Roulette is the casino game where a small ball is spun around a numbered wheel and players make bets on what number the ball will land on. Players can place bets on an individual number, various groups of numbers, the color red or black, whether it is odd or even, and so forth. A number can also be designated as a 0 or a double zero (on American wheels only). Some of these bets pay out more money than others, and the odds are determined by the type of bet made.

Roulette has offered glamour, mystery and excitement to casino-goers since the 17th century. Its rules are relatively simple to understand, and the right strategy can reap high rewards.

When a player is ready to play, they must first set a budget and choose a table within their limits. Each roulette table carries a placard that describes the minimum and maximum bets allowed. The minimum bet for an inside bet is five chips; the maximum bet for an outside bet is 1,000 chips. A player should always be sure that their total bet does not exceed their budget.

A winning bet is determined when the small ball comes to rest in one of the 37 or 38 compartments on the roulette wheel. The compartments are numbered 1 to 36 in a seemingly random pattern, and alternately red and black. The American version of the game adds a second green compartment numbered 00, which dramatically raises the house edge to 2.70%.

While some players try to predict where the ball will come to rest, this is a fool’s game. The probability of predicting the exact number is extremely low, and the results can be disastrous. The best way to protect your bankroll is by playing in a casino where the table games are manned by a dealer who will call “no more bets” once the ball is about to spin.

Once the dealer announces no more bets, all winning wagers are paid out and losing bets cleared off of the table. Then, new bets can be placed. Players should never touch the table until the dealer has announced this, to avoid giving themselves an advantage. There are many theories about the origins of roulette, including that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal while trying to create a perpetual motion machine. Regardless of its origins, roulette is a fun and exciting casino game that can be enjoyed by all.