the roulette wheel and ball, collects losing bets, and pays winning ones.
• Roulette wheel: The circular, rotating device with numbered pockets into which the roulette ball falls.

Synonyms

• Gaming ball (general term)
• The ball (context-specific shorthand within the game)

Related Phrases

• "The ball drops" or "The ball lands": Describes the final moment when the roulette ball comes to rest in a numbered pocket, determining the winning bet.
• "Watch the ball": Common advice or instruction given to players focusing on the game's action.

Noun

1. the ball used to play roulette