Roulette, from French for little wheel, is a casino game in which players bet on numbers or groups of numbers. Each spin of the roulette wheel has a different outcome, but players can reduce their risk by choosing bets with better odds of winning. The roulette game has offered glamour, mystery, and excitement to casinos since its inception more than 300 years ago. While the rules are straightforward, the game has a surprising level of depth for serious bettors.
The game consists of a table with a betting map and a revolving disc-like device called a roulettewheel that has divisions in alternating red and black, plus one green zero (on some American tables there is an extra green zero). A ball is spun around the edge of the wheel until it comes to rest in one of the compartments, indicating which number won. The croupier then pays the winning bets and clears the losing ones from the table.
To play, place chips on the betting table in the pattern of your choice, corresponding to the slots on the roulette wheel. A croupier then sends a small white ball spinning that will eventually land in one of the pockets on the roulette wheel. Each table has a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. In general, outside bets are cheaper than inside bets.
A basic rule of roulette is to set a budget before you play. This will allow you to avoid spending more than you can afford to lose. If you do win, cash out your winnings as quickly as possible to avoid dipping into your bankroll. You should also avoid using grandiose or complicated strategies, as these are unlikely to improve your odds of winning. Instead, focus on playing smart and having fun.