Roulette is one of the oldest and most famous casino games. It’s easy enough for new players to pick up, yet it has plenty of betting options that attract experienced gamblers too. It’s a game of chance that can be played at any casino with table games. But the rules of roulette are slightly different than those of other casino games, including baccarat, video poker, blackjack and craps.

In roulette, players bet on what number or section of the wheel will land the ball in when it spins to a stop. Players place their chips on a special betting mat, which has precise markings to indicate what kind of bet is being made. Bets on individual numbers are called “Inside bets” and bets on groups of numbers are called “Outside bets.”

After a player puts down their bet they hand the dealer their money and ask for “colour.” The dealer then hands out the coloured chips that represent their bet. If the bet wins they get their original stake back plus a payout equal to the total amount wagered (e.g. a bet on the number zero costs 17 chips and pays 235 chips). The winnings stay with the player unless they request to the contrary, but they’re still available for a future spin, which could lead to another win.

Historically, roulette was a popular game in France and Europe before making its way up the Mississippi River to the gambling dens of the United States. Due to rampant cheating, the wheels were standardized and the betting layout was simplified. It was here that the French game became more popular than the American version, as European casinos offered a lower house edge.

Today, roulette is a staple at any casino with table games. While it has one of the smallest followings among casino games in America, it continues to draw crowds in Europe, where it is a mainstay at Monte Carlo and other glamorous resorts.