The game of roulette, or roullete, is a casino gambling game in which players place bets on the number or groups of numbers they think will win. The name comes from the French word for wheel, and the game’s modern form emerged in Europe in the 18th century. It features a table marked off in sections affording the players a variety of betting opportunities, a revolving dishlike device called a roulettewheel with 37 or 38 compartments (depending on the version) numbered either red or black, and one or two zero pockets, depending on the version. The winning number is indicated by a colored dot on the spinning wheel.
Before the dealer spins the wheel, players place their chips on a betting mat with precise markings corresponding to the numbered slots on the wheel. Then, the dealer announces “No more bets!” This prevents cheating and gives the croupier time to check for any other devices that may be hidden in the table or wheel.
Roulette tables can be found at casinos, gaming rooms, and some bars and restaurants. The rules of the game are simple, and bets can be placed in multiple ways, from a single number to an entire group of numbers. The payouts for different bets are determined by the amount of money wagered on them and the odds of hitting them.
While there are many fanciful theories of how the game was invented, a more realistic account is that it developed in France in the early 19th century as an adaptation of older games hoca and portique. A variant of the game was brought to the United States, and its modern layout and betting system evolved in gambling dens across America. There are also many variations of roulette in the online realm, including live dealer games played in real-time by a human dealer.
In the online world, roulette is a popular game that’s easy to play, and it can be enjoyed for free or with real cash. Before playing, it’s important to set a bankroll that includes your maximum betting limit. Once you’ve established this limit, you can choose the type of roulette game that suits your budget.
Generally, European roulette offers a lower house edge than American roulette. The difference is that the European roulette wheel only has a single zero pocket, while the American wheel has both a 0 and a 00. This discrepancy in the odds of winning a straight-up bet, which pays 35 to 1, is where the house gets its edge.
Another advantage of European roulette is its “La Partage” rule, which reduces the house edge on even-money bets to 1.35%. This rule is only offered at certain New Jersey casinos, but it can be helpful in limiting losses while still enjoying the thrill of playing this game. It’s especially useful if you’re betting on the outside of the table.