Roulette is the table game that brings glamour, mystery, and excitement to casinos worldwide. Its rules are simple enough for beginners to learn and play, but it has depth for serious gamblers who can develop sophisticated strategies to win big.
Most players are familiar with the standard American double-zero wheel, but there are many other variations of this game available at online and live casinos. These games differ in how the numbers are grouped and the house edge can vary significantly. For instance, the house edge on European roulette is far lower than that of its American counterpart.
The croupier (or dealer) spins the wheel and a small ball is thrown into it while it is spinning. The ball bounces around and finally settles in one of the 37 pockets that mark a specific number. If a player made a bet on that number, they win.
There are two types of bets in roulette — inside and outside. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers, and pay out higher odds than other bets. Outside bets are placed on groups of numbers, and pay out lower odds.
If you are new to roulette, it is recommended that you play the European version. It has a lower house edge than the American variation and offers more chances to win. Moreover, the game is easy to learn and has plenty of betting options for beginners.
The game of roulette has long been the symbol of luxury and elegance, but it was originally an affordable casino game for the working class. Its popularity grew after the introduction of the single-zero roulette wheel in France in the 18th century, which reduced the house edge to a fraction of that of other tables games.
Several theories have been proposed about the origin of the game, including that it was invented by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal or by Dominican monks in China. Regardless of its history, roulette remains one of the most popular casino games in the world.
To place a bet, you must first select the type of bet you want to make. Then, place your chips on the desired squares on the roulette table map. The dealer will then clear the table of losing bets and pay out winners before beginning the next round. Generally, it is best to start with outside bets as they offer the most variety and have the highest winning probability. Moreover, it is important to not overbet and stay within your bankroll.